Ma Sun-ho Reveals How One Photo Boosted His Followers by 40k – Insights on Viral Gym Moment with BTS’ Taehyung and His Fitness Journey

Ma Sun-ho, a prominent bodybuilder from South Korea, recounted how his follower count surged after he shared a snapshot with BTS member Kim Taehyung, also known as V. This revelation came during his guest appearance on the YouTube series GYM JONG KOOK hosted by Kim Jong-kook on October 14, where he discussed his workout sessions and friendship with the popular idol.

Ma Sun-ho posted a mirror selfie on September 25, 2024, featuring himself alongside Kim Taehyung and Kim Min-jae, an actor known for his role in Dr. Romantic. During his appearance on GYM JONG KOOK, he explained how this particular photo led to a notable increase in his Instagram following. When Kim Jong-kook inquired about the effect on his social media metrics, Ma replied:

“I posted just one photo and gained 40,000 followers.”

In the conversation, Ma Sun-ho mentioned that he addresses V by his real name, Taehyung, while V refers to him with the affectionate title ‘Hyung,’ which is commonly used in Korea to denote an older brother or friend. Kim Jong-kook humorously suggested he should use formal titles when speaking to celebrities, to which Ma Sun-ho concurred, indicating he would follow this etiquette. Kim further teased, saying:

“Right now, Ma Sun-ho isn’t the main character; the main character is Taehyungie.”

The contestant from Physical: 100 and the Running Man star praised Kim Taehyung for his enthusiasm for fitness, particularly weightlifting. Kim Jong-kook remarked that even if V couldn’t make it to GYM JONG KOOK, he would still be pleased to see him prioritizing his weightlifting journey.

Insights into Ma Sun-ho’s Instagram interaction with BTS’ Kim Taehyung

Renowned in South Korea as a fitness icon, Ma Sun-ho gained considerable fame from his participation in Netflix’s reality competition Physical: 100. He has also claimed accolades such as the INBA Korea Asian Championship and the ICN Korea Grand Prix.

On September 25, he shared a social media post showcasing his workout session with BTS’ Kim Taehyung and Kim Min-jae, known for his role in Poong! The Joseon Psychiatrist. The image quickly circulated online, much to the delight of BTS’s ardent followers, who were thrilled to get a glimpse of their idol.

Both Kim Taehyung and Kim Min-jae are currently fulfilling their military obligations and had been given permission to leave. They took the opportunity to train together with Ma Sun-ho during their break. He praised their commitment to fitness even while on leave from the military and captioned the post:

“Taehyung and Minjae, proud young men diligently working out even after vacation. I’ve been training intensely for two days, and I’m proud. I envy your youth and looks. Let’s promise to enjoy soy sauce crab together on our next break.”

This photo generated significant buzz online, especially as it marked a rare public appearance of the BTS member and the Dali & Cocky Prince actor together after several years.

In related news, Kim Taehyung’s debut solo album, Layover, which hit the market in September 2023, has achieved Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. On October 10, the South Korean news outlet Dispatch reported that the RIAJ had updated its list of certified music releases, confirming Layover’s Platinum status.

This certification recognizes that over 250,000 copies of Kim Taehyung’s album were shipped in Japan since its launch. Additionally, the Vinyl edition of Layover topped the Oricon Daily Album chart by selling 221,000 copies on its release day on September 30, 2024.

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