The name of V—Kim Taehyung of BTS—has officially become part of European cultural history. To celebrate his birthday, global fans came together to adopt a stone bench engraved with his name in the Trianon Gardens of the Palace of Versailles, one of the world’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The project stands out as a rare and symbolic tribute, officially recognized by the Palace of Versailles itself—marking an unprecedented moment where an international music artist is honored within the historic estate.
A Truly Global Fan Project
The initiative was led by V’s global fan base V Union, in collaboration with Worldwide_KTH and taehyungtuesday. Fans from 13 countries joined forces, including groups from Japan, Malaysia, Spain, Australia, and beyond—turning the birthday tribute into a large-scale international project that took months of preparation.
Rather than traditional ads or displays, fans chose a lasting cultural contribution—one that blends quietly into history.
Why Versailles—and Why It Matters
The Palace of Versailles is currently running a cultural patronage program dedicated to restoring its gardens, sculptures, benches, and trees. According to official correspondence from the palace, since the Trianon restoration campaign began in 2014, V is the first non-French artist to be honored through such a dedication—highlighting the symbolic weight of the gesture.
The bench was adopted through the palace’s official heritage sponsorship initiative, “Adopt a Bench in the Estate of Trianon.” The program helps preserve the tranquil atmosphere of the gardens while funding long-term restoration efforts.
Among the 40 stone benches and 78 wooden benches spread across the Trianon Gardens, one stone bench now bears V’s name. A small plaque engraved with “KIM Taehyung” has been discreetly installed beside the bench, designed to respect and protect the historic structure.
A Place Deeply Connected to V
Fans’ choice of Versailles was far from random. Paris marked the beginning of V’s post-military chapter, where he attended his first official fashion show following discharge. The Palace of Versailles also holds personal artistic significance—having served as a filming location for his music video Winter Ahead, released during his military service.
By choosing the Trianon Gardens, fans tied together V’s artistic journey, personal milestones, and birthday celebration into one meaningful location.
A Name Preserved in History
V’s name now rests permanently within the gardens of Versailles—an enduring reminder of how global fandom, when united, can leave a respectful and lasting imprint on world heritage. Rather than loud displays, the tribute exists quietly—etched into stone, woven into history, and open to anyone who walks the gardens.
It is a rare moment where pop culture, art, and heritage intersect—showing how admiration can transcend