"Lee Jung-jae be collecting BTS members like Pokémon cards!" Squid Game actor meets Jin of BTS

Lee Jung-jae, the globally renowned Squid Game star, is (un)intentionally building a collection of BTS members, and the internet has taken notice. After meeting j-hope recently, and V in the past (which led to thousands of speculations regarding V of BTS featuring in Squid Game Season 3), the actor was recently spotted with Jin of BTS, sparking another wave of reactions among fans.

A Brazilian ARMY perfectly summed it up on Instagram:

"Lee Jung-jae be collecting BTS members like Pokémon cards!"

The comment quickly gained traction, resonating with fans, who are now playfully speculating who will be next in his growing BTS "Pókedex".

Jung-jae’s first BTS encounter: A selfie with V

Jung-jae’s first (known) BTS encounter was with V, when the two surprised fans with a selfie together back in 2021. At the time and until now, their unexpected friendship has sparked curiosity, with the ARMY speculating whether V might have some connection to Squid Game. Though that has not (yet) materialized, their bond remained strong, with the two occasionally interacting in industry events, and reportedly even exchanging phone numbers.

And who can forget that iconic line from Netflix flirting with V, also known as Kim Taeyung, all dressed up as a pink soldier of Squid Game in the concert Permission to Dance On Stage in LA?

j-hope joins the deck at a prestigious gala

Then, very recently, Jung-jae crossed paths with j-hope of BTS at Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes in Paris, a prestigious charity event attended by global celebrities. Their meeting was brief but significant, as j-Hope, who is known for his deep appreciation of the arts, expressed admiration for Squid Game, while Jung-jae praised j-hope’s contributions to music and fashion. Their interaction was a moment of mutual respect between two Korean icons of the entertainment industry.

The SUGA connection: Lee Jung-jae's outfit fuels speculation

Fans also picked up on an unexpected detail—Lee Jung-jae was seen wearing a shirt nearly identical to the one SUGA (as Agust D) wore in his Haegeum music video. Given that Haegeum is filled with nods to Squid Game—including themes of power, control, and rebellion—ARMYs couldn’t help but wonder if this was pure coincidence or a subtle connection. Whether intentional or not, it added yet another link between Jung-jae and BTS, fueling even more discussion online.

Check this for yourself here.

Milan Fashion Week: Jin enters the equation

Now, with Jin in the mix—spotted alongside Jung-jae at Milan Fashion Week—the pattern is undeniable. Jin, freshly discharged from his mandatory military service, made a striking return to the public eye at the Gucci Fashion Show.

His meeting with Jung-jae, captured in photos and videos, quickly fueled the speculation that the actor might be working on a full ‘deck’ of BTS members.

Fans joke about a full BTS 'Pokédex'

Fans, naturally, ran with the idea. Memes and jokes flooded social media, with many asking: Who’s next? Some are convinced RM, SUGA, Jimin, and Jungkook will soon complete the actor’s Pokédex of BTS members. Given Jung-jae’s increasing presence in international events and his connections in both Hollywood and the Korean entertainment industry, it doesn’t seem far-fetched.

The growing intersection of K-pop and cinema

Beyond the humor, these interactions also highlight the ever-growing intersection between K-pop and the Korean film industry. BTS’s global influence has led its members to forge friendships across different creative fields, and Jung-jae, with his legendary status in Korean cinema, is a natural link between these worlds. His Hollywood connections, including his involvement in Star Wars: The Acolyte, further solidify him as a cultural bridge between East and West.

At this rate, fans are keeping a close watch on Jung-jae’s next appearances. Will he complete his 'collection'? Only time will tell—but one thing is for sure: if he does, the internet will be the first to celebrate it.