The recent meeting between Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise and BTS member Jin created a buzz across entertainment circles worldwide, marking a delightful fusion between Western blockbuster cinema and global K-pop culture. This unique encounter took place during Tom Cruise’s promotional visit to South Korea for his latest film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. It wasn’t just a simple fan meet-and-greet — Cruise made a special guest appearance on Jin’s popular YouTube variety series, Run Jin, in the fifth episode titled Mission Jin-possible. This episode was filmed on May 8, coinciding with South Korea’s Parents’ Day, adding an extra layer of heartfelt significance to the interaction.
The highlight of the episode came when Jin, known for his genuine and down-to-earth personality, asked Tom Cruise if he could take a selfie to send to his mother. Instead, Cruise surprised everyone by suggesting a video call. This spontaneous and warm video call between Tom Cruise and Jin’s family quickly went viral among the BTS fan community, known as ARMY. The singer introduced Cruise to his mother, uncle, and grandfather, allowing the Hollywood icon to greet them warmly and engage with the family in a way that felt authentic and deeply personal. Moments like these showcased Cruise’s humility and kindness, making the encounter memorable not just for Jin but for millions of fans worldwide.
During the conversation, Jin opened with a question that many BTS fans had been eager to hear: “Do you know BTS?” Cruise’s response was full of respect and admiration. He acknowledged the band’s incredible achievements and the global cultural impact they’ve made, calling it “very impressive” and candidly admitting he is a “big fan.” For Jin, this was especially meaningful because Mission: Impossible was the first movie he watched after turning 15, a milestone age in Korea given the film’s age restrictions due to its intense action sequences. Jin described it as a true honor to have Tom Cruise join him on his show.
The episode also featured some playful banter about Jin’s fantasy of becoming an IMF (Impossible Mission Force) agent — the elite secret agents in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Tom Cruise humorously described the intense and dangerous scenarios IMF agents face, such as being a radio operator on a burning plane, which made Jin jokingly reconsider his ambitions and say, “I think I’m better off sticking with BTS.” This lighthearted exchange revealed a charming chemistry and mutual respect between the two stars.
Beyond movies and missions, their conversation explored cultural appreciation. Cruise expressed his admiration for South Korean culture and filmmaking, noting, “They make great films here.” Jin, in turn, introduced Cruise to his favorite Korean dish, mulhwe — a cold, spicy broth made with gochujang, raw fish, seafood, and fresh vegetables. A fan of spicy foods himself, Tom Cruise eagerly promised to try the dish, and the episode concluded with a delightful clip of him tasting mulhwe and giving it an enthusiastic thumbs-up, much to the delight of viewers.
Interestingly, Cruise’s team had requested this collaboration specifically, demonstrating the growing recognition of BTS’s influence and Jin’s rising solo career. This guest appearance also served as a brilliant cross-promotional opportunity, with Jin releasing his new solo album Echo on May 16, featuring the lead single “Don’t Say You Love Me,” and Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hitting theaters on May 17.
This encounter not only bridged the worlds of Hollywood and K-pop but also highlighted the power of cultural exchange in today’s globalized entertainment industry. It was a heartwarming reminder that beyond fame and stardom, genuine connections and shared experiences bring people together.
