On my first day in Daegu, I spent time following the path of Yoongi’s education, from Taejeon Elementary School to Gwaneum Middle School, then his high school, and finally BAS Academy, the entertainment school where he began preparing for the Big Hit Entertainment audition. Getting around was an adventure in itself, a combination of taxis, buses, and walking to make it to all the schools.

Most of the schools are private, so entering wasn’t straightforward. We politely asked the staff and at Gwaneum Middle School, we mentioned that we were BTS ARMY. Surprisingly, BTS isn’t very well known here most people didn’t recognize SUGA’s name. But that didn’t dampen the excitement of walking the same areas he once did.

It was surreal to trace Yoongi’s steps, to see the spaces where he learned, laughed, and started shaping the person he would become. Following his journey from elementary school through middle and high school, and then to the music school where he honed his craft, gave me a tiny but meaningful glimpse into his life. I felt like I could understand, in some small way, why he writes the music he does, his personality, and how he became the person he is today.

Daegu, as the epicenter of arts in South Korea, clearly played a profound role in shaping Yoongi. Walking the streets, seeing his schools, and imagining his daily life here made me feel closer to him and closer to the boy who would grow up to inspire millions.

I stayed overnight in Daegu, and on another day, I went to explore different places, but this first day following Yoongi’s educational path felt especially meaningful. God, I love this man.