By Saurav Mehra A sleepy blue koala, a food-loving alpaca, a tiny cookie who hates milk, a mysterious dancer and a tough pink bunny—welcome to the colourful world of BT21, the cartoon characters closely associated with BTS.
BT21 was created through a collaboration between BTS and LINE FRIENDS. Instead of simply turning the seven BTS members into cartoon versions of themselves, the members took part in creating original characters with their own looks, personalities and stories. The project launched in 2017 and eventually developed into the wider BT21 Universe, complete with animated stories, games and additional characters.
The main BT21 team consists of KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY, TATA, COOKY and VAN. Here is the complete BTS cartoon characters name list and the story behind each one.
BTS BT21 Characters at a Glance
| BT21 Character | Associated With | Character Type |
| KOYA | RM | Koala |
| RJ | Jin | Alpaca |
| SHOOKY | SUGA | Cookie |
| MANG | j-hope | Dancing character |
| CHIMMY | Jimin | Puppy-like character |
| TATA | V | Alien prince |
| COOKY | Jungkook | Rabbit |
| VAN | BTS/ARMY | Space robot |
The seven BTS members participated directly in designing their characters, while VAN completes the eight-character BT21 team.
1. KOYA – RM’s BT21 Character
KOYA is the character associated with RM.
KOYA looks like a blue koala with a purple nose and sleepy eyes. Being sleepy does not mean KOYA is lazy, however. The character is described as intelligent, talented and full of thoughts.
One of KOYA’s most unusual features is the pair of removable ears, which can sometimes fall off when KOYA is surprised or shocked.
The combination of intelligence, deep thinking and love of sleep makes KOYA one of the calmest members of the BT21 group.
2. RJ – Jin’s BT21 Character
RJ is associated with Jin and is a fluffy white alpaca.
Food plays a big role in RJ’s personality. RJ loves cooking as well as eating, but the character is also known for being gentle, caring and warm-hearted.
RJ’s soft white fur and friendly face make the character look extremely cuddly. RJ is also commonly seen wearing a scarf or warm clothing.
Among the BT21 characters, RJ is the comforting friend who can make everyone around feel at home.
3. SHOOKY – SUGA’s BT21 Character
Small characters can cause big trouble, and SHOOKY proves it.
Created in association with SUGA, SHOOKY is a tiny brown cookie with a playful personality. SHOOKY enjoys playing tricks on friends and making mischievous expressions.
However, this little cookie has one very strange enemy—milk. The official BT21 character profile describes milk as the thing SHOOKY hates most.
SHOOKY is also connected with a large group of little cookie friends known as the CRUNCHY SQUAD.
4. MANG – j-hope’s BT21 Character
MANG is associated with j-hope, so it makes perfect sense that dancing is at the centre of this character’s personality.
MANG is known as BT21’s dancing machine. For a long time, the character was especially recognisable because of a mysterious horse-like mask.
MANG’s story later explored what was hidden underneath the mask, adding more emotion and personality to the character.
Whether performing with or without the familiar mask, MANG remains closely connected with dance, expression and energetic movement.
5. CHIMMY – Jimin’s BT21 Character
CHIMMY is the lovable character associated with Jimin.
The character is easily recognised by a bright yellow hoodie, floppy black ears and cheerful appearance.
CHIMMY has a pure heart and a determined personality. Once something catches CHIMMY’s interest, the little character works extremely hard at it.
That combination of sweetness and determination makes CHIMMY one of BT21’s most endearing characters. The official profile also connects CHIMMY with passion, hard work and playing the harmonica.
6. TATA – V’s BT21 Character
With a huge red heart-shaped head, TATA is almost impossible to mistake for any other BT21 character.
TATA is associated with V and is not an ordinary Earth creature. He is a crown prince from Planet BT.
TATA possesses supernatural powers and has an elastic body capable of stretching to extraordinary lengths.
In the BT21 storyline, TATA dreams of spreading love across the universe. After coming to Earth with VAN, he decides that becoming a great star could help achieve that goal. This eventually leads to the formation of BT21.
7. COOKY – Jungkook’s BT21 Character
Cute on the outside and surprisingly tough on the inside, COOKY is associated with Jungkook.
COOKY is a bright pink rabbit with a strong personality. The character may look adorable, but strength, stamina and determination are major parts of COOKY’s identity.
COOKY is also loyal and dependable—the type of friend others can count on when things become difficult.
The character’s combination of a cute bunny appearance and imaginary muscles creates one of the funniest contrasts in BT21.
8. VAN – Guardian Robot of BT21
VAN is different from the seven characters connected individually with BTS members.
VAN is a futuristic space robot and serves as the guardian of the BT21 group. The character has a distinctive two-sided face and is described as highly knowledgeable.
In the BT21 story, VAN accompanies TATA from Planet BT to Earth and helps protect the group during their adventures.
VAN is commonly associated with ARMY, the BTS fandom, making the character an important part of the connection between BTS and their fans.
What Is the Story Behind BT21?
The BT21 Universe begins with Prince TATA, who wants to spread love throughout the galaxy. TATA travels from Planet BT to Earth with VAN and decides that becoming a famous “UNIVERSTAR” is the best way to reach people.
TATA and VAN then find six more characters—KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY and COOKY. Together, the eight characters form BT21 and begin chasing their dream.
The characters became much more than simple BTS mascots. Each has developed a separate personality, background, family and circle of friends through BT21’s animated universe.
Why Are BTS BT21 Characters So Popular?
Part of BT21’s charm comes from how different the characters are. KOYA is thoughtful, RJ loves food, SHOOKY creates mischief, MANG loves dancing, CHIMMY works hard, TATA dreams big, COOKY combines cuteness with strength, and VAN protects the entire team.
They also feel special to BTS fans because the members themselves were involved in the creative process rather than simply having cartoon characters designed for them.
Today, KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY, TATA, COOKY and VAN have become instantly recognisable characters of their own while continuing to share a close connection with BTS and ARMY around the world.