What happens when one of K-pop’s biggest stars meets Hollywood’s most fearless action hero? You get an explosive (and unexpectedly heartfelt) episode of Run Jin, where BTS’s Jin trades stage lights for spy lights—sort of.
In episode 35 of the fan-favorite variety show, Jin sits down for an unforgettable face-to-face with none other than Mission: Impossible legend Tom Cruise. Their on-screen chemistry is part interview, part fanboy moment, and entirely entertaining.
The episode kicks off in true cinematic style: cue the iconic Mission: Impossible theme song. Jin, brimming with anticipation, announces he’ll be chatting with Cruise, who is currently promoting his latest (and reportedly final) installment in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
What starts as a standard press interview quickly morphs into a cross-cultural bonding session. Cruise, ever the professional yet warm, reveals that he’s not just aware of BTS—he’s a full-on fan.
“I really admire what BTS has accomplished,” Cruise tells Jin. “It’s extraordinary. I’m honored to be here.”
Jin, visibly shocked and flattered, can’t help but beam. “Tom Cruise knows us? This is unreal!”
The Hollywood icon shares his deep affection for Korean culture, raving about its food, films, and people. His love for samgyeopsal gets an enthusiastic nod from Jin, who recommends his personal favorite—mulhwe, a spicy raw fish soup. Cruise, ever adventurous, promises to give it a try.
Their conversation takes a turn toward adrenaline as they discuss the grueling stunts in the Mission: Impossible series. Cruise shares jaw-dropping details about performing a wing-walking stunt without a double, describing it as “the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done.”
“You really did all that?” Jin says, stunned. “I try new things too, but I… like to live.”
Cruise laughs: “I like to live too. We just define ‘safe’ very differently.”
The topic of teamwork naturally arises, with Cruise praising the importance of trust and communication—a sentiment Jin echoes, having been part of BTS for over a decade.
Things take a playful twist when Jin jokes about becoming a spy himself. Cruise plays along, offering him the ever-important but hilariously dramatic role of “radio guy”—you know, the one who gives critical updates while being thrown into burning planes and high-speed car chases.
“Uhh… maybe I’ll just stick to BTS,” Jin replies, cracking up.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. As soon as the interview wraps, Jin is thrust into a themed spy mission of his own in the scenic mountains of Yangpyeong. Tasked with “disabling a bomb” in 15 minutes, Jin takes on a series of action-packed (and nerve-wracking) challenges including wire mazes, scavenger hunts, and dartboard puzzles.
Though he fails his first attempt, Jin completes the mission on his second go, shouting triumphantly, “Tom Cruise, I did it! I’m part of the IMF now!”
Reflecting on the experience, Jin admits, “Even this light version was hard. It made me appreciate the insane effort Tom puts into his films. I’ve loved Mission: Impossible since I was a kid, and now I admire it even more.”
Later, it was revealed that Cruise actually did try Jin’s food recommendation—and even floated the idea of grabbing a meal together in the future. Mission: Friendship accepted.
As Run Jin nears its end—with its 36th and final episode around the corner—the series leaves behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and unexpected global connections. Jin, who recently released his second solo album Echo on May 16, continues to show fans new sides of himself—whether as a singer, soldier, or (temporary) secret agent.
With BTS preparing for a full reunion after the upcoming discharge of RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook in June, one thing is clear: no mission is impossible for Jin—especially when Tom Cruise is cheering him on.