Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood's most iconic action stars, has officially confirmed recent reports that he will be collaborating with BTS singer Jin on an upcoming episode of the BTS member's variety show Run Seok Jin (commonly known as Run Jin). The collaboration is part of the promotional campaign for the highly anticipated film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which is now playing in theaters globally.
Tom Cruise confirms his appearance on Jin’s variety show
In a recent interview with MTV, Cruise was asked about his involvement with Jin's show. The actor responded enthusiastically: "Yeah yeah yeah yeah. Very, very talented. Very talented, it's fun to watch man, and they work hard. That's a lot of talent. It's cool."
His comments reflect the mutual respect between the two global superstars. Jin, who is the oldest member of the world-famous K-pop group BTS, launched his solo variety show Run Jin in early 2025. The show features Jin taking on a series of challenges and activities, often with special guests. Cruise's appearance is expected to be a major highlight, given the actor's reputation for performing his own death-defying stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise.
The collaboration also highlights a growing trend of Hollywood celebrities engaging with Korean pop culture and variety formats. BTS and its members have previously appeared on Western talk shows and collaborated with international artists, but a guest spot on a solo member's variety show with a top-tier Hollywood star like Tom Cruise marks a new milestone.
About 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning'
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is the eighth installment in the long-running action franchise and is described as the final chapter starring Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. The film carries an enormous budget of $400 million, making it one of the most expensive Hollywood productions ever made. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed the last four Mission: Impossible films, the movie promises a culmination of the high-octane stunts and intricate espionage plots that have defined the series.
The supporting cast includes a stellar ensemble: Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, and Pom Klementieff. The film was released worldwide on May 17, 2025, and has been made available in multiple languages in key markets like India.
Cruise's dedication to practical stunts has been a hallmark of the franchise. For The Final Reckoning, he once again pushed boundaries, performing a stunt atop a plane during the London premiere, which went viral. The film also received a five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, underscoring its critical and commercial anticipation.
The rise of Jin and 'Run Jin'
Jin (Kim Seok-jin) debuted as a member of BTS in 2013. The group went on to become a global phenomenon, breaking records in music sales, streaming, and social media engagement. Jin is known for his powerful vocals, charming personality, and his role as the group's eldest member ("worldwide handsome" as fans call him). After BTS announced an extended hiatus in 2022 to focus on individual projects, Jin pursued a variety of endeavors, including his solo album Happy and his own variety content.
Run Jin is a spin-off of the popular BTS reality show Run BTS!, which ran for years and featured the group completing challenges. The solo show allows Jin to explore his interests and interact with guests in a more intimate setting. The format often includes physical challenges, cooking segments, and conversations. Cruise's appearance is expected to be a special episode that may incorporate stunts or action-themed activities, fitting the Mission: Impossible theme.
The confirmation of Cruise's appearance on Run Jin has generated massive excitement among both Hollywood and K-pop fans. Social media trends indicate that fans are eager to see the unlikely but delightful pairing of a 60-year-old action legend and a 32-year-old K-pop idol. The episode is scheduled to air in the coming weeks.
Background: Tom Cruise and the 'Mission: Impossible' legacy
Tom Cruise has been the face of the Mission: Impossible franchise since its debut in 1996. The series follows Ethan Hunt, a skilled and resourceful agent of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF). Over 29 years, Cruise has performed increasingly dangerous stunts, from hanging off the Burj Khalifa to HALO jumping, motorcycle cliff dives, and train-top fights. His dedication has set a benchmark for action cinema.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is marketed as the end of Ethan Hunt's story, though Cruise has hinted that the franchise could continue with other characters. The film has received positive reviews, with critics praising the emotional depth and spectacular action sequences. The movie's budget of $400 million is partly due to the extensive location shoots and practical effects, including a scene involving a sinking submarine.
The franchise has grossed over $4 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful in history. Cruise's other notable films include Top Gun, Rain Man, and Jerry Maguire, but his commitment to the Mission: Impossible series remains unparalleled. The final film's release is a major cultural event, and the collaboration with Jin represents a strategic effort to reach younger and international audiences, particularly in Asia.
BTS's global impact and cross-cultural collaborations
BTS has paved the way for K-pop artists to collaborate with Western entertainers. The group has worked with artists like Steve Aoki, Halsey, and Coldplay. Individual members have also branched out: Suga collaborated with Psy and IU, Jungkook with Charlie Puth, and V with BING CROSBY (posthumous). Jin's collaboration with Tom Cruise, however, is unique because it is not a musical project but a variety show appearance. This reflects the broadening scope of entertainment partnerships in the digital age.
Jin's variety show Run Jin is produced by HYBE, the entertainment company behind BTS. The show has been well-received, with episodes averaging millions of views on YouTube and other streaming platforms. The episode featuring Tom Cruise is expected to break records, given the combined fanbases of both stars.
Additional details and trivia
- The movie Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning was shot in locations including the UK, Norway, Italy, and South Africa.
- Tom Cruise performed over 10,000 skydives and spent months training for the aerial stunts in the film.
- Jin is currently serving in the South Korean military, but he was granted special permission to film the episode before his enlistment.
- The partnership between Cruise and Jin came about after both camps recognized the mutual promotional benefits. Cruise's team saw the potential of Jin's show for reaching the massive BTS ARMY, while Jin's team wanted to attract Hollywood fan attention.
- This is not the first time a Mission: Impossible star has appeared on a variety show; Simon Pegg has appeared on several talk shows, but a full guest spot on a Korean variety show is a first for the franchise.
The news of Cruise's confirmation was initially reported by entertainment outlets on May 16, 2025, and quickly went viral. The actor's use of "yeah yeah yeah yeah" became an instant meme among fans. Many expressed excitement at the possibility of Cruise participating in Jin's signature challenges, such as the zombie escape room or extreme eating contests.
As for the movie itself, box office analysts predict a strong opening weekend, with global projections exceeding $200 million in the first week. The collaboration with Jin is expected to boost ticket sales in South Korea and other Asian markets. In addition, Paramount Pictures has launched a special promotional campaign featuring both stars in short videos and social media posts.
The intersection of Hollywood and K-pop continues to blur boundaries. With Tom Cruise stepping into a Korean variety show, it illustrates how global entertainment is becoming increasingly integrated. Fans of both acts are eagerly awaiting the episode and the theatrical release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Source:Wion News