Jungkook from BTS is known for many things: his golden vocals, mesmerizing dance moves, and his ever-growing collection of tattoos. For ARMY and tattoo enthusiasts alike, Jungkook’s body art is a fascinating subject. Let’s delve into the meanings and stories behind his prominent ink.
One of Jungkook’s most visible tattoo collections is on his hand. Spanning across his knuckles is the word “ARMY,” a clear and permanent dedication to BTS’s incredibly devoted fanbase. Cleverly incorporated within this ARMY tattoo is the letter “J” positioned over the “M,” a detail fans believe holds multiple layers of meaning. The “A” in “ARMY” is notably an inverted “V,” and when combined with “RM” (for Rap Monster), “Y” (for Yoongi/Suga), and “J” (representing Jin, J-Hope, and Jimin), the letters spell out the names of all seven BTS members. This intricate design showcases Jungkook’s deep bond with his bandmates. Further embellishing this hand tattoo are plus signs interspersed between the letters and a delicate heart, adding to the overall symbolism of connection and love.
Adjacent to his tribute to ARMY, Jungkook sports the ARMY logo, which shares a similar design aesthetic with the official BTS logo, reinforcing his allegiance to both the group and their fans. A regal crown tattoo adorns another finger, perhaps symbolizing his status within the group or his personal aspirations. On his thumb, the numbers “0613” are inked, widely understood by fans to represent June 13, 2013 – the debut date of BTS, marking a pivotal moment in his and BTS’s journey. Adding a touch of playful whimsy to his hand tattoos is a woozy face emoji, located on his middle finger, injecting a bit of Jungkook’s personality into his artwork.
Moving beyond his hands, Jungkook’s arms tell more stories. His right arm features the powerful phrase “Rather be dead than cool,” reportedly his life motto, reflecting his passionate and perhaps rebellious spirit. A skeleton hand tattoo adds a darker, more artistic element to his arm sleeve. In the “On” music video, glimpses of another shoulder tattoo were revealed, leading fans to speculate it’s the Korean peninsula depicted as a tiger. The tiger is a significant symbol in Korean culture, representing power and courage. The same video offered a peek at three black stripes, reminiscent of elements from the Korean National flag, further grounding his tattoos in his heritage. A tiger lily, his birth flower for September, is also present, accompanied by the words “Please love me” inscribed beneath it, revealing a more vulnerable and introspective side.
More cryptic words are tattooed on his arm, partially hidden from full view. Fans have speculated that “Truth” is inked on his inner arm, mirroring tattoos held by his friends, K-pop artists Mark and Yugyeom, suggesting a shared philosophy or bond. Recently, a red eye tattoo seems to have joined his arm collection, adding another layer of intrigue. Finally, Chinese characters spelling out “the most beautiful moment in life” are present, referencing “Hwayangyeonhwa” (화양연화), a significant era and album series for BTS, encapsulating a core theme of their music and message.
Lastly, subtly placed behind his left ear is the number “7.” This tattoo is not just for Jungkook alone; it’s one of the seven matching friendship tattoos shared by all BTS members, solidifying their unbreakable bond and shared journey. Jungkook’s tattoos are more than just ink; they are a visual narrative of his life, his passions, his connections, and his artistic expression, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the BTS persona for devoted ARMY members and those fascinated by celebrity tattoos.
