Jungkook, the multi-talented youngest member of the global sensation BTS, is not only celebrated for his captivating performances and charming personality but also for his ever-growing collection of tattoos. What began as subtle and meaningful hand tattoos has evolved into an intricate tapestry of designs across his hands and arms, sparking immense curiosity and admiration from fans worldwide. More than just aesthetically pleasing artwork, Jungkook’s tattoos are deeply personal, each holding a special significance that resonates with his journey, beliefs, and love for his fans, ARMY.
For a long time, Jungkook maintained a level of privacy around his tattoos, leaving fans to speculate and decipher their meanings from glimpses in photos and videos. However, in a heartwarming moment of connection, Jungkook generously opened up during a live broadcast on Weverse and Instagram, giving ARMY a detailed “tattoo tour.” This candid revelation offered a deeper understanding of the stories behind his ink and solidified the profound connection he shares with his fanbase.
Let’s delve into the world of Jungkook’s tattoos, exploring each design, its potential meaning, and the journey behind the ink.
Jungkook’s Tattoo Collection: Meanings and Stories
From tributes to ARMY and BTS to personal mantras and artistic expressions, Jungkook’s tattoos are a visual autobiography etched onto his skin. Here’s a breakdown of his known tattoos and the stories they tell:
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“ARMY” Knuckle Tattoo:
Perhaps the most iconic and openly discussed, the “ARMY” tattoo emblazoned across Jungkook’s knuckles is a powerful declaration of his love and gratitude for the BTS fandom. He revealed that this was his first tattoo, chosen to be highly visible as a constant reminder of ARMY’s importance in his life. While he playfully admitted he might have chosen a different font in retrospect, the significance of the tattoo remains deeply profound.
Alt text: Close-up of Jungkook’s hand tattoos, prominently featuring the ARMY lettering across his knuckles, a tribute to the BTS fanbase.
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“J” Ring Finger Tattoo:
Adding layers of meaning to his “ARMY” tattoo, the letter “J” inked on Jungkook’s right ring finger is a clever and affectionate tribute to his BTS bandmates. Fans ingeniously deciphered the interconnected meanings within his hand tattoos. The “A” in “ARMY” is subtly styled to resemble an inverted “V” (for Kim Taehyung, aka V), “RM” stands for Kim Namjoon, and “MY” represents Min Yoongi (Suga). The “J” on his ring finger completes the puzzle, representing Jimin, Jin, J-Hope, and Jungkook himself. This intricate design beautifully symbolizes the inseparable bond within BTS.
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Purple Heart Hand Tattoo:
Another symbol of love for ARMY, the purple heart on Jungkook’s hand is a direct expression of “I purple you,” a phrase coined by V that signifies deep and lasting affection between BTS and their fans. Purple holds a special place in the BTS universe, and this tattoo visually reinforces that connection. While purple hearts can sometimes carry negative connotations, in Jungkook’s context, it’s purely a symbol of love and appreciation for ARMY.
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Crown Tattoo on Index Finger:
Positioned above the “A” in his “ARMY” tattoo, the crown on Jungkook’s index finger amplifies the message of respect and admiration for his fans. The crown symbolizes royalty, signifying that ARMY holds a kingly or queenly status in Jungkook’s eyes. This tattoo, along with the purple heart, was first spotted in September 2019, further cementing the timeline of his evolving tattoo journey. Crown tattoos generally represent royalty, honor, and self-control, adding another layer of positive symbolism to Jungkook’s ink.
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Woozy Face Emoticon Tattoo:
Adding a touch of playful personality to his hand tattoos, the woozy face emoticon on Jungkook’s middle finger showcases his fun-loving side. This small, often-overlooked tattoo injects a lighthearted element into his collection. Fan theories suggest it could be a spontaneous addition or hold a personal inside joke, reflecting Jungkook’s youthful and sometimes mischievous nature.
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“0613” Hand Tattoo:
For BTS and ARMY, “0613” is an incredibly significant number. It represents June 13th, the debut date of BTS, marking the beginning of their extraordinary journey. This tattoo, located beneath his thumb, is a constant reminder of his roots and the pivotal moment that launched his career and changed his life. It’s a testament to his pride in BTS and the journey they’ve undertaken together. For fans looking for meaningful yet minimalist tattoo ideas, Jungkook’s debut date tattoo serves as perfect inspiration.
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Seoul Date Tattoo:
Moving onto his sleeve tattoos, Jungkook has revealed a tattoo representing the date he first arrived in Seoul. This deeply personal tattoo marks a significant turning point in his life, when he left his hometown to pursue his dreams of becoming an idol. It’s a symbol of his ambition, courage, and the start of his journey with BTS in the bustling capital city of South Korea.
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Life Motto and Nirvana Lyrics Tattoo:
Crisscrossing on his forearm is a quote tattoo that blends his life motto with lyrics from a Nirvana song, “Stay Away”: “Rather be dead than cool” and “Make hay while the sun shines.” This powerful combination reflects Jungkook’s personal philosophy, emphasizing authenticity over superficiality and the importance of seizing opportunities. Nirvana, a legendary band, resonates with many, and this tattoo reveals Jungkook’s appreciation for their music and the deeper meaning he draws from those lyrics. This tattoo stands out as one of the most meaningful quote tattoos sported by Jungkook.
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Clock Tattoo with Microphone and Music Note:
A visually striking piece, Jungkook’s clock tattoo on his forearm is rich with symbolism. He explained that the clock is set to his birth time, approximately 3:23 to 3:25. Adding to its significance, a microphone and music note are intertwined with the clock, clearly indicating his destiny and passion for music. This tattoo suggests that he was “born to be a singer,” highlighting the inherent musical talent that has propelled him to global stardom.
Alt text: Detailed view of Jungkook’s forearm tattoo featuring a clock set at approximately 3:23, adorned with a microphone and music notes, symbolizing his birth time and musical destiny.
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Tiger Lily Birth Flower Tattoo:
Showcasing his thoughtful approach to tattoos, Jungkook has inked his birth flower, the Tiger Lily, onto his arm. Tiger lilies symbolize pride, confidence, and wealth, reflecting aspects of his personality and success. Adding another layer of meaning, he included the phrase “Please love me” behind the flower. This delicate detail adds vulnerability and a touch of introspection to the tattoo, contrasting with the bolder imagery of the tiger lily itself. Birth flower tattoos are a popular way to personalize body art, and Jungkook’s tiger lily serves as a beautiful example.
Alt text: Close-up of Jungkook’s Tiger Lily birth flower tattoo on his arm, with the subtle inscription “Please love me” behind it, showcasing the detail and personal touch of the artwork.
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“HYYH” Chinese Characters Tattoo:
Located near his elbow, the Chinese characters “HYYH” represent “Hwayangyeonhwa,” which translates to “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life.” For BTS and ARMY, “Hwayangyeonhwa” is more than just a phrase; it’s the title of a pivotal era in BTS’s career, marked by the release of their “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life” album series. This tattoo is a tribute to that era, which many consider a turning point that propelled BTS to even greater heights. It signifies cherished memories and the beauty of youth and growth.
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Clouds Cover-Up Tattoo:
Jungkook has openly discussed some of his tattoo experiences, including a less-than-ideal one in the US that led to a cover-up. He described the initial tattoo experience as painful and damaging to his skin, especially in the elbow area. To remedy this, he opted for a cover-up, choosing soft, billowing clouds to replace the previous design. This illustrates the practical aspect of tattoos, acknowledging that sometimes cover-ups are necessary for both aesthetic and skin health reasons.
Alt text: Image showcasing Jungkook’s cloud tattoo, which serves as a cover-up for a previous tattoo, demonstrating the artistic solution to tattoo regrets or skin concerns.
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Lightning Bolts Tattoo:
Adding dynamism to his cloud cover-up, Jungkook incorporated lightning bolts. This spontaneous addition injects energy and visual interest into the cloud design, transforming it into a more complete and striking piece. Lightning bolts often symbolize power, energy, and sudden illumination, potentially adding a layer of meaning beyond just aesthetic enhancement.
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“We Are Bulletproof PT. 2” Cover-Up Tattoo (Formerly Eye Tattoo):
One of Jungkook’s more debated tattoos was an eye design, which he eventually covered up with a tribute to a BTS song, “We Are Bulletproof PT. 2.” While fan theories suggested various reasons for the cover-up, Jungkook clarified that it was simply because he personally didn’t like the eye tattoo. The new tattoo, inspired by the iconic BTS track, features bold imagery reminiscent of the song’s themes. Eye tattoos can symbolize protection or insight, but in Jungkook’s case, personal preference led to its transformation.
Alt text: Image of Jungkook’s forearm tattoo, a cover-up of a previous eye tattoo, now featuring artwork inspired by BTS’s song “We Are Bulletproof PT. 2,” symbolizing resilience and strength.
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Snake Cover-Up Tattoo (Formerly Three Stripes):
Another cover-up in Jungkook’s collection is the snake tattoo, which replaced three stripes. Speculation arose that the stripes were intended to represent the Korean flag, symbolizing patriotism. However, due to negative feedback, Jungkook opted for a cover-up. The snake tattoo, a powerful and visually captivating design, now occupies that space. Snakes in tattoos often symbolize transformation, rebirth, and healing, adding a complex layer of meaning to this particular piece.
Alt text: Jungkook’s snake tattoo, a cover-up of a former three stripes tattoo, showcasing a detailed snake design that symbolizes transformation and a fresh start.
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Microphone Tattoo:
A straightforward yet impactful tattoo, the microphone on Jungkook’s arm is a direct representation of his passion for music and his identity as a singer. This tattoo is a constant reminder of his profession and his deep connection to the world of music. It was recently retouched by tattoo artist Polyc SJ, highlighting the ongoing care and evolution of his tattoo collection.
Alt text: Close-up of Jungkook’s microphone tattoo, a symbol of his love for music and his career as a singer, showcasing the fine-line style and recent retouching by artist Polyc SJ.
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Skeleton Hand Tattoo (Rock Sign):
The skeleton hand tattoo, making a rock-on gesture, is a playful nod to Jungkook’s appreciation for rock music. This fine-line tattoo is minimalist yet bold, reflecting his diverse musical tastes. Skeleton hand tattoos can symbolize willpower, spontaneity, and even faithfulness, adding intriguing layers to its potential meaning for Jungkook. Like the microphone tattoo, this piece was also retouched by Polyc SJ.
Alt text: Jungkook’s skeleton hand tattoo, depicted in a rock-on hand sign, symbolizing his appreciation for rock music, boldness, and a touch of playful rebellion.
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“7” Behind-the-Ear Tattoo:
The most recent addition to Jungkook’s tattoo collection and a symbol shared by all seven BTS members is the number “7” behind his ear. This minimalist tattoo represents the unbreakable bond and unity of BTS. It’s a friendship tattoo, signifying their collective journey and the deep connection they share as a group. This subtle yet powerful tattoo is a testament to the importance of BTS in Jungkook’s life and identity.
Alt text: Subtle view of Jungkook’s “7” tattoo behind his ear, a friendship tattoo shared by all BTS members, symbolizing their unity and bond as a group.
Jungkook’s Tattoo Artist: Polyc SJ
Many of Jungkook’s newer tattoos and retouches have been expertly done by Polyc SJ, a renowned tattoo artist based in South Korea. Polyc SJ’s work is characterized by fine lines and intricate detail, perfectly complementing Jungkook’s evolving tattoo aesthetic. The artist’s social media posts showcasing Jungkook’s tattoos have further fueled fan interest and appreciation for his ink.
Jungkook on Tattoo Removal and Personal Growth
Addressing questions about tattoo removal, Jungkook shared his perspective during a live stream. He acknowledged that tattoo removal is a painful and lengthy process. More importantly, he expressed that his tattoos are a part of his personal history, representing different phases of himself. He stated that he wouldn’t want to erase those past versions of himself and would only consider removal as a last resort. This mature and thoughtful perspective resonates with many who view tattoos as personal milestones and expressions of self-evolution.
Jungkook: Beyond the Ink
Jeon Jungkook, born on September 1, 1997, is much more than just his tattoos. As a lead vocalist, dancer, and songwriter in BTS, he has captivated millions worldwide with his talent, charisma, and genuine personality. His solo songs, including “Begin,” “Euphoria,” and “My Time,” have garnered immense love and critical acclaim. His global influence is undeniable, highlighted by achievements like being the first Korean artist to record an official FIFA World Cup song, “Dreamers,” and performing at the opening ceremony. Jungkook’s impact extends beyond music, making him a cultural icon for a generation.
Alt text: Portrait of Jungkook, showcasing his charismatic presence and style, beyond just his tattoos, highlighting his overall persona as a global music icon.
Top Jungkook Solo Songs: A Bonus Playlist
To further appreciate Jungkook’s artistry, here are 10 must-listen solo tracks:
- “Begin”
- “Euphoria”
- “My Time”
- “Still With You”
- “Stay Alive”
- “My You”
- “Decalcomania”
- “10000 Hours” (collaboration)
- “Falling” (cover)
- “Never Not” (cover)
Jungkook’s songwriting credits further demonstrate his artistic depth, contributing to BTS hits like “We Are Bulletproof Pt. 2,” “Run,” and “Magic Shop,” among many others.
Tattoos in South Korea: Cultural Context
It’s important to note that while tattoos are gaining popularity, they are still viewed with some reservation in South Korea, often associated with gang culture. Public figures, including K-pop idols, often face scrutiny regarding tattoos, leading to media outlets blurring or covering them in broadcasts. Despite these cultural nuances, Jungkook has openly embraced his tattoos, contributing to a shifting perception and greater acceptance of body art. In South Korea, only medical professionals are legally permitted to perform tattooing procedures, adding another layer of complexity to the tattoo landscape.
Jungkook’s tattoos are more than just skin deep; they are a visual narrative of his journey, passions, and connections. As he continues to evolve, both as an artist and individual, his tattoos will undoubtedly remain a fascinating and meaningful part of his story.
