Jungkook’s tattoos have become a captivating subject for fans worldwide, sparking curiosity about the timeline and stories behind his body art. At tattooat.com, we delve into the world of celebrity ink, and Jungkook’s collection is certainly one that piques interest. This guide provides a detailed look into when Jungkook started his tattoo journey, the evolution of his designs, and the meanings behind them, revealing how his tattoos reflect his personal growth and artistic expression. Discover more about the golden maknae’s ink and the artistry that brings it to life, exploring related tattoo styles and Jungkook’s tattoo evolution that adds depth to his persona.
1. Unveiling the Timeline: When Did Jungkook Start Getting Tattoos?
Jungkook’s tattoo journey officially began sometime around 2019. While the exact date is not publicly known, fans pinpoint the first visible tattoos appearing in September of that year. This marked the start of a beautiful and artistic expression of himself. He started with smaller pieces on his hand, which we now know are an ode to his fans, the ARMY, and fellow bandmates.
Early Inklings: The First Tattoos
Jungkook’s initial tattoos were mostly on his hand and lower arm. These included the word “ARMY” on his knuckles, a purple heart, a crown, and the number “0613”. These early tattoos were relatively small and simple in design, hinting at a deeper meaning that would later be revealed.
The Tattoo Tour: Jungkook Opens Up
In a surprise Weverse live broadcast followed by an Instagram Live with BTS’ V, Jungkook gave fans a detailed tour of his tattoos, explaining the significance of each one. This was a rare and intimate moment, offering insight into his personal story and artistic choices.
2. The “ARMY” Tattoo: Jungkook’s First and Most Meaningful Ink
Jungkook has publicly stated that the “ARMY” tattoo was his first. This tattoo holds a special place in his heart as a token of gratitude for his fans. He chose to get it on his knuckles so it would be visible, proudly displaying his affection for the ARMY. According to a statement he made during a live session, Jungkook playfully admitted he could have chosen a better font, but he wouldn’t trade the meaning behind it for anything.
A Symbol of Pride and Gratitude
The “ARMY” tattoo is more than just a fandom name. It represents the strong bond between Jungkook and his fans. He wanted to show his appreciation in a permanent way, making this tattoo a constant reminder of their support.
Deciphering the Hand Tattoos: A Deeper Connection
Adjacent to the “ARMY” tattoo, Jungkook has other tattoos that connect to his fellow BTS members. The “J” on his ring finger, for example, represents Jungkook, Jin, and J-Hope. The “A” in “ARMY” is an inverted V for Taehyung (V), “RM” stands for Kim Namjoon, and “MY” are the initials of Min Yoongi (Suga).
3. Decoding Jungkook’s Tattoo Collection: Meanings and Significance
Jungkook’s tattoos are not just random designs. Each one holds a special meaning, reflecting his personal experiences, beliefs, and passions. Let’s delve into some of his most notable tattoos and their interpretations.
Purple Heart: A Universal Symbol of Love
Jungkook’s purple heart tattoo signifies “I love you”, another expression of his affection for his fans. The color purple holds a special meaning for BTS and their ARMY, symbolizing trust, love, and long-lasting support. The BTS ARMY fandom has long used the purple heart emoji to symbolize their affection and dedication to the group.
The Crown Tattoo: Honoring the Fans
Located above the “A” in “ARMY”, the crown tattoo is a symbol of respect and royalty, suggesting that his fans are his kings and queens. This tattoo reinforces the idea that Jungkook values and appreciates the support of his ARMY.
0613: A Date Etched in History
The number “0613” represents June 13, the debut date of BTS. This tattoo commemorates a pivotal moment in his career and the beginning of his journey with the band. It’s a constant reminder of their achievements and the bond they share.
4. Sleeve Tattoos: Unveiling the Stories on Jungkook’s Arm
Beyond his hand tattoos, Jungkook sports a number of meaningful designs on his forearm, collectively forming a sleeve tattoo. These tattoos are interconnected, each telling a part of his story.
The Date He Came to Seoul: A Pivotal Moment
Jungkook has shared that he has the date he first came to Seoul inked on his forearm. This date marks a significant turning point in his life, when he left his hometown to pursue his dreams of becoming a singer. It symbolizes his ambition and determination.
Life Motto and Nirvana Song: A Reflection of His Beliefs
The quote “Rather be dead than cool” and “Make hay while the sun shines” are lyrics from the Nirvana song “Stay Away”, which serves as Jungkook’s life motto. This tattoo reflects his desire to stay true to himself and live life to the fullest, embracing his passions without compromise.
According to research from Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2023, lyrics as tattoos are becoming increasingly popular among young adults, signifying their core values and personal mantras.
Clock Tattoo: Time of Birth and Destiny
Jungkook’s clock tattoo indicates the time of his birth, around 3:23 to 3:25. The musical note and mic connected to the clock symbolize his destiny as a singer, implying that he was born to be on stage.
Birth Flower – Tiger Lily: A Personal Touch
The tiger lily is Jungkook’s birth flower, representing his birthday on September 1. He added the words “Please love me” behind the flower, adding a personal touch to the design. Flower tattoos are generally appealing, with each holding a special significance.
5. Cover-Up Tattoos: Evolving Art and Personal Growth
Like many who get tattoos, Jungkook has also undergone the process of covering up some of his earlier designs. Tattoo cover-ups are a way to conceal old tattoos with new, attractive designs.
Clouds and Lightning Bolts: A Spontaneous Creation
Jungkook shared that he had a tattoo experience in the U.S. that wasn’t great, resulting in inflamed and damaged skin. He later covered it up with a cloud design. He then added lightning bolts to complement the clouds, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing tattoo.
The Eye Tattoo: Replaced with a BTS Anthem
Jungkook used to have an eye tattoo on his forearm, but he later covered it with a design inspired by the BTS song “We Are Bulletproof PT. 2”. Theories suggest that he received negative feedback about the eye tattoo, leading him to replace it with a design that resonated more with his fans and his identity as a member of BTS.
According to Inked Magazine, cover-up tattoos have risen in popularity over the past decade, as people seek to modify or update their body art to reflect their evolving tastes and personal stories.
Three Stripes: Transformed into a Snake
Jungkook had a three stripes tattoo, possibly symbolizing the Korean flag. However, he didn’t receive positive feedback for it and decided to cover it with a snake tattoo. The snake design is visually striking and adds a new layer of meaning to his evolving tattoo collection.
6. Additional Tattoos: Music, Art, and Friendship
Beyond the major pieces, Jungkook has several other tattoos that hold personal significance.
Microphone: A Symbol of Passion
The microphone tattoo symbolizes Jungkook’s love and passion for music. This tattoo is a constant reminder of his dedication to his craft and his role as a singer in BTS.
Skeleton Hand: Rock and Roll Spirit
The skeleton hand tattoo, doing a rock sign, represents Jungkook’s appreciation for rock music. It also symbolizes strong willpower, spontaneity, and faithfulness.
7: A Bond of Brotherhood
The number “7” behind his ear represents the seven members of BTS. All the band members have a similar tattoo, signifying their bond of brotherhood and their commitment to each other and the group. This tattoo is a testament to their friendship and their shared journey.
7. The Artist Behind the Ink: Polyc SJ
Many of Jungkook’s tattoos have been done or retouched by Polyc SJ, a renowned tattoo artist based in South Korea. Polyc SJ is known for his fine-line work and his ability to create intricate and meaningful designs.
8. Jungkook’s Stance on Tattoo Removal: Embracing the Past
Jungkook has been open about his thoughts on tattoo removal. He shared that it is a painful and time-consuming process. He also mentioned that his old tattoos are a part of him and he doesn’t want to deny his past self. However, he might consider tattoo removal if it becomes necessary.
9. The Acceptance of Tattoos in South Korea
It’s worth noting that tattoos are not widely accepted in South Korea. Musical artists often avoid showing their tattoos on screen or in public due to certain restrictions. Tattoos are sometimes blurred or covered up with makeup in post-production. In fact, tattoos are technically banned in the country, with only medical professionals allowed to perform the procedure. Despite these challenges, Jungkook has embraced his tattoos as a form of self-expression, inspiring others to do the same.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jungkook’s Tattoos
Here are some frequently asked questions about Jungkook’s tattoos:
Q1: When did Jungkook get his first tattoo?
Jungkook likely got his first tattoo around September 2019, based on when they first became visible to the public.
Q2: What was Jungkook’s first tattoo?
Jungkook has confirmed that his “ARMY” tattoo was his first.
Q3: What does the “ARMY” tattoo mean?
The “ARMY” tattoo is a tribute to Jungkook’s fans, representing his gratitude and love for their support.
Q4: How many tattoos does Jungkook have?
Jungkook is estimated to have around 18-20 tattoos, although the exact number may vary as he continues to add to his collection.
Q5: Who is Jungkook’s tattoo artist?
Many of Jungkook’s tattoos have been done or retouched by Polyc SJ, a well-known tattoo artist in South Korea.
Q6: What is the meaning of Jungkook’s clock tattoo?
The clock tattoo represents Jungkook’s birth time and his destiny as a singer.
Q7: Why did Jungkook cover up some of his tattoos?
Jungkook covered up some of his tattoos due to personal preferences and negative feedback.
Q8: What does the number “7” tattoo signify?
The number “7” represents the seven members of BTS and their strong bond.
Q9: How does Jungkook feel about tattoo removal?
Jungkook has stated that tattoo removal is painful and that his tattoos are a part of him, but he might consider it if necessary.
Q10: Are tattoos widely accepted in South Korea?
Tattoos are not widely accepted in South Korea and are often blurred or covered up in media.
Embrace Your Own Artistic Journey with Tattooat.com
Jungkook’s tattoo journey is a testament to personal expression and artistic evolution. At tattooat.com, we celebrate the art of tattooing and the stories behind the ink. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your first tattoo or looking to expand your existing collection, we offer a diverse range of designs, talented artists, and informative articles to guide you on your journey. Explore our website to discover unique tattoo ideas, connect with skilled artists, and learn about the latest trends in the tattoo world.
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