BTS tattoos: Decoding RM, Jungkook, Jimin, V, J-Hope, Suga and Jin's iconic designs

Dropping jaws and setting trends, BTS isn't just about the music - they're practically fashion muses! Since their grand entrance onto the scene in 2013, these trendsetters have made it their mission to keep fans guessing with each new look. From rainbow hair to daring piercings, they've done it all. But what really has the ARMY buzzing? Their ink! Yes, those subtle and not-so-subtle tattoos have sparked endless curiosity among fans. From hidden meanings to bold statements, we've rounded up the most iconic designs the band has proudly flaunted. So, grab your magnifying glass and let's decode some stylish secrets!

You may already be privy to the band's heartwarming bond, but did you know about their epic friendship tattoos? It was none other than Suga who sparked the idea of etching the number '7' onto their skin, representing their unity as a septet. The announcement of these meaningful tattoos came during BTS' annual Festa dinner party video, igniting a frenzy among fans. Each member chose a unique placement for their ink: from RM's ankle to J-hope's calf, Jimin's finger, Jung Kook's behind-the-ear placement, and Jin's waist. V opted for his leg, while Suga proudly displayed his on his shoulder. These tattoos not only symbolize their unbreakable bond but also serve as a constant reminder of their journey together.

Unlike Jung Kook's extensive tattoo collection, J-Hope keeps it simple with just one meaningful ink. Positioned above his Achilles tendon, he proudly sports the common BTS friendship tattoo. Interestingly, this placement holds deeper significance, as the term ‘Achilles heel’ symbolizes a person's weakness or vulnerable point. Fans were quick to connect the dots when J-Hope referred to ARMY as his ‘Achilles heel’ during the 2021 Let's BTS talk show. He expressed that the unwavering support of the ARMY serves as his ultimate strength, driving both him and the band forward with unparalleled motivation.

The mystery behind Jimin's tattoos has long captivated the BTS ARMY, sparking endless theories and speculation. With a total of seven inked designs, Jimin's body art tells its own story. Among them is 'NEVERMIND,' a transformation from temporary to permanent, adorning his right side. The number '13' graces his wrist, possibly honoring BTS' debut date or his own birthday. Then there are 'young' and 'forever', positioned near his elbows, reminiscent of BTS' anthem ‘Young Forever’. Not to be overlooked are the moon phases cascading down his neck, unveiled during the promotion of his solo album FACE. And finally, the word 'youth' delicately etched behind his ear, a nod to both BTS' music and an upcoming K-drama inspired by the group.

Jung Kook's fascination with tattoos is unmistakable, evident in his extensive collection that tells a story of its own. During a candid Weverse Live session, the artist graciously unveiled the meaning behind each ink, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his personal journey.

Jung Kook's first tattoo adorns the back of his palm, proudly displaying 'ARMY' alongside a vibrant purple heart. Embellished with a regal crown atop the 'A' and a stylized 'J' representing his name.

Jung Kook pays homage to BTS's monumental debut with the tattooed inscription of '06/13', mirroring Jimin's own tribute. Moving along his forearm, he has a tattoo marking the date he arrived in Seoul, a series of criss-cross quotes reading 'rather be dead than cool' and 'make hay while the sun shines'. Jung Kook's forearm hosts a tiger lily, his birth flower, blooms alongside the plea, 'please love me', while a clock immortalizes his exact moment of birth. He also added a chained microphone, hinting at his destiny as a singer.

Jung Kook's elbow is adorned with the evocative Chinese characters 'Hwayangyeonhwa', translating to 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life', a nod to one of BTS's seminal albums. Paired with a design inspired by the traditional Korean art form dancheong.

BTS' leader RM joins the tattoo trend with a nod to the band's unity, sporting the number '7' just above his ankle. During a live session, he humorously recounted the tattoo process, highlighting the contrast between the meticulous planning and the swift execution. RM jokingly described, “It took 2 hours to stamp on the body to check the font and positions, but it took me only two damn minutes to have an actual tattoo on my body. It was only two lines. one line “oh ouch” 2nd line “oh ouch” and done”.

Suga, known for his cool demeanor, keeps it simple with just one tattoo - the BTS friendship tattoo. Fans caught a glimpse of this ink during a casual moment on stage when Suga nonchalantly removed his jacket, complaining about the heat. As the camera zoomed in on his left shoulder, the '7' tattoo was unveiled. Suga later treated fans to a closer look during a Weverse live session, offering a better glimpse of the delicate tattoo adorning his shoulder. Eagle-eyed ARMY members noticed that the tattoo adorned the same shoulder where Suga had previously been injured, positioned just above a faint scar.

BTS' V and Jin appear to take a more reserved approach to tattoos compared to some of their bandmates. V’s ink collection is minimalistic, with just one notable tattoo gracing his skin: the BTS friendship tattoo located on his leg, positioned just above his knee. This revelation came to light through an Instagram post, where V confidently posed shirtless during his visit to Mexico, offering fans a rare glimpse into his personal life and body art choices. Similarly, Jin also sports only one tattoo, the BTS '7' ink, adorning the curve of his waist. Fans caught a glimpse of Jin's tattoo in a shirtless picture he shared.