[BTS] GQ Japan/Korea/US Article Link Collection

The intimacy of the seven is palpable. There is no doubt that they are here naturally, with their hearts open to each other. When Jimin lightly massages Jin's neck, Jin jokingly taps Jimin's leg. Jung Kook, looking calm and composed, places two oranges and a few small bags of potato chips in front of him, munching on them enthusiastically between answers. Meanwhile, V—perhaps aware of the importance of the occasion—quickly takes out his smartphone and snaps photos of the other members.

Jungkook, who suddenly left Instagram last year, has returned with an official account for his dog, Bam. Jungkook announced his return to Instagram through the official fan community Weverse, saying, "I can't brag about myself right now, so I'll brag about my child (dog). From now on, have a fun 'Bam' (night). Unite!"

BTS's V played a game called "Goose Goose Duck" with fans during a Weverse live broadcast on November 14th last year. The small stone V piled up in November triggered a reverse boom in the gaming world in 2023.
In the three weeks immediately following the live broadcast, the number of concurrent users surged more than 40 times, and in the first week of January, the number of concurrent users, which was usually in the thousands, exceeded 600,000. This means the number of players increased about 100 times after V played this game. The video of V's "Goose Goose Duck" live broadcast, which caused a tectonic shift in the gaming world through his personal influence, can be watched on YouTube.

The issue of BTS's military service remains a hot topic and is likely to be resolved within this year. At the audit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism by the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held on October 5, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo-gyoon stated, 'We will finalize the Ministry's position before the enlistment of BTS's eldest member, Jin, is decided in December.'
He further explained, 'We are comprehensively considering the points that national defense is a sacred duty and military service is a symbol of fairness, that BTS has promoted Korea as a pioneer of K-Culture and brought about enormous economic ripple effects, the issue of fairness in (incorporating into arts and sports personnel) between popular artists including BTS and pure artists, the issue of performances as a complete group when one of the seven BTS artists goes to the military, and the analysis of public opinion, the consciousness of men in their 20s, and the thoughts and high-level views of National Assembly members.'
(Omitted)
Under the current Military Service Act, it is stipulated that those with special skills in the arts and sports fields recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism can be incorporated as arts and sports personnel.
However, the popular culture sector is missing from the arts and sports fields in the Enforcement Decree of the Military Service Act.
Therefore, even when they have enhanced national prestige like BTS, there have been issues of fairness because there are no clear criteria for military service exemption even after entering the Billboard charts or winning a Grammy Award.

* Highlights featured in the article
1. BTS x The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon's BTS Week
2. BTS x The Late Late Show with James Corden's Crosswalk Concert
3. <You Quiz on the Block>
4. <LET'S BTS>
5. <The Game Caterers x RUN BTS!>
6. (Extra) Jin's 'Super Tuna' choreography

Mayor Park revealed through his SNS, 'I have suggested to the Presidential Office the application of the alternative service system for BTS, who are active as PR ambassadors for Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo.'

GQ: Are there any albums or songs that had a big influence on Jin?

JN: Personally, it was 'FIRE'. I was inspired by the lyrics, 'Live as you want, it's your life anyway.' It's the message that 'People who dislike me will eventually dislike me no matter how good I look, and people who like me will stay by my side.'

By achieving #1 on the 'HOT 100', BTS has opened the final gateway in their exploration toward US and global superstardom. All they have to do is continue to repeat their success from here on out.

There is news that BTS's "Friends" will be included in the OST for the movie <Eternals>, which will be released in November.

In an interview with Taiwan's ETtoday director Chloé Zhao explained the reason, saying, "It's my favorite song among BTS's tracks." Regarding Jimin, who wrote and composed "Friends," she said, "I like him very much. He is very cute."

The ARMY bombs lit up behind the members singing "Life Goes On" convey a message to fandoms both at home and abroad: "Whether we release a Korean album or an English album, we are thinking of ARMY."
In this way, the two sides of BTS—one that seems to push their challenge to the mainstream to the forefront, and another that, at times, ignores the mainstream to focus solely on their fandom, ARMY—are the very reason their current position is possible.

I will never forget that moment during a meeting or a chat in the hallway when I said, "You've made it to the arena," and J-HOPE suddenly muttered, "I wonder if this is where we end." I think that was proof that the goal they needed to surpass was no longer anyone but themselves, and it was an expression of his slight anxiety and conflict regarding that. When I said to him, "No, no, you're not ending here. Going to the Tokyo Dome is the moment that marks the beginning of Bangtan (BTS)," he answered with a smile, "That's true," and the back of J-HOPE as he headed toward the stage was truly powerful.

"We received 173 vocal stems from BTS. To put it mildly, that's quite a lot."

GQ: I am curious about your future goals.
JIN: The evaluation of those around me is not that important. First and foremost, my biggest goal is for ARMY to be happy and pleased. For that, I can work until I collapse. I will just continue to walk alongside ARMY from here on out, that is all.

Park Myung-soo revealed the behind-the-scenes story, saying, "When Jin appeared on my show before, we exchanged phone numbers. Jin said, 'I might not be able to answer if you call, brother.' Apparently, he gets 3,000 English KakaoTalk messages a day." Receiving 3,000 messages a day, it seems difficult to read them all. Furthermore, it is said that the people sending messages to Jin include celebrities like Coldplay. He is truly in a different class. It is as if he is from another world.

Jin has openly revealed himself to be a MapleStory user for a long time, such as by uploading photos of MapleStory monsters long ago and displaying the MapleStory icon on his laptop wallpaper. Jin has been hitting the keyboard for so many years that he jokes his life went downhill after he first encountered the game at age 12. He is so serious about the game that he uploads photos of his MapleStory bread verification on Instagram, photos of his visit to the "Symphony of MapleStory" orchestra performance, and even logs into MapleStory when he goes on overseas tours.

While he was MCing at the <2017 KBS Song Festival>, when cheers of "Kim Seok-jin, you're handsome!" rose from the audience, he once replied, "Yes, I am handsome." I'm envious. He might have saved a country in his past life.

Even BTS, who boast global popularity, have their activities restricted in China. Since the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) deployment issue in 2016, the Chinese government has implemented a 'Hallyu Ban' (a ban on Korean culture) that prohibits Korean content and Korean entertainers from performing within China. As a result, K-pop stars with South Korean citizenship have been unable to hold concerts in China.

He also spoke about the message he tried to convey through his first mixtape album. 'Back then, I had a lot of anger. I don't know why, but we were being attacked from all sides, to the point where the members would describe it as "coming back from hell." The focus was on the thought, "Why do they hate us so much?"' he recalled, adding, 'It might seem like a childish thought now, but at the time, I really had a desire to succeed for the sake of revenge.'
He continued, 'I wanted to prove that "your words were wrong," and now I have achieved that. Back then, anger was my biggest message and driving force, but that is not the case now.'

At the time, SUGA's part-time job income was approximately 219,840 won for 3 days. 10 years later, SUGA's income has increased by more than 70,000 times.

Agust D, who was thought to be dead, comes back to life and shoots the king with a gun. Perhaps this is his declaration that he cannot forgive the lazy Min Yoongi who has become SUGA. It is an expression of his determination to continue his musical activities in the future.

During a live broadcast interview, when a female host shouted, "The person everyone wants to kiss... J-HOPE!!", J-HOPE showed a momentary look of panic, and the scene was broadcast in real-time, becoming a hot topic.

I am writing this article with a pious heart from the morning. I placed my hand on my left chest, sang the first verse of the national anthem in a low voice, and sat down. BTS's J-HOPE did something incredible on the other side of the globe. I feel filled with patriotism, as if he has elevated the status of the Republic of Korea.
(Omitted)
The large displays on the stage showed scenery such as the statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun and Namsan. It was as if he directly demonstrated that "the most Korean things are the most global things."

GQ What is the coolness that only Kim Namjoon (real name) has?
RM I am good at metacognition. When a problem or incident occurs, or even regarding myself, I can look at it from various angles. If there is a phenomenon, I look for the reason and try to understand it. It would be nice if I could also control my mind well (laughs). Anyway, being able to verify things countless times is my weapon. I can easily and quickly find the strengths and weaknesses of a subject. Like, "The point that appeals to people is this, the weakness is this."

BTS is scheduled to return as a full group in 2025. How do you imagine that moment?
It might not have changed much, or everything except the core might have changed. I can't imagine it at all. The only thing I am certain of is the fact that 'I am waiting for 2025.' Fortunately, I was able to spend 10 years together with the BTS team, so I want to challenge myself to see how far this luck will last. I want to continue without stopping and become another seven people, seven histories.

Q: Do you think the dazzling success of K-pop dehumanizes artists?
RM: It is true that there isn't much personal time. However, I think that is what makes K-pop shine. From our 20s to our 30s, we have invested all our energy and time into BTS. Since I partially acknowledge this part, our company doesn't really like answering this question. However, I think these points have made our country's music industry special. And it has also improved significantly in terms of contracts, money, and educational aspects.

In fact, RM had watched most of their videos to the point where he could list several impactful episodes. For a moment, I didn't know who the successful fan was.

I cannot easily forget his voice and gestures when he shouted "I'll do my best!" in a loud voice while leaving the filming set last winter. It's not that he is a leader or someone from BTS, but rather the impression that he has just lived his life that way. While preparing for his solo activities, he said he remembered his 15-year-old self and just wanted to let many people hear his voice. That is why I end this text by tracing Namjoon's footsteps—returning to his roots, climbing numerous mountains, viewing works of art, and gauging the hearts of other artists—and adding Pharrell's answer to RM's question, "How can I continue to make music?"
"Keep moving forward and stay curious."

In an interview with <The New York Times>, RM said that he didn't feel much interest in art museums he visited with his family when he was young. Then, during his 2018 US concert tour, RM stopped by the Art Institute of Chicago, saw the works of Monet and Seurat, and awakened to art.

GQ: If all the languages in the world disappeared and you could only leave behind one expression, what would you want to leave behind?
Jimin: I would want to leave behind the bow. A bow can convey so many meanings. It can express happiness when meeting someone, gratitude, a farewell greeting, or consideration for others. If I could only leave behind one language or emotional expression, I would want the act of greeting, thanking, and showing consideration to remain.

That song ("Snow Flower") started when V consulted me, saying he wanted to gift fans a warm song during the Christmas season, and we decided to try making it together. So, I consulted with V on the warm sound approach I had in mind, and I think it's a song where our ideas blended well together.

The way the entire Wooga Family was bewildered by this trip is captured on video just as it was. Even so, V, the mastermind behind all these events, says while eating leisurely, "Let's go somewhere for once." It's just like V.
(Omitted)
"Taehyung, shouldn't you be eating this?"
It's also an interesting point that BTS's V, who has the world's attention, is seen by his brothers simply as the cute youngest member who comes to mind whenever they see baby snacks.

※Headlines in the article
"Best Friend Avengers"
"Unrivaled next to unrivaled next to unrivaled next to unrivaled next to unrivaled"
"Handsome next to handsome next to handsome next to handsome next to handsome"
"A group with zero attack and defense power"

“Even if I release a Clean Ver., people will interpret it in their own way, and even with the Explicit Ver., interpretations will vary. But I thought both were interesting. I'll be 28 next year, too,” Jungkook laughed.
Jungkook says he is always thinking about how he can be loved by his fans. As the youngest member of the group and because of the image people have of him, he confided, “I always want to find new things and find new things interesting. I want to be recognized by ARMY for that.”
He used to be afraid of trying new things, but now he says he has found the courage. However, he also said that he needs to balance various things within a certain range because fans might feel uncomfortable. “Because it’s not just me,” he added with a sense of responsibility.

A week after the release, he popped into a regular livestream with fans and silenced criticism of the lyrics by saying, “Come to think of it, how old am I again?”
Jungkook is currently 26, and that livestream was a moment where he gently reminded fans that he has grown up, and his new music likely reflects that.
(Omitted)
“If you felt maturity, that’s a good thing,” Jungkook said about the album via a video call from Seoul through an interpreter. “I don’t think I did it intentionally. I think it came out naturally.”

When it comes to fashion, I don't think I can wear tight-fitting clothes anymore.