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BTS’ Jungkook has been undergoing a significant transformation—not just musically or personally, but physically as well—with his decision to cover up many of his arm tattoos. What began as an expression of youthful freedom eventually became a source of discomfort for the singer, prompting a quiet but meaningful journey of reclaiming his body art. This change, which started before his military enlistment, has now become a story of growth, healing, and deeper self-awareness.
On June 16, Jungkook’s tattooist opened up about the emotional and technical challenges involved in the cover-up process. According to him, Jungkook was initially very self-conscious about his ink. Despite being a global superstar, he often chose to wear long sleeves or cover his tattoos with makeup, especially during summer. The tattooist revealed, “When we first met, he (Jungkook) felt very self-conscious about his tattoos and was even too embarrassed to wear short sleeves during the summer.” Together, they set a shared goal: the “Short-Sleeve in Summer Project”—a symbolic step toward helping Jungkook feel confident in his own skin.
Many of the original tattoos were impulsive—creative decisions driven by youth, curiosity, and a desire to experiment. However, Jungkook’s desire to remove or revise them stemmed from a deeper understanding of what he now wants his body to represent.
The artist spoke candidly about the extreme stress and difficulty he faced while working on the intricate cover-ups. He admitted that the existing ink had caused more damage than was visible in photos, and there were limited subject options for the new artwork. Among the tattoos being covered was the infamous “one-eye” design. The artist confessed to experiencing stress-related hair loss during the process due to the pressure of delivering work worthy of Jungkook’s name and legacy.
He also clarified that his intention in sharing this behind-the-scenes look wasn’t to chase clout, but to reflect on the sense of responsibility and emotional weight tied to the project. “We completed about 70% of the work before he enlisted,” he wrote, adding that they plan to continue as Jungkook’s schedule allows.
Fans are now watching closely, both in admiration of Jungkook’s vulnerability and in anticipation of the final result. His tattoo journey has become yet another chapter in his evolving narrative—one that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever outgrown their past and chosen to rewrite it, one meaningful line at a time.