Ahead of the release of BTS’s fifth studio album ARIRANG, more intriguing details surrounding one of the most anticipated projects of the year continue to emerge. In addition to the logo, album title, tracklist, and the star-studded lineup of songwriters and producers that were previously revealed, fans have recently gained a clearer understanding of the historical concept that BTS and BigHit Music aim to convey through the animation trailer.

Along with the release of this animation trailer, fans were also surprised when a veteran producer who collaborated with BTS on the album—Picard Brothers—revealed that part of the melody from the first b-side track in ARIRANG had actually been teased through the music snippets heard in the trailer.

Alongside the animated trailer, BTS also unveiled their first group photos for the ARIRANG album. In these images, the members appear elegant and polished in tailored suits, reminiscent of the seven young men featured in the story depicted in the trailer. This mature and sophisticated concept quickly heightened fans’ curiosity about the kind of music the group will present in their upcoming comeback.

But the surprises did not stop there. The K-pop superstars once again caught fans off guard when they appeared not only in the clαѕѕic suit style but also with a rockstar vibe in the preview images of the photocards that BigHit Music released shortly afterward. More importantly, it was through this set of images that fans began to notice an unusual detail involving Jungkook.

Specifically, in many of the group photos appearing on the album merchandise, Jungkook is often seen standing in the same frame as RM, SUGA, and j-hope—the three members of BTS’s rapper line—rather than standing with the vocal line as he normally does. This detail immediately caught fans’ attention, as Jungkook has always been known as the group’s main vocalist. Since their debut, BTS has also maintained a clear distinction between the members of the rapper line and the vocal line.

Meanwhile, ARMYs also noticed that this “change of position” continues in several promotional videos for the ARIRANG album. In these clips, Jungkook is again frequently seen standing next to RM, SUGA, and j-hope, while Jin, Jimin, and V stand together as a separate group. The speculation grew even stronger when fans recalled that during BTS’s New Year 2026 livestream, Jungkook was also seen sitting between the rapper line members on one side, while Jin, Jimin, and V sat together on the other.

These repeated details have led the fan community to believe that this arrangement might not be a coincidence and that BTS may have been intentionally dropping hints about a potential new subunit for quite some time. At this point, many ARMYs boldly speculate that Jungkook could join the rapper line in at least one track on the ARIRANG album. In particular, attention has quickly turned to the song “Hooligan,” as Jungkook and the rapper line members are reportedly involved in the production of this track.

According to the information revealed so far, “Hooligan” is described as a reflection on BTS’s journey of growth, portraying how the group carved out their own path in the music industry despite numerous barriers and early prejudices. With a theme centered on rebellion and self-identity, some experts have predicted that the track could fall into hip-hop, trap, or pop-rap, featuring powerful energy. As a result, the possibility that Jungkook may take on a rap part in the song appears even more likely, further exciting the ARMY community.

Fans also believe that this possibility could help explain the “rockstar” concept seen in one photocard image, where Jungkook poses with the rapper line while exuding a bold and charismatic attitude. 

Of course, all of these theories remain unconfirmed. Fans will still have to wait six more days before they can receive a definitive answer. Nevertheless, these hints alone are enough to make fans eagerly anticipate Jungkook’s potentially intriguing “role change” in the upcoming comeback, with many expressing their excitement:

- It’s suspicious that it’s always the same division with the exception of the photocards of course. We kinda know some already

- Maybe the return of rapper JK. We've been waiting

- Wait… Jungkook in the rap line?? If this is true I’m NOT ready. The power of Jungkook rapping with RM, SUGA and j-hope is going to be insane!

- Jungkook rapping? please yes and thank you

- Rapper Jungkook comeback ?? It would be amazing

- If Jungkook actually raps on ‘Hooligan’ I think the fandom might explode. The rockstar vibe already looks legendary!

- Jk name is ahead of others so he prob wrote chorus and others rap or both. We get to see in one week

- Just to save us being ... maybe it's the honey thighs

- The Jungkook sub rapper comeback is eminent. This is getting realer

- All these hints can’t be a coincidence. Jungkook standing with the rap line everywhere feels like a spoiler and I’m so excited to see what they prepared for ARIRANG!

- BTS always finds a way to surprise us. Jungkook switching things up and joining the rap line even for one track would be such an iconic moment