Last September, South кσяєα finally pαѕѕed the "Tattoo Act," officially legalizing the tattoo profession. The new law restored freedom, human rights, and official recognition to tattoo artists and tattoo culture after 33 years of restrictions dating back to 1992. It also helped reshape the public's long-standing perception of the industry. For the first time in decades, tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts were finally able to step into the spotlight.
Even more notably, immediately after the law was pαѕѕed, Jungkook was widely praised by both the кσяєαn media and tattoo artists, with the BTS superstar being credited for helping pave the way and creating a "favorable atmosphere" for the bill to pαѕѕ. Andy, a YouTube content creator specializing in tattoos, commented that Jungkook not only helped society view tattooing more positively but also changed tattoo artists' own mindset—from a rather "conservative" way of thinking to one that truly embraces tattooing as an art form.
If even tattoo artists who had never worked with BTS felt that way, then someone who worked directly with the members—such as POLYC—must have felt even more honored. And that was indeed the case! In fact, he was so grateful that he permanently tattooed the names of two BTS members on his own arm, for a reason that deeply touched ARMYs!
Longtime ARMYs are undoubtedly familiar with the name POLYC. The tattoo artist first became widely known within the fandom after creating BTS' iconic friendship tattoos for all seven members. Fans later learned that he was also responsible for all of Jungkook's arm tattoos, several of Jimin's tattoos, and, more recently, RM's smaller tattoos inspired by music and his philosophy of life.
Meanwhile, through several photos shared by POLYC on Instagram, fans unexpectedly noticed two intriguing tattoos on his arm: one reading "jm 422" and the other "jk 225." ARMYs speculated that these markings represent Jimin and the date he got tattooed—April 22. Likewise, the other inscription is believed to represent Jungkook and the date his tattoo was completed, February 25.
Those dates appear to match what POLYC had previously revealed about the first two BTS members to visit his studio. According to the artist, Jungkook was the first member to approach him to discuss ideas for his sleeve tattoos. After experiencing POLYC's work firsthand, Jungkook later introduced Jimin to him. Jimin and POLYC then collaborated closely to design the tattoos on his back, behind his ear, and on his arm.
In another interview, POLYC described the opportunity to create BTS' personal tattoos as well as their friendship tattoos as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that he treasures deeply. Before working with the members, he even promised himself that he would give everything he had to create the best tattoos possible for them. After completing BTS' friendship tattoo design, he also stated that he would never recreate the design for anyone else or sell it commercially, out of respect for the group and the bond the tattoos represent.
Clearly, not many people have the opportunity to work directly with some of the world's biggest K-pop superstars, especially by creating permanent tattoos for them. POLYC's own remarks also reflect just how much he truly treasures this incredibly meaningful experience. It is therefore easy to understand why he decided to tattoo the names of the people who gave him that opportunity on his arm—it is like a commemorative monument marking a major milestone in his career, as well as a way of preserving those memories.
POLYC also revealed that Jimin and Jungkook were the driving forces behind BTS' friendship tattoo project. He recalled that Jungkook first brought up the idea while they were still working on his sleeve tattoos. He remembered: "Jungkook’s existing tattoo took around 5 months to finish but as we were talking, he kept bringing up friendship tattoos." Jimin later embraced the idea and encouraged the rest of the members to finally make it happen. He continued: "They seemed to have talked about getting them for several years, and finally, Jimin said ‘let’s do it’ and they all decided to get tattoos."
Following these revelations, fans expressed even greater admiration for BTS' longtime tattoo artist, praising his dedication and pαѕѕion in helping the members bring their tattoo ideas to life. Correspondingly, POLYC also shared that his client base has continued to grow steadily over the years, with a significant portion of that support coming from ARMYs!
