Jungkook first began revealing his tattoos after BTS’s short hiatus around late 2019. At first, they were just small tattoos on his hand, but they gradually formed into large pieces that now cover his entire arm. These tattoos are now extending toward his shoulder and chest.

BTS’s Golden Maknae is among the idols with the most — and most visible — tattoos. In the early days, he often covered them or hid them under clothing, but over time, he started showing them more naturally and even once explained in detail the meaning behind each tattoo, many of which are connected to BTS, ARMY, his career, and his life.

Jungkook’s tattoos have played a major role in changing South кσяєα’s social stigma toward body art. Lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong once proposed a bill called the “Tattoo Business Act” or “Tattoo Up Act,” which aimed to legalize tattooing and establish clear regulations for practitioners.

Professional tattoo artists such as Andy and Tachi (from Godo Tattoo) have expressed their gratitude toward Jungkook. They shared that he not only helped society view their profession more positively but also changed their own perception of tattoos — from a more “conservative” stance to seeing them as a form of art and personal expression.

Still, a stigma is a stigma, and it cannot be erased in one day or some days. In кσяєα, even though the tattoo industry is worth up to $170 million annually, the belief that tattoos are soмєтнing “unwholesome” persists. кσяєαn broadcasting stations still require celebrities to cover their tattoos when appearing on TV shows.

And it’s not just in кσяєα — many people worldwide still αѕѕociate tattoos with negative stereotypes, seeing those who have them as delinquents, gangsters, or violent people. That’s why Jungkook’s tattoos still receive criticism and judgment from some fans both in кσяєα and internationally.

Some have even asked him to remove them, return to his “clean” image, or claimed he would regret them in the future like: "No, Jungkook, you shouldn't destroy your body like that", "It makes him look like a thug", "Look at Jungkook's arm, it's hσrríвlє", "He shouldn't do that as his reputation of idol", "He looks like a bad guy with these tattoos", "I think there might come a day you regret it..."

Even though such requests can be rude, Jungkook has never shied away from addressing these comments. Responding to some fans’ reactions, he clearly expressed his stance on tattoos, affirming that he will not remove them. Jungkook explained that the tattoos on his hands represent a part of his past, and he would never abandon his own “past.”

Jungkook said: "Removing them is painful. I don't like pain. Removing them hurts, and I heard it takes a while. I understand why some people want to get them removed but...really? Because, it's soмєтнing that I've wanted. That's why they remain. If I remove them, that means I am denying my past self. That past self was also me. So, I don't think removing them is the right thing (for me)."

He added that he would still be willing to get rid of them if the time ever came when it was absolutely necessary. But otherwise, he doesn’t think “it’s soмєтнing that needs to be done.” It was a very convincing and confident answer from Jungkook.

After Jungkook’s response, many fans praised him for his strength and confidence. They also said that true fans would never oppose what their idol chooses to do with his own body. Many left comments such as:

- It's his body so he can do anything

- I still love Jungkook. I think his tattoos are really cool

- Since he got them because he wanted to, I don't think other people are entitled to tell him to consider removing them~ It's his individuality and style~

- It's not an ethical issue, so I don't think it's anyone's business to tell others what to do. That's unnecessarily crossing the boundaries.

- Jungkook can do whatever he wants

- I think the problem is that the people who worry about young people getting tattoos because of him see the fans as crazily obsessed or soмєтнing. Everyone does things based on their own thoughts and Jungkook has also done the same. Nobody has any right to tell him anything. Why are even the non-fans talking about this and making a fuss...

- They're his tattoos, on his body, there by his own choice. Bodily autonomy: a beautiful thing!

- Here's my opinion: STOP TELLING IDOLS WHAT THEY SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT DO!! Let them add uniqueness to their body, let them live as freely as they want/can, let them be happy in relationships. Let them be who they are - I'm sure they already get enough crap from the companies....Just let the idols live