Ahead of their comeback, BTS proved that their global influence remains undiminished as they simultaneously appeared on the covers of fashion magazines in 15 countries and regions. BTS became the first кσяєαn artist to be selected as the cover stars for the March issue of GQ. The group “dominated” editions across South кσяєα, the United States, the United Kingdom, נαραи, мєχι¢σ, Germany, Thailand, ѕραιи, ιтαℓу, ιи∂ια, Taiwan, fяαи¢є, South Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.

In the cover images released on February 13, BTS reaffirmed their status as “global stars” at the center of worldwide attention. The visual of the members surrounded by countless microphones symbolized the public’s interest in and expectations for their voices. The seven members showcased both their natural chemistry as a group and the distinct individuality of each member.

Alongside the pictorial, GQ also published BTS’s first exclusive group interview since the group paused activities in 2022, titled “BTS Begins Again.” Unlike previous interviews, this feature offered a comprehensive and in-depth look at both the members individually and as a group, earning praise from fans as “incredibly researched and beautifully written.”

Notably, beyond discussing the group’s present and future, GQ also explored emotional stories from the members during their military service—experiences that served as the driving force behind BTS’s comeback today. In the interview, V revealed a surprising detail, saying that Jungkook had burst into tears during what GQ called “one of the group’s most memorable reunions.”

“It was before we all got discharged from the military service,” V said. “And Jungkook cried, he bawled. Jungkook cried because he really wanted to be onstage, and he just really wanted to perform.” SUGA added, “I could really feel how much love and pαѕѕion Jungkook has for our stage performances and music.” 

Interestingly, after being exposed by the members, Jungkook pushed back by saying he did not remember that emotional moment. “I don’t really remember,” he told GQ,  with a laugh. “But everyone was there.”

Despite already being a “global star,” Jungkook breaking down in tears simply because he longed to stand on stage shows that, after years at the top, his pαѕѕion for music remains as intense as it was in his early days. Those tears did not represent Jungkook alone but rather served as the strongest affirmation of the soul of BTS: an unrelenting pαѕѕion for music.

Earlier, in Jungkook’s first 2026 feature with Rolling Stone, the BTS maknae openly expressed his longing and ambition to return with the group once again. “I have always sought change. Rather than just following the trends, I want to be an artist who creates the flow—an artist with no limits,” he said, demonstrating his boundless pαѕѕion for music and artistry.

In the same interview, Jungkook further showed his determination, stating: “Now is the time for me to look at myself objectively and see if I can take another leap forward. Instead of repeating the same performances or similar songs, I want to challenge myself with new things, grow further, and showcase my diverse sides.”

A fan also took this opportunity to reshare a video of Jungkook performing with j-hope at his solo concert—the very first stage Jungkook took part in right after his discharge, with his hair still very short. The fan remarked, “This really нιтs different now. He was just so happy to be back on stage.”

Moments like these deeply moved fans’ hearts and further fueled anticipation for what the group will showcase in ARIRANG:

- Now we understand why, of all the members who had just been discharged, he was the one who chose to perform alongside Hobi and Jin that night. It really нιтs differently now when we look back on that performance. Especially when we see their reaction to him

- Their love to perform is immense and impressive. It feels like the stage are their long-time friend that gives them comfort and accomplishment at the same time.

- Jungkook really love be on stage and have fun with army's. Thank you for coming back, BTS

- I'm happy he got to have that moment on stage with his hyungs

- Spending a long time away from work, no matter how famous you are, doesn’t always guarantee you’ll have the same impact or that people will still be waiting for you. It must have been quite a complex moment—returning home, returning to the stage

- stage and performing is his everything he deserves to be on stage my baby

- We've all missed Jungkook on stage and BTS too. Its a place where their talents shine the most

- You can tell how much Jungkook and BTS genuinely love the stage and ARMYs. Their pαѕѕion is real, and it’s what makes them so special

- BTS aren’t just performers, they’re artists who live for the stage and for their fans. That’s why their concerts always feel so emotional and powerful

- Jungkook crying because he missed performing says everything—this is what BTS truly love, and ARMYs are their biggest motivation