BTS Tattoos Explained: Every BTS Member’s Tattoos, Their Meanings & Hidden Stories

BTS has inspired millions of fans worldwide through their music, performances, and powerful messages of self-love. Over the years, another aspect of the group’s personal expression has fascinated ARMY—their tattoos. What began with a few subtle designs has evolved into a collection of meaningful body art that reflects friendship, growth, memories, and individuality.

Today, every BTS member has at least one tattoo, making tattoos an important part of the group’s story. From their matching friendship tattoo to Jungkook’s extensive sleeve and Jimin’s emotional artwork, every design carries a unique meaning.

Here’s everything you need to know about BTS tattoos, including each member’s ink, their meanings, fun facts, and the stories behind them.

BTS Friendship Tattoo: Why Every Member Has a “7”

Perhaps the most meaningful tattoo shared by BTS is the minimalist number 7.

The tattoo represents the phrase that both BTS and ARMY often repeat:

“BTS is seven.”

No matter what solo activities the members pursue, the number symbolizes that the seven members will always remain one family.

The idea first appeared during BTS FESTA 2022 while the members discussed getting matching friendship tattoos.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Jungkook—the group’s biggest tattoo enthusiast—who first suggested it.

The conversation was started by RM.

During the discussion:

• Jimin suggested a simple matching tattoo.
• RM liked the idea.
• Jungkook said it would become a meaningful symbol of their friendship.
• SUGA recommended placing it somewhere private.
• Jungkook joked about making it purple.
• RM wondered whether purple ink would fade.

Although the members didn’t finalize anything during the broadcast, fans later discovered that every member had secretly gotten the tattoo.

The friendship tattoo beautifully represents:

• Brotherhood
• Loyalty
• Unity
• BTS’ journey together
• Their promise to remain seven forever

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Where Is Each BTS Member’s “7” Tattoo?

Although every member shares the same number, each chose a different location.

Member	Tattoo Location
RM	Left ankle
Jin	Lower back
SUGA	Left shoulder
J-Hope	Calf
Jimin	Inside index finger
V	Upper left thigh
Jungkook	Behind the ear

All of the friendship tattoos were reportedly done by renowned South Korean tattoo artist PolyC, who is also known for working closely with Jungkook.

RM’s Friendship Tattoo

As the member who originally proposed the matching tattoo idea, RM became the first to reveal his design.

His minimalist 7 sits on the side of his left ankle.

Because RM often wears shorts, fans frequently spot the tattoo during airport appearances, concerts, and Instagram photos.

Like RM himself, the tattoo is simple, thoughtful, and understated.

Jin’s Friendship Tattoo

Jin chose one of the most hidden placements among the members.

His small 7 is located on his lower back near his waistline.

It perfectly reflects Jin’s quiet personality while still honoring the group’s lifelong bond.

SUGA’s Tattoo Has the Deepest Emotional Meaning

Among all seven members, SUGA kept his friendship tattoo hidden the longest.

Fans repeatedly asked him about it during Weverse lives, but he refused to reveal its location.

Eventually, during the final concerts of his D-DAY Tour, SUGA finally showed fans his tattoo.

It sits on his shoulder—the same shoulder that suffered a serious injury years earlier and later required surgery.

Rather than choosing a random location, SUGA intentionally placed the tattoo over a part of his body connected to years of pain.

Many fans see it as a symbol of:

• Healing
• Moving forward
• Leaving painful memories behind
• Emotional recovery

For SUGA, the tattoo represents much more than friendship—it marks overcoming one of the hardest periods of his life.

J-Hope’s Friendship Tattoo

J-Hope surprised fans when he revealed his friendship tattoo on Instagram.

His number 7 is tattooed on his calf.

Like many of J-Hope’s artistic choices, it’s simple yet meaningful.

V’s Friendship Tattoo

V selected perhaps the most unusual placement of all.

His friendship tattoo is located on his upper left thigh.

The hidden location perfectly matches V’s unique personality and artistic style.

Jimin’s Tattoos: Beautiful, Personal & Full of Meaning

Jimin is the second most tattooed member of BTS after Jungkook.

Unlike Jungkook’s colorful collection, Jimin prefers minimalist black designs with deep emotional symbolism.

The “NEVERMIND” Tattoo

Long before getting permanent tattoos, Jimin shocked fans during BTS’ iconic 2014 MAMA performance.

Across his ribs appeared the word:

NEVERMIND

Although temporary at the time, it quickly became legendary among fans.

The phrase references BTS’ song “Intro: Nevermind,” written and performed by SUGA.

The lyrics encourage listeners not to give up despite hardship:

“Never mind, it’s not easy but don’t give up.”

Years later, Jimin made the tattoo permanent.

For many fans, it represents:

• Resilience
• Mental strength
• Self-encouragement
• Ignoring criticism
• Continuing despite fear

The Number “13”

Jimin also has the number 13 tattooed on his finger.

Fans believe it represents two important dates:

• October 13 (his birthday)
• June 13 (BTS’ debut)

It may symbolize both equally.

“Young” and “Forever”

Behind each arm are the words:

• Young
• Forever

These reference BTS’ beloved song “Epilogue: Young Forever.”

The tattoo reminds both Jimin and ARMY that youth isn’t simply about age—it represents dreams, hope, and passion.

Infinity Symbol

Jimin also wears a small infinity tattoo, representing endless possibilities and everlasting connections.

Jimin’s Famous Moon Tattoo

One of BTS’ most breathtaking tattoos belongs to Jimin.

Stretching down his spine are multiple moon phases.

Interestingly, the tattoo didn’t begin that way.

Originally, Jimin only had a single crescent moon.

Later, during a Weverse livestream, he revealed that V had shown him fan artwork created by an ARMY featuring moon phases running down his back.

Jimin loved the concept so much that he turned the fan’s artwork into reality.

The finished design features:

• Crescent moon
• Full moon
• Waning moon
• Additional lunar phases

Together they symbolize:

• Growth
• Personal transformation
• Life cycles
• Renewal
• Constant change

Many fans consider it one of the most touching tattoos in BTS history because it was directly inspired by an ARMY’s artwork.

Does Jimin Have a New Tattoo?

Following his military discharge, fans noticed what appeared to be another small tattoo on Jimin’s forearm.

Although blurry photos circulated online, neither Jimin nor HYBE has officially confirmed its existence.

For now, it remains speculation.

Jungkook: BTS’ Most Tattooed Member

Without question, Jungkook has the largest tattoo collection in BTS.

Since 2019, his body has gradually transformed into a canvas filled with meaningful artwork.

His tattoos now extend across:

• Fingers
• Hands
• Wrist
• Forearm
• Full sleeve
• Shoulder
• Chest
• Ear

Rather than sticking to one style, Jungkook mixes:

• Traditional art
• Color
• Lettering
• Symbols
• Realism
• Graffiti-inspired designs

Jungkook’s First Tattoo

Jungkook’s very first permanent tattoo was:

ARMY

The word appears across his right-hand knuckles.

He later confirmed during a Weverse live that it was his first tattoo.

It serves as a permanent tribute to BTS’ fandom.

What Does Jungkook’s “0613” Tattoo Mean?

One of Jungkook’s most meaningful tattoos is the number:

0613

It represents:

June 13, 2013

—the official debut date of BTS.

The design symbolizes gratitude, loyalty, and the unforgettable beginning of BTS’ journey.

Other Famous Jungkook Tattoos

Some of Jungkook’s most recognizable tattoos include:

• Purple heart
• Microphone
• Tiger lily (his birth flower)
• Snake
• Crown
• Lightning
• Flames
• Various stars
• Graffiti-inspired artwork
• “Rather Be Dead Than Cool”
• “Bulletproof”

Many older tattoos have also been covered with newer artwork as Jungkook’s artistic preferences evolved.

Jungkook’s New Tattoo After Military Service

Fans were thrilled when Jungkook made a surprise appearance during J-Hope’s Hope On The Stage concert shortly after completing military service.

While performing:

• “I Wonder”
• “Seven”

fans immediately noticed a colorful tattoo stretching across his chest and shoulder.

Although only partially visible beneath his white tank top, the artwork instantly became one of the biggest talking points among ARMY.

Its complete design has yet to be revealed, but many believe it was once again created by PolyC.

PolyC: The Artist Behind Jungkook’s Tattoos

Tattoo artist PolyC has become closely associated with Jungkook’s body art.

According to PolyC, Jungkook initially felt insecure about many of his earlier tattoos and often avoided wearing short sleeves.

Together, they began what they jokingly called:

“The Short-Sleeve Summer Project.”

The goal wasn’t simply to add more tattoos—it was to redesign older pieces into artwork Jungkook could proudly display.

PolyC revealed that:

• Covering old tattoos proved extremely challenging.
• Around 70% of the redesign was completed before Jungkook enlisted.
• The project required years of planning.
• He even experienced stress-related hair loss because of the responsibility.

Instead of following common black-and-grey sleeve designs, PolyC encouraged Jungkook to embrace bold colors that reflected his individuality.

Jungkook agreed, resulting in the vibrant tattoo style fans see today.

A Personal Message from Jungkook

After completing another stage of the tattoo project, Jungkook thanked PolyC with a heartfelt message:

“Thank you so much for saving my arm. Please continue to take good care of me from now on too.”

The message reflected the trust between artist and client after years of collaboration.

Tattoos and Changing Attitudes in South Korea

Tattoos weren’t always accepted in South Korean society.

Historically:

• Criminals were branded during the Goryeo and Joseon periods.
• Tattoos later became associated with organized crime.
• Traditional Confucian beliefs viewed tattooing as damaging the body inherited from one’s parents.

Because of these beliefs, tattooed individuals often faced discrimination.

However, younger generations now increasingly view tattoos as:

• Art
• Fashion
• Personal identity
• Self-expression

Artists like BTS have helped normalize tattoos by showing they can represent love, friendship, memories, and personal growth rather than rebellion.

BTS Tattoos Are More Than Body Art

Each BTS tattoo tells a different story.

For some members, tattoos represent friendship. For others, they symbolize healing, music, dreams, or personal transformation.

Jungkook’s colorful sleeve reflects his artistic evolution. Jimin’s moon phases capture life’s constant changes. SUGA’s shoulder tattoo represents overcoming pain. Meanwhile, the matching number 7 forever reminds fans that BTS will always remain united.

Whether simple or elaborate, every tattoo carries a chapter of the members’ journey. Together, they form a living timeline of BTS’ growth—from seven young dreamers to global superstars whose bond continues to inspire millions around the world.

For ARMY, these tattoos are more than ink—they are permanent reminders of friendship, resilience, music, and the enduring promise that BTS is, and always will be, seven.