ELLE reveals the age group thar purchases Jungkook's January issue the most, debunking negative stereotypes

 


After officially being appointed as the Global Ambassador for Chanel Beauty, Jungkook participated in a photoshoot and interview with ELLE for its January 2026 issue. His appointment as the first male global ambassador for Chanel Beauty carries immense symbolic significance, befitting his titles as "global icon" and a "generation-defining icon." ELLE quickly captured the powerful synergy between the global K-Pop artist and the world's leading luxury brand at this historic moment.

Nine different collectible cover editions were released on the 15th, reflecting an image of Jungkook harmoniously blending his strong, modern personal identity with the elegant, classic aesthetic of Paris—the home of CHANEL. The magazine's interior proved even more impressive, featuring an exclusive interview with Jungkook. He not only reaffirmed his position as Chanel Beauty's first male global ambassador but also conveyed his musical philosophy with clarity, generating high expectations for his upcoming activities.




The combined appeal of the January issue's cover and content, along with Jungkook's global influence, made the magazine's sales race more intense than ever. Just three days after its release, the issue featuring Jungkook on the number-one best-seller position, dominating various online bookstore charts and creating an explosive response.

Specifically, Jungkook's editions occupied Yes24's real-time best seller chart at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Almost the entire chart was "covered" by the ELLE Jungkook editions, demonstrating overwhelming sales momentum. At Aladin, the real-time magazine best-seller list ranked the ELLE Jungkook covers fron positions 1 through 9. On Gmarket, the performance was equally impressive. The full set of nine ELLE editions featuring Jungkook reached number one in the Hobbies-Magazines-Comics category, further fueling the shopping frenzy.




However, one aspect that drew even more attention than the magazine's sales figures was the age demographics of buyers, compiled ELLE and Korean media on the 18th. The data revealed the age groups supporting Jungkook the most—and surprisingly, it was not teens or fans in their 20s. Instead, fans aged 40-50 made up the largest group of buyers, a revelation that sparked lively discussion.




A common stereotypes held by outsiderd about K-pop fans is that they are mostly teenage girls, with fandom often labeled as "immature," tren-driven, and concerned only with idols' appearances and fame rather than deeper meaning. Even ARMY, BTS's fandom, has been mocked as being predominatory teenage girls by both ordinary people and celebrities. However, this data completely contradicts that stereotype, showing that middle-aged fans make up a significant portion of the fandom.

One undeniable truth is that K-Pop fandoms in general—and ARMY in particular—have become diverse, profound, and far removed from the outdated public perceptions that have persisted for years. At many BTS concerts, older fans can be seen attending with their children, and there are even ARMY members in their 70s and 80s, with silver hair, fully immersed the dynamic music experience.

World-renowned Filipino singer Lea Salonga is a prime example of the older generation of Jungkook and BTS fans. The Tony Award-winning singer and Disney musical icon once remarked, "There are many ARMYs close to my age, and we admire their talent. It's like we're proud aunties!" Even in her 50s, her fan energy is as vabrant as that media activity—including Jungkook's unexpected early-morning lice stream on Weverse.




ARMYs comments:

1. They have fans in their 40s and 50s, whereas other groups don't. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to win over older fans in the K-pop genre. But it's not surprising, since BTS's music is BTS-Pop.

2. Mostly 40s and 50s—turns out Jungkook's fanbase grew up with him, but their wallets didn't retire. Who knew ARMY stood far "Aunties Raising Money Yearly"?

3. He is being supported by people who are able and capable. So proud of him!

4. Ages doesn't define an ARMY. Respect does. What does age have to do with loving music and admiring the artist? Isn't it great that BTS has such a diverse fandom? Isn't it just beautiful?

5. BTS taught us that no matter our age, background, or race, they love us the same—and we love them the same.

6. Wow, I never expected people in their 40s snd 50s to be such passionate Jungkook fans—age really doesn't matter.

7. It's amazing to see older fans supporting BTS just as much as younger ones. Truly inspiring.

8. I love that BTS brings together fans of all ages. Seeing ARMYs in their 50s is so heartwarming.

9. Seeing middle-ages fans fangirling over Jungkook is honestly so uplifting. Talent truly unites everyone.





 


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