BTS's V: In The End, I Came to Understand Better What Kind of Person I am."

 The V of that day—sparkling like a jewel, transparent and radiant. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GQ: How have you been lately, V?

V: I've been focusing on preparing for the new album that will be released soon. It feels like a very, very busy stretch of days is coming up!

 

GQ: Everyone is waiting for it.

V: That's right. It's been a really long time since both the album and a concert. So these days, I feel more often and more clearly that standing on stage is the biggest motivation in my life.

GQ: While preparing the new album, what kinds of dreams are you sharing with the members? Don't those expectations ever feel heavy, especially since it's a long-awaited comeback?

 

V: Of course. There are times when the weight of a comeback feels heavy. But more than anything, I'm trying to enjoy it! And because I want to look good for ARMYs, I'm not thinking about anything else right now—just working hard on the preparations.

 

GQ: Could you give us a hint about how you're working hard to prepare?

 

V: I usully don't take very good care of my skin, but now I even put on a face mask, at least once a week.  

 

GQ: This year marks BTS's 13th debut anniversary. BTS has already achieved so much, but if there are still dreams left, what would they be—whether as a team or as V?

V: Right now, I'm not thinking about anything other than concerts and the new album, but well, you do need to have dreams. If I had to name one, it would be for the new album to be loved by ARMYs. Yes—that's my dream.

GQ: As a musician, an icon, and as an artist who represents something—like on the cover of GQ—there are many roles expected of you. What kinds of unseen efforts do you make to fulfill those roles?

V: Experience. I make an effort to willingly try a wide range of experiences. Afterward, I check which ones suit my own color. I think that this whole process is a form of learning.

GQ: With what kind of attitude do you go through those experiences of effort?

 

V: I just find it fun! It feels like as if I'm playing roles, various personas are naturally created.

 

GQ: And in the end, what does V gain from meeting all those different personas?

 

V: It might sound like a cliché answer, but growth—and change. Through that growth, I came to understand more clearly what I like and what I'm good at. Ultimately, I got to know myself better—what kind of person I am.

 

 

 

GQ: What do you think it ultimately means to be "so V-like"?

V: Hmm, honestly, I'm not sure yet. I think the people who match over me probably know better than I o what being "V-like" really means.

GQ: What does beauty look like to you—what's your standard of beauty?

V: I guess I'm drawn to classic and vintage beauty. It's something I've always pursued expressed often. To the point that it feels like a firm preference and even a part of who I am now. But I don't cling it. I'm always interested in the many different values that can be called "beautiful."

GQ: Like the jewelry and watch you're wearing during today's shoot—when you think of something so beautiful that you find yourself looking at it often, what comes to mind?

V: Our ARMY. They're always on my mind and always someone I want to see. Other than ARMY, I can't think of anything else.

GQ: Like a kind of beauty you don't want to lose even as time passes—what do you hope will never fade or change?

V: What I don't want to lose is our members. What I hope never changes is the relationship between ARMY and us.

 

GQ: These messages will be published in GQ's February issue, but since our coversation took place at the end of the year, let me ask—what was 2025 like for you, V?

V: It was the time when I tried to grow, and in the end, was able to grow. I also made an effort to capture that process in my music. On another note, it was also a time when I tried, in whatever small ways I could, to show my face through various opportunities—because I wanted to be loved by ARMY who might miss BTS during our hiatus. Praise me, please!

GQ: For the final message, please leave your honest wishes as V as you step in 2026.

V: First, I hope ARMY will recognie the sincerity of this album. The new album, the comeback stages the concerts—we'll express everything we can possibily show you through all of these, so I'd be grateful if you could accept it as it is. And one more thing: I want to keep staying by ARMY's side. In a good way, of course. Um... kind of 계속—V (continued): sticking around.

 

 

 

Original article: GQ Korea