BTS member Jin has reaffirmed his deep commitment to the group, saying he sees little point in continuing his career without his bandmates — a message that has resonated strongly with fans worldwide. On Tuesday, Rolling Stone unveiled a large-scale global project featuring BTS, including a group cover and individual covers for all seven members. The feature is being published simultaneously across 16 countries and regions — including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany — marking one of the magazine’s most ambitious international collaborations and a first of its kind for a K-pop act.

The project includes one group cover and seven solo covers, highlighting each member’s identity while emphasizing the group’s collective presence. In the accompanying photos, BTS exudes a more mature and intense charisma, styled in black-and-white tones and denim outfits that create a free-spirited yet rebellious mood. The interviews offer a glimpse into the group’s journey through their recent hiatus and their return as a full unit, a moment long anticipated by fans known as “ARMY.” The members spoke candidly about growth, challenges and what lies ahead.

The Significance of the Rolling Stone Project

Rolling Stone’s decision to dedicate a global project to BTS underscores the group’s immense worldwide influence. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has shattered numerous records: they were the first K-pop act to top the Billboard Hot 100, the first to perform at the Grammys, and the first to sell out stadiums on multiple continents. This Rolling Stone feature, published across 16 editions, is unprecedented for any artist, let alone a Korean pop group. It reflects how BTS has transcended language and cultural barriers to become a global phenomenon.

The magazine’s choice of black-and-white imagery and denim styling evokes a sense of timelessness and rebellion, hinting at the group’s evolution from fresh-faced rookies to seasoned artists. The solo covers allow each member to showcase his individuality, while the group cover reinforces their unity. This dual approach mirrors the central theme of the interviews: that BTS’s strength lies in both their individual talents and their collective bond.

Jin’s Unwavering Commitment to BTS

Jin’s statement that “there’s no reason to continue if it’s not with the group” is perhaps the most poignant takeaway from the project. As the oldest member (born in 1992), Jin has often served as a stabilizing presence. He completed his mandatory military service in June 2024, being the first member to fulfill his duty. During his time away from the spotlight, Jin maintained contact with fans through social media and surprise appearances, but he has always emphasized that his identity is inseparable from BTS.

In the Rolling Stone interview, Jin elaborated on his perspective, noting that the group’s journey has been built on mutual trust and shared experiences. He recalled early days when they lived together in a cramped dorm, struggling to make ends meet. Now, even as global superstars, he feels the same reliance on his bandmates. “Without them, I wouldn’t know what to do,” he said. This sentiment is echoed by his bandmates, who have frequently spoken about how Jin’s humor and warmth keep the group grounded.

RM’s Artistic Vision for ‘ARIRANG’

Group leader RM described the new album “ARIRANG” as an answer to the question: “What is BTS in 2026?” He stressed the importance of artistic evolution, saying, “If we don’t challenge anymore, then I think there’s no reason that we should keep doing this as a team.” RM has long been the group’s creative backbone, involved in songwriting and production. The album title, a reference to a traditional Korean folk song, suggests that BTS is reconnecting with their roots while pushing forward.

RM hinted that “ARIRANG” will blend genres and include personal stories from each member. He acknowledged that the group’s hiatus — during which members pursued solo projects, enlisted in the military, or focused on personal growth — gave them time to reflect. “We needed that break to remember why we started,” he said. The album is expected to drop later this year, and fans are already speculating about its themes.

J-Hope on the Necessity of Seven

J-Hope, known for his explosive dance skills and sunny personality, said the group’s dynamic reminded him why BTS must remain seven. He noted that members complement one another’s strengths and weaknesses. “When one of us is down, another lifts us up. That balance is what makes us BTS,” he explained. J-Hope himself released a solo album, “Hope World,” in 2023, which topped charts globally, but he has always stressed that his solo work is an extension of the group’s energy.

During the hiatus, J-Hope traveled and took time to recharge. He said he missed the adrenaline of performing with his bandmates and the unique synergy they create on stage. “No amount of solo success can replace that feeling,” he admitted. His comments align with Jin’s perspective: the group is more than a sum of its parts.

Suga’s Shift in Priorities

Suga, known for his introspective lyrics and production skills, said he now values enjoying the process and taking care of each other’s well-being rather than focusing solely on achievements. This marks a shift from his earlier days when he was driven by ambition. Suga’s health has been a concern in the past; he underwent shoulder surgery in 2020 and has spoken about the pressures of fame. In the Rolling Stone interview, he emphasized that the group has matured and now prioritizes mental and physical health.

“We used to think we had to break records every time. Now we realize it’s more important to be happy and healthy together,” he said. Suga also revealed that he has been working on new music that reflects this newfound perspective. His solo mixtapes, such as “D-2” and “Agust D,” have been praised for their raw honesty, and fans expect his contributions to “ARIRANG” to be equally candid.

Jimin’s Drive to Prove His Value

Jimin, often praised for his emotional performances and vocal ability, said he aims to further prove his value within the group and elevate its global stature. He acknowledged that he sometimes feels the weight of expectations but uses it as motivation. Jimin’s solo single “Like Crazy” (2023) debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first Korean soloist to achieve that. Yet he remains humble, crediting the group for his success.

“Without BTS, I wouldn’t have had the platform to grow as an artist. I want to give back by pushing myself even harder,” he said. Jimin’s dedication to his craft is evident in his rigorous dance practice and vocal training. He also highlighted the importance of the fans, ARMY, who have supported him through every step.

V’s Growth During Military Service

V, who enlisted in the military in 2025, spoke about personal growth during his service, saying he used the time to “build up” both physically and mentally as an artist. V is known for his deep voice and eclectic style, and the military experience gave him a new perspective on discipline and patience. He joked that he learned to wake up at 5 a.m. without complaint, a skill he never thought he’d master.

V also revealed that he wrote poetry and song ideas during his time off, some of which may appear on the new album. “I feel more grounded now. I understand myself better,” he said. His bandmates have noticed a change in him, describing him as more focused and serene.

Jungkook’s Longing for the Stage

Jungkook, the youngest member, said he deeply missed performing during the hiatus, adding that his longing to return to the stage has been fully poured into the new album. Jungkook’s solo debut album “Golden” (2024) was a massive success, but he admitted that nothing compares to the energy of group concerts. “When I’m on stage with the others, I feel invincible. That’s what I’ve been missing,” he said.

He described the preparation for “ARIRANG” as intensely collaborative, with members bouncing ideas off each other late into the night. Jungkook also expressed gratitude for the fans who waited for them during the hiatus. “We’re back now, and we’re going to give them everything we have,” he promised.

The Bond That Defines BTS

As BTS prepares for its next chapter following a period of individual activities and military service, the interviews highlight a recurring theme — that the group’s strength lies not just in global success, but in the bond between its seven members. Each member’s journey has been unique, yet they all converge on the same point: BTS is a family, and that family is unbreakable. The Rolling Stone project serves as a testament to their longevity and unity, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting new era.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of “ARIRANG,” which is expected to be accompanied by a world tour. The album’s title, referencing a beloved Korean folk song, suggests a return to cultural roots even as BTS continues to conquer global charts. With Jin’s powerful words still echoing — “there’s no reason to continue if it’s not with the group” — it’s clear that the heart of BTS remains as strong as ever. The Rolling Stone project will continue to roll out daily until Monday at 7 p.m., with new covers and interview content released sequentially, giving ARMY even more insight into the group’s collective mind.

Source: Koreatimes News