How Many Tattoos Does Jungkook Have? List With Meanings & Pics

Seoul: When BTS’s Jungkook first revealed a hint of ink on his hand in 2019, the internet nearly imploded. Fans had spotted the word “ARMY” across his knuckles—an unmistakable tribute to the band’s global fanbase. What started as a subtle expression of identity has since evolved into something much more powerful: a full-blown collection of meaningful tattoos, spread across his hands, arms, and now—possibly—even his chest.

In the years since that first glimpse, Jungkook’s tattoo journey has become a point of deep curiosity and admiration. From floral symbols and numerals to the BTS logo and a rumored swallow bird, each new addition sparks waves of theories and emotional reactions from ARMYs worldwide. Whether it’s a tribute to his team, his fans, or his personal milestones, Jungkook’s tattoos tell a story—and he’s never needed to say a word.

But fans aren’t just interested in aesthetics. They want to know how many tattoos Jungkook has, what they mean, where they are, and why he got them in the first place. This guide answers all those questions and more—tracing the full timeline of his ink, breaking down symbolic meanings, and offering an inside look at how Jungkook went from hiding his tattoos to proudly embracing them as part of his public identity.

jungkook’s pretty hand tattoos and painted nails pic.twitter.com/OrJAlfO0k4

— jungkook vids 🎥 (slow) (@jjklve) July 14, 2025

How Many Tattoos Does Jungkook Have?

As of July 2025, Jungkook has at least 22 visible tattoos.

While he hasn’t officially listed them one by one, fan observations, tattoo artist posts, and livestream glimpses confirm:

• 16+ tattoos on his right arm and hand
• 4+ tattoos possibly on his chest and left arm (new)
• Piercings that add to his body art identity

This includes both symbolic tattoos (like the BTS logo and number 7) and artistic visuals (a skeleton hand, swallow bird, emojis).

When Did Jungkook Get His First Tattoo?

Jungkook’s first tattoo appeared in September 2019. Fans spotted the word “ARMY” inked on his knuckles as he arrived at Incheon International Airport after vacation.

That moment made headlines because:

• It was rare for a K-pop idol to show tattoos publicly.
• It marked a shift in Jungkook’s image — from golden boy to expressive artist.

He later confirmed the ink on a V Live, explaining that tattoos were personal to him, though at the time he was shy about showing them.

Where Are Jungkook’s Tattoos Located?

Here’s a breakdown of tattoo locations:

jungkook’s chest tattoo peeking 🫠 pic.twitter.com/ubm2Kjwkmp

— jungkook vids 🎥 (slow) (@jjklve) July 1, 2025

What Do Jungkook’s Tattoos Mean?

Many of his tattoos have personal or emotional meanings:

• ARMY – Dedication to BTS fans
• BTS Logo – Group identity and brotherhood
• 7 – The seven members of BTS
• Tiger Lily – His birth flower, symbolising passion
• Skeleton Hand – Artistic expression and transformation
• Clock + Date – Possibly family-related or significant personal memory
• Eye (covered up) – Was replaced due to personal growth and change

Even his tattoo artist POLYC shared:

“Many of Jungkook’s earlier tattoos were done impulsively. Fixing them wasn’t easy—it was real work.”

Who Is Jungkook’s Tattoo Artist?

Most of Jungkook’s ink was done or retouched by POLYC, a respected South Korean tattooist. In a heartfelt Instagram note, POLYC revealed: “Jungkook once felt so self-conscious, he wouldn’t even wear short sleeves in summer.”

They later began the “Short-Sleeve in Summer Project,” helping him feel more confident in showing his tattoos.

“We completed around 70% of the work before he enlisted,” POLYC added. “Now he wears his ink with pride.”

Jungkook Tattoo Photos Fans Have Seen

Here’s a gallery of known tattoos:

jungkook really did a tattoo tour omg pic.twitter.com/Ryx8iccCSh

— jungkook vids 🎥 (slow) (@jjklve) February 1, 2023

Why Jungkook’s Tattoos Matter in Korean Pop Culture

In South Korea, tattoos are still controversial, especially for celebrities. On television, idols’ tattoos are:

• Blurred or covered up
• Discouraged by networks
• Only allowed if done by licensed medical professionals

Jungkook’s open display of ink has helped shift perceptions—especially among younger Koreans and global fans.

He once told Vogue Korea: “As I get older, I feel more pressure… If the world sees us as having a positive influence, then I need to try to match my actions and thoughts to those values.”

What’s Next?

With new tattoos appearing in 2025 and fans speculating about a second arm sleeve, Jungkook’s tattoo journey seems far from over. What’s certain is this: Jungkook’s tattoos aren’t just art—they’re a map of who he is, who he’s loved, and how he’s grown.

As ARMYs say: “He wears his story in ink—and we love every piece of it.”