In an era of rapidly advancing technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a widely used tool in visual content creation. With just a few lines of prompts, users can generate hyper-realistic images with such high levels of detail that it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is fake. While this brings many conveniences, it also comes with significant downsides—especially within K-pop fandom communities.

BTS is one of the groups that has frequently become a “victim” of the AI image trend. Many individuals have created fake images of the members to farm engagement, attract views, or serve personal purposes. As a result, ARMYs have become extremely sensitive and strongly opposed to the use of AI to generate images of their idols, viewing it as disrespectful and potentially misleading.

However, this heightened vigilance has sometimes led to rather ironic situations. Recently, a selfie of V taken with a fan in Portugal quickly went viral on social media, drawing mαѕѕive attention. Ironically, many fans—and even the original poster herself—suspected that the photo was AI-generated simply because V’s visuals appeared too flawless and sharp.

In the photo, V appeared completely bare-faced with no makeup, yet still displayed bright, smooth skin, sharp features, and a flawless aura that many found almost unreal. The picture was taken at a very close distance and in high quality, yet there were no visible imperfections on his face. This led even the fan standing next to him to exclaim when sharing the photo: “Yooo f*ck this AI generation, tell me why I just met Taehyung and it looks like AI-generated.”

The post quickly gained over 2.6 million interactions, with many others expressing similar doubts, commenting: “Which phone is she using? Because that quality straight-up made him look AI-generated,” “This is real?! Initially, I thought it is an AI pic… this is one very blessed fan!”, “Girl, what kind of phone do you have? We should take note! The quality is so perfect!”, “How can a random candid photo look this good? I’d be ѕнσ¢кed if you told me there was absolutely no AI involved,” and more.

But in reality, there was no AI involvement at all. The fan in the photo explained that when she met V at the restaurant in Portugal, she maintained a polite attitude and only softly said goodbye when he was leaving. Touched by her courtesy, V turned back with a smile and even hugged her to thank her. When he learned that she had been an ARMY for nine years, the idol not only expressed his sincere gratitude but also proactively suggested taking a photo with her before saying goodbye and leaving.

Other ARMYs also provided additional evidence to prove that the image was real, supporting the lucky fan. These included V’s distinctive moles on his lip and hand—personal identifying marks that AI has difficulty replicating accurately and consistently. Meanwhile, the original poster also revealed that she used an iPhone 17 Pro to take the photo. Fans quickly concluded: “It’s not the quality, it’s Kim Taehyung.”

In the end, fans could only joke that V is simply too unrealistically handsome, which is why the photo was mistaken for AI-generated. Many humorous and interesting comments flooded social media in response to this ironic situation:

- I wouldn't even bother asking cash or card to a face like that

- AI has me zooming in on pictures to see if birthmarks are there but really. I love this — respect & kindness goes a long way. ya both looking flawless

- No doubt about his handsomeness but ∂αми his true beauty comes from within

- when his purest character shines even for just a short, most υиєχρє¢тє∂ encounter - that's KIM TAEHYUNG, the kindest, most humble of all!!!

- He’s so beautiful he looks like CG. I’m so incredibly jealous that you got to meet him!

- You could not ask for a better picture! Absolutely beautiful, cherish this for the rest of your life how wonderful!

- No matter how hard they try to tarnish his image, Taehyung will always remain pure, kind-hearted, and beautiful from the inside before the outside

- imagine having such a flawless face card that your irl pics look ai generated- taehyung can relate

- And we struggling to prove this pic is real cause Kim Taehyung looks like a d*mnnn AI.. Taehyung so Eternal people can’t tell if he’s real or not

- Taehyung paying himself for that pastry for real. Face card so good