Jungkook has long been known for his full right-arm tattoo, featuring deeply symbolic designs representing BTS and ARMY, his life and identity — such as the bull αѕѕociated with his birth year, 1997, tiger flowers, traditional кσяєαn motifs, and life mottos that he holds dear. It was this thoughtful and deeply personal approach to tattoos that helped bring about a major turning point for the tattoo industry in South кσяєα, contributing to the National Assembly’s pαѕѕage of the “Tattoo Law,” officially legalizing the profession after 33 years of restrictions.
Contributing half to the success of this work is tattoo artist POLYC, who worked alongside Jungkook for five months to develop the concepts and bring the tattoo on his arm to life. They then spent several more months making adjustments as the tattoo faded or no longer suited the idol’s preferences over time. Fans even noticed the detail “jk 225” on Jungkook’s arm, believed to be his initials along with the date the tattoo work was completed, February 25 — clearly reflecting how much he cherished this experience and wanted to preserve this milestone as a memory.
It can be said that Jungkook’s full-arm tattoo is a one-of-a-kind work created through the combination of the idol’s personal story and POLYC’s creative imprint. It is especially sensitive because it belongs to a globally famous artist like BTS superstar Jungkook. Therefore, when he discovered that another tattoo artist had created a piece that almost entirely copied Jungkook’s design, POLYC could not remain silent.
On August 25, POLYC publicly commented under a short video on Instagram posted by a tattoo artist named maripon.ink. The artist’s video showed a tattoo on their client’s arm featuring many details that were almost identical to the tattoo work on Jungkook’s right arm, from waves, phrases, and flowers to mottos and many other distinctive motifs.
POLYC condemned the act, considering it the theft of an idea that he and Jungkook had spent considerable time and effort developing, while the tattoo itself was meant to be an exclusive design and a personal signature of Jungkook. He emphasized that every tattoo should be created specifically for each individual, based on the memories and experiences shared between the artist and the client. He added: “Copying it exactly for someone else and proudly posting it on social media feels disrespectful not only to me as the original artist, but also to the client who originally received this design.”
In a next Instagram Story, POLYC said that he usually tries to let it go when his designs are copied because he does not want to create unnecessary conflict. However, this time, he felt the need to speak up because “copying a celebrity’s tattoo can attract attention and may help with viral marketing”. “But I believe a tattoo is more than just an image—it is soмєтнing that stays on a person’s body for the rest of their life. If we truly love and respect this profession, and if we want to build a better tattoo community, I believe we should not copy designs that another tattoo artist created specifically for their client,” he concluded.
In response to the original tattoo artist’s criticism, the artist who created the “cover of Jungkook’s tattoo” explained that their client had been deeply inspired by Jungkook and his tattoos, which had even “saved his life” in many ways. Because of that significance, the artist decided to accept the request despite understanding that much of the design would be copied. He insisted that there was no malicious intent or desire to use Jungkook for promotional purposes, while also apologizing if his actions had been disrespectful to POLYC and Jungkook.
The artist also said that he never expected the video to go viral to such an extent and was willing to delete the post if POLYC wanted him to. The account stated: “I just wanted to share with my followers a project that was important to me and my client, which we didn't think would cause any harm. If you prefer that I delete the reel, I am at your disposal.”
Although the artist has provided an explanation and expressed his apology, some fans following the story appear to feel that his response was not satisfactory enough:
- Saying his tattoos “saved his life” is lowkey emotionally manipulative bc how can a celebrity’s whole tattoo sleeve, that are personal to him only, have that kind of impact on one’s life?
- How can someone else’s tattoos save your life? hat part got an eyebrow raise from me. if a client tells you that, they shouldn’t be getting a tattoo at all until they seek therapy
- A bunch of bs. all that while liking shady comments too. If polyc wouldn't have commented she wouldn't give af abt it. She only apologized because he called her out. And that fan is a weirdo
- I’m really starting to dislike this whole “xyz saved my life” thing like i get someone helping u a bit but y’all really just need to get professional help it cannot be healthy to rely on someone u don’t actually know this heavily
- Does tattoo artist doesn't have this kinda professional code of not copying the work of other, like they can talk to the client and suggest a different design that would fit to him or would incorporate the design but not totally copying/plagiarized the work of others..
- The tattoo has jks birth flower, his birth time i do not understand how that can "save" Someone's life. This is just an excuse to hide their own unprofessional behavior. And tha fact that the whole thing was actually "copied" Because hoe can someone else's birth time save life?
