After officially being appointed as the Global Ambαѕѕador for Chanel Beauty, Jungkook participated in a photo shoot and an interview with ELLE for the January 2026 issue. His appointment as the first male global ambαѕѕador for Chanel Beauty carries immense symbolic significance, befitting his titles as a “global icon” and a “generation-defining icon.” ELLE quickly captured the powerful synergy between the global K-pop artist and the world’s leading luxury brand at this historic moment.
Nine different collectible cover editions were released on the 15th, reflecting an image of Jungkook harmoniously blending his strong, modern personal identity with the elegant, clαѕѕic aesthetics of Paris—the home of CHANEL. The magazine’s interior proved even more impressive with an exclusive interview with Jungkook. He not only affirmed his position as Chanel Beauty’s first male global ambαѕѕador but also conveyed his musical philosophy with clarity, generating high expectations for his upcoming activities.
The combined appeal of the January issue’s cover and content, along with Jungkook’s global influence, made the magazine’s sales race more intense than ever. Just three days after its release, the issue featuring Jungkook on the cover swept the number-one bestseller position, dominating various online bookstore charts and creating an explosive reaction.
Specifically, Jungkook’s editions occupied the real-time bestseller chart of Yes24 at positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Almost the entire chart was “covered” by the ELLE Jungkook editions, demonstrating overwhelming sales momentum. At Aladin, the real-time bestseller list for magazines ranked ELLE Jungkook covers from positions 1 to 9. On Gmarket, the performance was equally impressive. The full set of nine ELLE editions featuring Jungkook reached number one in the Hobbies – Magazines – Comics category, further fueling the shopping frenzy.
However, one aspect that drew even more attention than the magazine’s sales figures was the AGE DEMOGRAPHICS OF PEOPLE BUYING, compiled by ELLE and K-media on the 18th, showing the age groups of fans supporting Jungkook the most. Surprisingly, it was not teens or fans in their 20s, but fans aged 40–50 who made up the largest group of buyers—a revelation that sparked lively discussion.
A common stereotype outsiders have held about K-pop fans is that they are mostly teenage girls, with fandoms seen as “immature,” trend-driven, and concerned only with idols’ appearances and fame rather than deeper meaning. Even ARMY, BTS’s fandom, has been mocked for being predominantly teenage girls by both ordinary people and celebrities. Today’s data completely contradicts this stereotype, showing that middle-aged fans also make up a significant portion of the fandom.
One undeniable truth is that K-pop fandoms in general, and ARMY in particular, have become diverse, profound, and far beyond the outdated public perceptions that have persisted for years. At many BTS concerts, older fans can be seen attending with their children, and there are even ARMY members in their 70s and 80s with silver hair fully immersed in the dynamic music experience.
World-renowned Filipino singer Lea Salonga is a prime example of the older generation of Jungkook and BTS fans. The Tony Award–winning singer and Disney musical icon once remarked, “There are many ARMYs close to my age, and we admire their talent. It’s like we’re proud aunties!” Even in her 50s, her fan energy is as vibrant as that of much younger fans. She never misses a single BTS song, update, or social media activity, including Jungkook’s υиєχρє¢тє∂ early-morning livestream on Weverse Live.
Netizens were left astonished by the data announced by ELLE. Many admitted that, given these factual numbers, it is hard for anyone to make disparaging comments about ARMY’s age. Some even stated that BTS and Jungkook are rare K-pop idols who win the hearts of older fans as well:
- They have fans in their 40s-50s whereas other groups don't. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to win over older fans in the K-pop genre. But it’s not surprising either, since BTS’s music is BTSpop
- Mostly 40s and 50s – turns out Jungkook's fanbase grew up with him, but their wallets didn't retire. Who knew ARMY stood for "Aunties Raising Money Yearly"?
- he is being supported by people who are ABLE and CAPABLE. So proud of him!
- Age doesn’t define an ARMY. Respect does. What does age have to do with loving music and admiring the Artist? Isn't it great, that BTS has such diverse fandom? Isn't it just beautiful?
- BTS taught us that no matter our age, background, or race, they love us the same, and we love them the same.
- Wow, I never expected people in their 40s and 50s to be such pαѕѕionate Jungkook fans—age really doesn’t matter
- It’s amazing to see older fans supporting BTS just as much as the younger ones. Truly inspiring
- I love that BTS brings together fans of all ages. Seeing ARMYs in their 50s is so heartwarming
- Seeing middle-aged fans fangirling over Jungkook is honestly so uplifting. Talent really unites everyone
- I’m pleasantly surprised that BTS has fans spanning generations. Age is clearly no barrier to being an ARMY
