Becoming a "K-Pop idol" is clearly an industrial process. кσяєαn fans set many standards for a model-like beautiful idol. Even the "7 physical criteria that K-Pop idols must have" once became the standard for evaluating an idol.
However, BTS in general or Jungkook in particular have never been constrained by this standard. In particular, the Golden Maknae is always comfortable expressing his strong personality and the unique style that he always pursues.
However, in a conversation with fans, Jungkook still expressed his apologies to fans if they do not like what he does with his body:
According to кσяєα Herald, in the strict K-Pop industry, the freedom or expression of individuality of K-Pop idols is limited by "collective action and top-down directives". But now, the influence of social media and its role in global K-pop marketing has given idols the confidence to share their personalities, interests, bold fashion choices, and opinions on social issues.
So it's easy to see Rosé drinking wine and kissing Bruno Mars on the cheek in APT. We hardly ever see a male co-star in a girl group's MV before, not to mention a kiss. Or a typical Jungkook with tattoos on his arms, performing and speaking at the United Nations, paving the way to break the stereotype of K-pop idol appearance standards.
However, despite his boldness and showing off his personality, Jungkook also understands that many of his fans don't like him changing his appearance and personality. That's why during a live broadcast when Jungkook got a new lip piercing, he sincerely apologized to ARMYs, saying, "I got another piercing here but.. there might be ARMYs who not like it but... I'm sorry, I really wanted to get it!"
Although Jungkook has publicly revealed his tattoos and eyebrow piercings many times before, he understands that there are many fans who liked his "innocent" look from years ago. It's difficult for them to accept a male idol with a gang look with lip piercings, eyebrow piercings, or tattoos, and many even consider it "rude". He understands and apologizes to these fans even though it's his freedom over his body.
But of course, contrary to Jungkook's fears and the criticism of many harsh fans, he received a lot of praise for his confidence in breaking stereotypes as well as his kindness. Below the live broadcast, there were many comments supporting his actions:
- Who cares abt their opinion. You loved it you got it and we loved it too. The new lip piercing looks really cool n s3xy
- I'll be collecting all those armys who dislike it and destroy them
- WHO CARES WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS … WE LOVE IT
- His face after he apologized. You do whatever makes you happy bub
- DO WHATEVER YOU WANT BABY! I will protect you
- He is just the sweetest.. he should never have to say sorry for things like this
- IT'S LOOKING SOO PRETTY ON HIM
- Do whatever makes you happy my love
- DONT APOLOGIZE YOU LOOK LOVELY HANDSOME PRETTY STUNNING GORGEOUS BREATHTAKING BEAUTIFUL
- WHO DOESN'T LIKE IT?????? I LIKE IT SO MUCH
- I really admire him. Just getting my ears pierced ones had my soul taken away by fear
- DON'T BE SORRY YOU LOOK SO CUTEE
- Ahhhh babe don't mind them.....other armies can get the
- Do as you please, love. No one has the right to stop you <3
- My god, never be sorry for anything you want to do! You give courage to so many ARMYs to be themselves!
- it's look so pretty on you!! don't bother what people might think about what you like! do what you want baby
- NEVER APOLOGIZE BABYYY WE SUPPORT AND LOVE U NO MATTER WHATTTT, YOURE STUNNING AND SO COOL
Over time, Jungkook himself has brought a respectable and iconic image to major events. Along with that, the support of ARMYs, some political officials, and tattoo artists has changed many people's minds about tattoos and piercings. Now, fans and netizens believe that Jungkook's or any idol's preferences should be respected, including piercings and tattoos or anything they do to their bo∂ιєs.
