Tattoos are no longer unfamiliar in the idol–artist world, especially for rappers. Every line of ink on the skin deepens their edgy, charismatic, and captivating image—just like the very genre of music they pursue.
But tattoos are not only about appearance; they are also a personal statement of style, carrying meanings that hold importance. While not every rapper is obliged to get inked, tattoos have almost become a “shared language” in the rap scene.
That’s why a host once expressed surprise when discovering that BTS’s rap line—SUGA, RM, and j-hope—were almost entirely tattoo-free (before 2022), making them some of the rare rappers who remained “clean” of ink. It wasn’t until BTS’s 10th anniversary, when all members decided to get friendship tattoo “7”, that the rap line received their very first tattoos.
There are many reasons why SUGA, RM, and j-hope had no tattoos before then, mostly because it wasn’t their preference. In various interviews, they gave reasons ranging from public standards for idols, considerations about charity work, or even worries of regret like Pharrell Williams. However, the members also mentioned that their perspective on tattoos might change over time.
It seems j-hope is one of the three whose views on tattoos have shifted since his first tattoo or now, he has gotten a second one!
Fans discovered this through a post by Dr. Woo, the owner of a tattoo studio in L.A. In a photo where j-hope posed in shorts with Dr. Woo, ARMYs spotted the word “Hope” tattooed on his thigh, just above the knee. It seems like o have been freshly done.
“Hope” is not only his stage name but also a word deeply tied to Jung Hoseok’s music and projects. Now, etched onto his body, it feels like a mark of the artistic journey he’s pursuing, as well as a personal reminder.
According to fans, it wasn’t only j-hope who visited Dr. Woo’s studio—V was seen accompanying him on multiple occasions, sparking both excitement and speculation that he too may have added a new tattoo to his collection. At the same time, some fans suggested that V might simply have been accompanying j-hope for consultations or sessions.
Either way, this detail alone was enough to thrill fans. The decision of j-hope—and possibly V—to add new tattoos reflects the boldness of BTS members in Chapter 2, a chapter that continues to surprise ARMYs with fresh transformations.
On social media, fans have been buzzing with notable reactions:
- Omg. The tattoo looks αωєsome! Very cool placement. J-hope is so cool
- Hoseok and Taehyung went to Dr. Woo in LA various times and Hoseok got a “hope” tattoo on his leg and we dont know if Taehyung got a new one as well but qksgwksbskeqj
- May be he just went there to accompany hobi ( telling myself this so that I don’t explode pr go crazy )
- My God, this is the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time, I love you tattooed BTS, keep it up!!!
- The fact that V keeps showing up at the tattoo shop with Hobi… I can’t stop wondering if he’s already hiding soмєтнing under those oversized sleeves
- i love that he now has multiple tattoos but still won’t pierce his ears
- hope tatted up…… crazy things happening in this world….
- the word hope become hoseok’s brand and i was so surprised as to why he wouldn’t get it inked on him so i saw this coming it is soooo beautiful
- Small tattoo but huge meaning. Love the way he tattooed this on his body
- I cannot believe he actually got a tattoo. What if he’s realized he’s kind of into it and we have another Jungkook on our hands
- So… if j-hope got his new tattoo at Dr. Woo’s, and V was seen there too. Are we really about to discover Taehyung has some secret ink as well?
- Now I can’t help but remember when ARMYs swore V had an elephant trunk tattoo on his arm ? maybe they were onto soмєтнing all along
