In the middle of this month, Jungkook was appointed as the Global Ambαѕѕador for Chanel Beauty. This collaboration between Chanel House—a timeless, iconic brand—and Jungkook—a modern-day icon who has transcended the boundaries of K-pop—has been marked as a deeply significant moment. To commemorate this occasion, the leading fashion magazine Elle conducted a combined photoshoot and interview featuring Jungkook and Chanel for its January 2026 issue. Released on the 15th, the issue features nine different collectible covers.
Elle perfectly captured both the intensity and elegance of the artist in his first time before the lens as Chanel Beauty’s Global Ambαѕѕador. Just three days after its release, the January issue shot to number one on bestseller lists, dominating various online bookstores and sparking an explosive reaction.
Specifically, Jungkook’s editions swept the real-time bestseller charts on Yes24, occupying ranks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Nearly the entire chart was "covered" by Elle issues featuring Jungkook, demonstrating his extraordinary selling power. On Aladin, the real-time magazine bestseller list ranked Jungkook’s Elle covers from 1st to 9th place. The performance on Gmarket was equally impressive, with the complete set of nine editions reaching number one in the Hobbies/Magazines/Comics category, further fueling the shopping frenzy.
Beyond the captivating covers, the interview content within the magazine also mesmerized fans with every word. Reading his answers closely reveals an incredible evolution from a 15-year-old rookie to a 28-year-old K-pop superstar. In particular, his responses carry a sense of decisiveness, strength, and authenticity that reflects his true nature.
Following the article's release, one specific answer from Jungkook regarding whether he would say anything to his past self quickly went viral on social media, earning widespread admiration from netizens. His flawless response to the question was: “Even if I were to meet my past self, I wouldn’t say a single word to him. Because it’s precisely those experiences that made me who I am today.”
These words seem to be bathed in the scent of “Bleu de Chanel,” his favorite fragrance, which he describes as: “It doesn’t represent a forced masculinity, but rather expresses one’s true self. It’s a scent I use often because it naturally reveals one's presence without having to try too hard.”
Rather than yearning to fix past mistakes or offering advice to his younger self, he chooses silence as a way to respect all his experiences. That very "silence" is the clearest testament to a mature character—one that doesn't need to be flashy yet carries immense weight. Jungkook does not strive to build a flawless image; he accepts every piece of his past, even the clumsiest ones, to create the unique individual he is today. Perhaps that is why his presence, much like the fragrance itself, radiates naturally, making it impossible to look away without any need for force or pretension.
Jungkook’s insights have resonated deeply with fans, sparking a mαѕѕive wave of positive reactions across online communities:
- This is such a healthy way of thinking. Wow. He has grown up so much, it’s incredible
- One of the reasons why I love him. The level of maturity he has reached is simply mind-blowing
- He's so young and so wise. He got really soon that kind of wisdom that usually emerges when it's too late to be useful. I love him.
- Exactly those moments makes us what we’re today. Jungkook is so philosophical
- He is exactly who his younger self would find cool and idolize.
- The way he embraces his past instead of wanting to change it shows how much he has grown as a person. I'm in αωє
- It’s amazing to see how he articulates his thoughts now. I admire his strong and healthy sense of self
- I love how his philosophy matches the fragrance he represents. No forced masculinity, just raw and natural presence. His mindset is as elegant as he is
- Jungkook has gone so far to have this kind of wisdom at 28, while being a global superstar, is honestly so inspiring.
