On December 25, the February 2026 issue cover of Rolling Stone נαραи, featuring Jungkook in collaboration with Calvin Klein, was unveiled as a Christmas gift for fans around the world. In the magazine’s visuals, Jungkook exudes a mature, masculine, and subtly daring charm. The Calvin Klein outfits accentuate his fit, powerful physique, while his tattoos—left completely unobscured—clearly reflect his personal identity and artistic imprint.
Fans were not only unable to take their eyes off the striking cover images, but were also deeply drawn in by the Golden Maknae’s thoughtful and mature responses in the interview featured inside. From the very opening, the writer sets the tone: “Jungkook is a bona fide global pop superstar—calling him one of the most recognizable figures on the planet would be no exaggeration.
There are countless questions people want to ask him: What was going through his mind during those 18 months of military service, and how did he spend that time? Now that his service has ended, as he steps back into the spotlight as a true solo artist—while also remaining a member of BTS, the defining pop icons of the 21st century—what emotions does he carry with him?
There is no end to the curiosity surrounding topics such as the musical direction of his new album currently being produced in Los Angeles, his plans for a comeback, and more
Yet, in a sunlit photo studio in New York’s West Side, where he is shooting the cover for this magazine’s global edition, he shifts his gaze away from all those swirling questions and instead turns it toward the small pleasures of everyday life."
Notably, in one section of the interview, the writer recounts: “Jungkook says he is a practical person—by his own words, a “realist.” Within this trait may also lie an instinct for self-protection. After all, when nearly every aspect of one’s life is recorded, archived, and analysed by the media, the only thing he can truly control with his own hands is the “present"".
In this context, Jungkook revealed an important turning point after his discharge from the military: changing several old habits that were not beneficial to his well-being, including drinking alcohol. He shared: “Pre and post-enlistment, the depth of my thinking changed. My attitude toward how I use time changed too. I also started avoiding things that aren’t good for my body. I used to drink occasionally, but now I try not to. I want to value my time and use it more meaningfully.”
Fans have long known Jungkook as someone who enjoys alcoholic beverages. From his previous home to his current one, his refrigerator was often filled with beer cans and liquor bottles. He once even made fans laugh by sharing that he had considered stocking up on alcohol to drink freely before enlisting, knowing he wouldn’t be able to do so during military service—though he ultimately did not follow through.
He also enjoyed sipping drinks while chatting with fans during live broadcasts, and in the months leading up to his enlistment, he did this quite frequently. During one of those broadcasts, he candidly remarked, “It's not that I drink on lives purposely, for some reason you guys come to my mind automatically once the drink kicks in".
At the time, the idea of appearing on Weverse Live with alcohol had reportedly been discouraged several times by his older members, who worried it might spark negative discussions around him. Eventually, however, they softened, acknowledging that the youngest member had grown up and respecting his personal preferences—allowing the Golden Maknae to continue.
Rather than firmly stopping him, the members would gently keep an eye on his livestreams, offering caring reminders instead. During one broadcast, Jimin left affectionate comments such as, “You can do whatever you want,” “Do a broadcast about drinking,” “Do whatever you want,” “Jakey, I’m about to go, don’t drink too much,” …Meanwhile, RM advised, “Drink in moderation, dude,” and j-hope added warmly, "Cute fella, drink moderately and have fun".
Now, it seems the members no longer need to worry as much, as Jungkook has truly reflected on this habit and is actively trying to adjust it. Hearing him say that he will “try not to drink occasionally” is likely the most reαѕѕuring news for his older members, who must be relieved that their youngest is finally paying closer attention to his health.
More broadly, Jungkook’s words signal more than just a change in habits—they reflect a deeper shift in how he perceives the value of time and his own body. Choosing to avoid things that are harmful to his health, even altering long-standing routines like drinking, demonstrates a heightened sense of self-care and discipline—soмєтнing that often comes only when a person truly understands that time and physical strength are finite.
Rather than speaking of grand ambitions, Jungkook emphasizes living more meaningfully in each moment. It is a clear sign that he is entering a calmer, more grounded, and sustainable phase—both as an artist and as a human being!
