On the afternoon of January 16, shortly after BigHit Music sent ѕнσ¢кwaves around the world by announcing the official title of BTS’s fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” the group made a surprise appearance in a live broadcast with all seven members present, pushing the comeback countdown atmosphere to its peak. This marked BTS’s first full-group livestream of 2026 and their first such gathering in nearly a month since their New Year’s greeting at the end of December.

During the broadcast, the members shared deeper insights into their upcoming musical project. RM explained the meaning behind the album title, saying:
“When we were all gathered, we thought a lot about who we were. And we wanted to show you where we started. The seven of us are кσяєαns, and we wanted to include soмєтнing that symbolized кσяєα. And we came to call out Arirang.”

The group also took a moment to praise their youngest member, Jungkook, revealing that he was the one who personally took on the role of designing the album’s logo.

Beyond album-related discussions, the members shared some lighthearted and interesting TMI from their recent days. One particular revelation—regarding a recent change in V’s appearance—quickly became a major topic of conversation.

Specifically, during the chat, Jimin inadvertently revealed new information about V, saying, “Taehyung apparently got hair removal done.” RM immediately added enthusiastically, “He’s started laser hair removal.” The leader jokingly went on to boast that he himself had been the one to “pitch” the reputable place for V to undergo the procedure.

The older members were quick to offer supportive remarks to lift their younger member’s spirits. Jin commented, “It's important, you look like 3 years younger then, it's good”. SUGA also nodded in agreement, saying "It is kinda good". While the members excitedly shared V’s TMI, the subject of the conversation listened quietly, responding with gentle smiles and playfully bumping fists with Jimin after his “secret” was revealed.

In reality, laser hair removal is extremely common among K-pop idols as part of maintaining a polished appearance and smooth complexion. However, in V’s case, the news left many ARMYs feeling “heartbroken” rather than happy.

This reaction stems from the fact that V has long been known for embracing his natural appearance, particularly his fondness for having facial hair. He has previously expressed a desire to grow a beard and has openly shared bare-faced photos featuring light stubble on his personal Instagram. Many fans cherished those moments, seeing them as times when V was most authentically himself—free from the strict standards imposed on a “perfect idol.”

That said, not all fans reacted positively to V growing a beard. In 2025, V reportedly had to delete photos showcasing his facial hair after receiving negative reactions and criticism from some netizens. As a result, upon hearing that V had decided to undergo permanent hair removal, many fans speculated that the decision may not have been entirely personal but influenced by invisible pressures from public opinion.

One fan shared, “If Taehyung did it because he wanted to, that’s fine. But if he felt forced to give up soмєтнing he likes—growing a beard—just to satisfy netizens, that’s truly нєαятвяєαкιиg.” Others expressed similar sentiments, including:

After everything, dedicated ARMYs emphasized that they will always support any decision V makes, as long as he is happy. At the same time, the situation has sparked broader reflection on how online communities treat artists’ personal lives and individual preferences. Many fans shared their thoughts in comments after learning about the situation, saying:

- We're not gonna see tae with mustache again but it's his choice so we always support

- tae mentioned laser hair removal for his moustache previously in his live, so ig it’s an update. still hope he didn’t feel pressured to do so. 

- So did he see that AI beard photo after his treatment was done? No wonder he seemed annoyed

- nah man while i respect his decision, this is lwk bad news

- I’m actually devastated I’ll miss beardhyung. Stop meddling in other people’s lives, you вαѕтαя∂s.

- A fairy just d1ed because of this. I loved taehyung with moustache. Anyway, he’s already made up his mind and I respect his decision

- taehyung did face laser for hair removal k-armys you will start coughing in 3 days

- I hate people who judge others’ appearances based on their own ridiculous standards

- i’ll never forget how much he (and us) adored & loved his stubble

- If Taehyung chose this for himself, then I support him 100%. But if he felt pressured to change because of people’s cruel opinions, that honestly breaks my heart

- Why can’t idols just exist naturally? Beards, bare faces — these are normal human things. Let him be himself

- Real ARMYs will love Taehyung no matter what he looks like. What matters is his happiness, not fitting into someone else’s idea of pefect