BTS collaborated with Rolling Stone for the May cover issue of this global music magazine. According to the publication, the May issue is a major project featuring a total of eight covers, including one group cover and seven individual covers for each member. This marks the highest number of special edition covers ever released in a single issue in the nearly 60-year history of Rolling Stone.
Beyond the large-scale cover photoshoot, from the 15th to the 20th, Rolling Stone also released a series of individual video interviews with BTS members, conducted by veteran writer Brian Hiatt. These interviews offer an authentic perspective on each superstar, helping fans better understand their personal journeys as well as their inner thoughts.
On the 16th, when SUGA’s interview segment was released, it immediately drew attention from fans as it included his insights on the group’s album, his solo projects, and more. As a direct contributor to the production of the group’s fifth studio album ARIRANG, SUGA clarified that the group’s main goal this time was “to pursue a new kind of sound that you haven’t heard from us before.”
He added: “I do think it’s just a well-made pop album, so we’re very satisfied. It wasn’t easy to write so many songs and go through all the rewrites and edits, but it was also a lot of fun, so I think that’s why we got good results,” once again affirming his unwavering stance amid mixed discussions surrounding the album released last month.
In particular, during the conversation, Brian Hiatt asked him about the experience of being constantly under public scrutiny: “Is the scrutiny difficult? There are things that might be small for someone else that are a big deal in your context. Is knowing that that’s the way you have to operate tough?”
Facing the question, SUGA responded with surprising calmness, saying that it is an inevitable part of being an idol, even if it can sometimes be inconvenient. “I mean, it’s just part of the job,” he replied. “My job is to live within the eyes of the public. Sometimes, I guess, it’s not convenient. It’s not convenient, but I don’t care how others see me, and I never read others’ opinions about me. So I don’t think it’s particularly tough.”
When asked about the hardships of working as an idol—especially as someone who primarily raps and produces hip-hop music—SUGA further reflected on his early days. He shared: “I was making music in Daegu before I came up to Seoul, and back then I didn’t really understand idol groups. But then once I joined one … I learned that it’s a lot of work, it gets super busy, and it’s not easy at all. Now that I’m used to it, I think I’m actually a good fit for this job."
He also spoke about his changing mindset when comparing the past and present. In the past, he admitted to living in a highly competitive state, even sacrificing emotions and health in pursuit of goals. Now, however, SUGA chooses a more relaxed approach: "We can relax a little, especially since we’re all older. So I think we can have more fun with it now."
The conversation between Brian Hiatt and SUGA was not just an entertainment interview, but a reflection of the maturity of an artist who has gone through the ups and downs of fame. The most important shift lies in his perspective on success. Rather than seeing a star struggling under the spotlight, we see a composed SUGA who understands his own value and knows how to sustain himself in such a demanding industry.
Fans widely praised SUGA’s mindset, commenting: "I wish I could achieve this level of unbotheredness", "Oooh SUGA, you're an inspiration", "Remind me again the first group video interview when others answer NO whether they checked the comments or not and only joonie says sometimes", "We have one life so live it as you wish with dignity and happiness. Everything else around you are background noise", "King behavior and mentality", "My idgaf king oh I love his mindset",...
Beyond this topic, when speaking about group activities, SUGA also expressed deep emotion as he openly shared his affection for BTS. He emphasized that the members’ temporary solo activities were solely due to military service obligations, and that their reunion after completion of service was always a natural and expected outcome. Contrary to external perceptions that saw it as surprising, SUGA explained that for the members themselves, it was always a predetermined and natural choice.
At the end of the interview, SUGA delivered a symbolic message that ARMYs have long cherished: “I think of them as family. I’m sure that’s part of our success" and "As long as we have the will, I believe we can keep going in our seventies and eighties". Even though it is uncertain whether they will still be able to stand on stage as they do now, he believes BTS will find "a different мєтнod" to continue their journey together.
SUGA’s honest reflections not only help the public better understand the pressure behind the spotlight, but also once again affirm why BTS has been able to maintain their top position for so many years!
