On the 23rd of this month, Vogue נαραи introduced on its official SNS: “With a free-spirited radiance reminiscent of 1990s silver screen stars, exuding dangerous charm and romantic sweetness,” adding, “the star featured on the February issue of Vogue נαραи, releasing on December 27, is global star V.” The moment the photoshoot and interview were revealed, public reactions were immediate. Although the official release date is December 27, copies at major distribution channels quickly sold out as soon as pre-orders began, proving the overwhelming appeal of the BTS superstar.
During the pre-order period starting on the 24th, נαραи’s largest e-commerce platform, Rakuten, quickly displayed a notice stating “Product cannot be ordered” shortly after sales began. Rakuten operates under the system where pre-orders are halted if the number of orders exceeds the stock — indicating that the pre-order demand for V’s cover issue surpαѕѕed that threshold.
On Amazon נαραи, the two different versions of the magazine continuously held the #1 and #2 spots in the women’s magazine category, dominating the bestseller rankings. Other official sales channels in נαραи, such as 7net and RingRingdo (international shipping), also maintained top positions in bestseller lists. In South кσяєα, the magazine also topped the foreign books category at Yes24, demonstrating simultaneous enthusiasm in both countries.
Notably, one day after the pre-orders for V’s February issue began, on the 28th, Vogue נαραи revealed the age and gender distribution of buyers. The statistics sparked lively discussion, showing that the largest age groups purchasing the magazine were fans in their 40s and 50s, rather than younger fans as many might have αѕѕumed.
Specifically, for one cover version, the highest purchasing group was those in their 50s (36.5%), followed by those in their 40s (27%). For the other cover version, the top age group was also those in their 50s (34.7%), followed by the 40s (28%). In both cases, the proportion of female buyers was significantly higher than male buyers.
Interestingly, the age distribution for V’s February 2026 issue of Vogue נαραи closely mirrors that of Jungkook’s January 2026 issue of ELLE, released on December 18. ELLE and K-media also provided statistics showing that fans aged 40–50 comprised the largest purchasing groups, at 42% and 30.8%, respectively. This indicates that it is neither coincidental nor specific to one member but reflects a broader reality of the fandom.
A common stereotype outsiders often hold about K-pop fans is that they are mostly teenage girls, seen as “immature,” trend-chasing, and more concerned with idols’ appearance and fame than deeper meaning. The ARMY fandom has often been subject to such misconceptions. However, today’s data reveal an entirely different reality: older fans form a significant portion of the fandom.
It is evident that the K-pop fandom in general, and ARMY in particular, has become more diverse, mature, and far beyond outdated perceptions held for years. At many BTS concerts, older fans can be seen attending alongside their children, and there are even ARMY members in their 70s and 80s with gray hair fully immersed in the vibrant music experience.
Fans have also observed that many ARMY have been following BTS since the early days, when they were in their 30s–40s. After more than a decade of loyalty, these devoted fans are now in their 40s–50s. This is not surprising; rather, it underscores the enduring devotion and long-lasting love for BTS.
In light of this topic, fans have expressed their thoughts:
- They have fans in their 40s-50s whereas other groups don't. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to win over older fans in the K-pop genre. But it’s not surprising either, since BTS’s music is BTSpop
- Mostly 40s and 50s – turns out BTS's fanbase grew up with them, but their wallets didn't retire. Who knew ARMY stood for "Aunties Raising Money Yearly"?
- Age doesn’t define an ARMY. Respect does. What does age have to do with loving music and admiring the Artist? Isn't it great, that BTS has such diverse fandom? Isn't it just beautiful?
- BTS taught us that no matter our age, background, or race, they love us the same, and we love them the same.
- It’s amazing to see older fans supporting BTS just as much as the younger ones. Truly inspiring
- I love that BTS brings together fans of all ages. Seeing ARMYs in their 50s is so heartwarming
- I’m pleasantly surprised that BTS has fans spanning generations. Age is clearly no barrier to being an ARMY
