Arzen Rose Dulzura

BTS V reflects on his career and personal growth this 2025: ‘I want to become someone unshakeable’

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>After years of constant touring, song releases, and global attention, 2025 marked a noticeable shift for BTS member Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V. Looking ahead to 2026, he shared honest reflections on his career and personal growth, his members, and the fans who remain at the center of everything he does as an artist. </p><p>With group activities paused and public appearances limited since their mandatory military service, the year appeared to be quiet for BTS fans, the ARMYs. In a recent interview with <em>Vogue Japan</em>, V shared what 2025 was for him. According to the K-Pop star, the slower pace in 2025 did not mean inactivity. Instead, it became a period for him to focus on preparation, reassessment, and growth, both personally and creatively.  </p><p>“2025 might have felt quiet for ARMY, but I was actually very busy. It’s been a year of preparation,” he said, explaining that much of the work happened behind the scenes. </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKwD6EFyZDf/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A12783613.800000012%2C%22ls%22%3A398781.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A399083.40000003576%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="889" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>V shared that even during the group’s break, BTS remained in close communication, regularly discussing ideas and plans. “We didn’t want our hiatus to feel too long, so we were discussing things constantly: ‘Should we try this? Maybe that?’” he said.  </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/12/8/bts-rm-reveals-he-thought-of-disbandment-thousand-of-times-ahead-of-2026-comeback-1011"><strong><u>READ: BTS RM reveals he thought of disbandment ‘thousand of times’ ahead of 2026 comeback</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>While there was little to show publicly, he emphasized that the effort was intentional, with the goal of eventually giving fans something meaningful. “I didn’t have much to show yet, but I worked hard because I wanted to give [the fans] something. We’ll come back with an album that won’t disappoint.” </p><p>Looking back, V pointed to the most memorable moment of his career that left a lasting impression on him, particularly one from early in BTS’ rise. He recalled their 2019 trip to New York, describing how the experience stayed with him years later.  </p><p>“I think of 2019, when we went to New York for New Year’s <em>Rockin’ Eve</em>. I spent the end of the year and the start of the new one listening to jazz in the city, and when the bell rang for midnight, it felt incredibly romantic.” </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLwhdZSoVsK/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A12829095.300000012%2C%22ls%22%3A398781.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A399083.40000003576%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="643" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Being away from the stage has also changed how V views his role as a performer. He admitted that stepping back made his identity as “V” feel distant at times, saying: “Because it’s been a while [since I performed], being ‘V’ still feels unfamiliar.” At the same time, the distance has only deepened his desire to return. “I miss performing as V. I want us to release the new album soon so I can stand on stage in front of ARMY again.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/12/9/bts-rm-issues-an-apology-after-his-statement-on-bts-disbandment-concerns-2140"><strong><u>READ: BTS RM issues an apology after his statement on disbandment sparks concerns from fans</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>During this period, V said he immersed himself in listening to music across genres, finding inspiration in today’s artists. “I’m listening to a lot of different music. There are so many great musicians right now. It’s inspiring, and it’s also shifted the direction of the music I want to make.”  </p><p>While his passion for music remains unchanged, he acknowledged personal growth. “It hasn’t changed, but I do feel I’ve grown. I hope everyone will really look forward to BTS’s 2026 album.” </p><p>When asked which of his songs best represents him, V connected each track to different stages of his life. “When I was younger, it was &#x27;4 O’CLOCK.&#x27; A little later, &#x27;Scenery.&#x27; And now, &#x27;Winter Ahead&#x27; (with Park Hyo Shin),” he said. Still, he believes his most defining song is yet to come. “As for the song that feels the most ‘V’… I think I’ll make that one in the future.” </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNcXtyPOlLz/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A12867064.100000024%2C%22ls%22%3A398781.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A399083.40000003576%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="643" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Watching his fellow BTS members explore solo paths also left an impression on him. “I have such deep respect for them. It goes beyond words like ‘cool’ or ‘inspiring,’” he said, noting how each member continues to grow in their own way. “Our aims take us in similar directions, yet each of us is completely different. When I see them on stage, they’re so impressive that sometimes it doesn’t feel like they’re the people standing right next to me.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/12/9/bts-jin-donates-4-million-to-charity-for-his-33rd-birthday-0857"><strong><u>READ: BTS Jin donates ₱4 million to charity for his 33rd birthday</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Despite their individual journeys, V emphasized that being together still holds the most meaning. Asked where he would like to travel with all the members, he answered simply: “Anywhere would be fun with them. Wherever we go, we’d probably say, ‘Let’s come back here again.’ Except going to the office, that’s different,” he added with a laugh. </p><p>At the heart of everything are the fans who stayed with them through quieter years, according to V. When asked what ARMY means to him now, his response was direct: “They’re people I truly love.” </p><p>Looking ahead, V shared his ideal version of himself at the moment that he wants to become in the future.  </p><p>“I can’t say I’m at my strongest yet, not fully. But I want to become someone unshakeable, in order to meet the expectations of the people I love. But at the same time, I can say feel healthy and grounded, both physically and mentally.” </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSBiLMmElhj/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A12900556.400000036%2C%22ls%22%3A398781.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A399083.40000003576%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="591" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Earlier this December, V gave fans a glimpse of his personal life by sharing photos from a trip to Hawaii with his Wooga Squad, including fellow celebrities Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik, Choi Woo-shik, and Peakboy. The candid moments stood in contrast to this year’s low profile, offering fans reassurance that he was well and enjoying his personal time ahead of their 2026 comeback. </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSNJAhAkuS9/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A12921191.900000036%2C%22ls%22%3A398781.10000002384%2C%22le%22%3A399083.40000003576%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="823" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>In his Instagram post, the vacation photos showed the Wooga squad enjoying beach activities, grocery shopping, driving, and doing funny poses with snacks. A short clip also showed the squad enjoying a breezy night by the seashore under the moonlight. </p><p>Looking ahead, V is preparing to return with BTS in 2026. According to leader RM, the group’s comeback album is already completed, with the members continuing to practice together. V is also set to celebrate his 30th birthday on December 30.  </p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fglobaldispatch%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0nr5jVGytVVt22EdfMcxcu3VtsBdQEGj52jMoB2fHRLhRKdCWT4KaiDSY3yipjte6l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="788" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Just days before Christmas, BTS surprised fans with an unexpected OT7 Weverse live, gathering around a table filled with snacks and decorations – an unplanned moment that reminded ARMYs that even in quieter times, their bond remains intact.</p>

<p>In an interview with Vogue Japan, V qopens up about a year spent mostly out of the spotlight, how that time shaped him as an artist, and what returning with BTS means to him. Looking ahead to 2026, he shares honest reflections on music, BTS, and the fans who remain at the center of everything.</p>

In an interview with Vogue Japan, V qopens up about a year spent mostly out of the spotlight, how that time shaped him as an artist, and what returning with BTS means to him. Looking ahead to 2026, he shares honest reflections on music, BTS, and the fans who remain at the center of everything.