BTS’ V Talks About the Future of His Solo Career, Acting, and Making ‘Arirang’ | Cover Story

For Rolling Stone’s eight-part May 2026 cover-story package, the seven members of ‪@BTS‬ met up in Seoul, South Korea in mid-February to talk with senior writer Brian Hiatt, both individually and as a group. In this solo interview, #vbts talks about trying to forget his idol identity during military service, how seven solo careers made a stronger group album, why every song on #arirang fits his style, and much more. #bts #btsarmy #thv

V on his mindset during military service: “I tried very hard to forget about V of BTS for a while, so that I could concentrate on living my life as Kim Taehyung.”

V on rebuilding during military service: “I considered my values and my health. So I exercised, and read a lot of books. I tried to organize and give a lot of thought to my inner world, looking back on myself and contemplating the kind of person I ultimately want to become.”

V on Arirang: “There’s not a single song on this album that is not my style. Every single one is my style, and the kind of music I’ve wanted to make. So I gave it my all to create this album, and it has a lot of love in it.”

V on solo careers making BTS stronger: “Since all seven of us have had a solo career, everyone’s individual ego is stronger now. I thought that might change things when we got together again, but we actually amplified each other and ended up making a better album.”

V on acting: “I don’t want to limit myself to one genre of music. I want to experience every single genre I really love. And someday, if I get the chance, I hope I can act in a lot of different parts that I’ve wanted to try out.”

V on what his solo album 'Layover' represents: “I want to say: I can make this kind of music, but I also like many other styles. I love jazz, classical music, and even more alternative music, so I wanted to share that with ARMY and our listeners. I genuinely love music with all my heart, and Layover is that representation of me.”

V on learning from his bandmates for his next solo project: “I learned so much from the other members while working on this album, and got a lot out of observing their paths. I really learned a lot. So when the time comes to make my next solo album, I plan to absorb every member’s biggest strengths.