Rolling Stone Japan's August issue features BTS on the cover, with exclusive interviews and reports on their new album and Tokyo Dome concert.

Rolling Stone Japan will release a special issue featuring BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) on the cover on June 25. This project will be implemented as a completely global scale project, expanding the cover and cover story in all 16 countries of the international edition of the US Rolling Stone magazine. The Japanese version will be completed as a BTS special issue that includes a fully translated article from the US version, along with original reports on the Tokyo Dome concert and album reviews. The interview was conducted by Brian Hiatt, a senior writer who wrote the BTS cover story for Rolling Stone in 2021. Hiatt interviewed BTS in Seoul this February, discussing their journey leading up to the new album 'ARIRANG,' which features all new recordings for the first time in about six years. The members openly talk about the difficulties they faced in reuniting as a group after military service and the delicate process of creating new music together. The interview also delves into their attitude towards challenging new sounds, with RM encouraging the group to take on further challenges and J-HOPE realizing the group's strength after his solo activities. This feature reflects the current state of BTS, who continue their unique journey. The Japanese version will include a complete translation of the group and individual interviews from the US version, as well as a report on their Tokyo Dome concert, which marks their first performance in Japan as a complete group in about seven years, and a full album review. Reservations began today (14th) on Amazon and at bookstores, with general sales starting on June 25 (Thursday). This book is packed with the current state of BTS, who have made a full comeback this year, and we hope you will pick it up. Excerpts from the interview: -- On BTS's attitude towards recording the album 'ARIRANG,' RM said: 'I told the members, if we are not going to challenge ourselves any further, I don't think there is a reason to continue as a team. We must show the world that we are still active and continue to explore. Sometimes it feels very complicated. Still, I believe we must push ourselves to the limit, and I feel it is still not enough.' -- On his own doubts, J-HOPE said: 'I wondered if receiving so much love and attention was really a good thing. While everyone was cheering and supporting us, I sometimes thought it might be better to just stop everything. I questioned whether I truly wanted this. At first, it was a small flame, but it suddenly grew larger. I felt strong pressure from that... However, in the end, I realized that keeping that flame alive is what I truly want and the most authentic choice for me.' -- On expanding BTS's tour, Jin said: 'When I first received the tour plan, there weren't many destinations, and the duration was only about 3-4 months. I felt that now that we have finally returned, we promised to 'meet' many people, and it felt like we couldn't fulfill that promise.' -- On internal discussions about BTS's musical direction, Jin said: 'Actually, we didn't completely agree on that point with the other members. Music is something that shows certain results, right? So, I thought, 'The songs we have been most loved for are our identity.' However, not everyone felt that way, so after many discussions, we came to agree that 'our identity lies in the music we used to create.' -- Regarding Jungkook's song 'Seven,' RM said he told the label, 'Please don't change it. Why not? He is already an adult, and he should be able to sing the 'f-word.' -- On facing anti-fans with the song '2.0,' RM said: 'There are really people who just pray at home, 'Please let BTS fall apart and collapse.' So, we feel, 'Okay, everyone. We were apart for two or three years... And even after three years, there are ARMYs (BTS fans) waiting for us, and the world was waiting for us. So, the little enjoyment you had during our absence is now over.' -- On the dynamics of the group after solo activities, V said: 'I thought that when we gathered again to work together, everyone's opinions would be much stronger than before. But surprisingly, all the members returned with a very open attitude. And they had deepened as human beings.' -- On why this group exists, J-HOPE said: 'Now that we are back together, the parts where I feel I lack in my expression and performance are being filled by the other members. In many ways, I realized, 'Ah, that's why we are seven.' -- On the possibility of BTS performing at the Super Bowl in the future, Jimin said: 'Unless we are invited, it won't happen.' RM said: 'Perhaps as time goes by and people's thoughts change, such opportunities may arise. Now, people around the world are experiencing wonderful works of Korean culture, starting with the movie 'Parasite,' so if given the chance, I would love to do it someday.' -- Regarding Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and Harry Styles, RM said: 'They are all far greater artists than us. We are just a small existence. Just a Korean boy band.' Product Information: 'Rolling Stone Japan vol.35 (August 2026 issue)' Release Date: June 25, 2026 (Thursday) Special Price: 1,800 yen (tax included) Publisher: CE Music Creative Co., Ltd. Distributor: CE Media House Co., Ltd. Related Links: 'Rolling Stone Japan' Official Site.