BTS's V evokes '90s cinema nostalgia in CELINE for Vogue Japan's February 2026 issue

BY YeontanNews · December 24, 2025

Vogue Japan has unveiled V of BTS as the cover star for its February 2026 issue, in collaboration with CELINE, where he serves as a global ambassador.

"Innocent but a little rebellious, Kim Tae-Hyung, better known as V, is full of contradictions. With a deep, resonant voice and a gaze that shifts between intensity and softness, V possesses a presence beyond his 29 years. Since debuting with BTS in 2013, the South Korean star has balanced powerful performances on stage with a surprising gentleness in his unguarded moments." —Vogue Japan

In his exclusive Vogue Japan interview titled “The Quiet Charm of V — ‘I want to become someone unshakeable, in order to meet the expectations of the people I love,’” Taehyung opens up about his love of film and his perspectives on beauty.

He also shares how he approaches music and reflects on his fellow BTS members, offering insight into the experiences that have shaped the person he is today.

All it takes is a quick glance and the temperature of the room shifts. Kim Tae-Hyung, better known as V, is full of contradictions. https://t.co/T7iR9OU0Ea
— VOGUE JAPAN (@voguejp) December 24, 2025

Shot in Paris by photographer Park Jongha, the photoshoot channels ’90s cinema nostalgia, with Taehyung showcased in head-to-toe CELINE. The editorial presents a visual narrative of both strength and softness, reflecting the duality that defines his current persona.

Since the photoshoot was inspired by films from the 1990s, Taehyung was asked about the ones he enjoyed. He revealed, “I love Reservoir Dogs (1992, Quentin Tarantino). And although it’s from the 2000s, I’m also a big fan of Pride & Prejudice (2005, Joe Wright). Recently, [director] Park Chan-wook recommended The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999, Anthony Minghella) to me, which I thought was incredible.”

When asked how he balances life as V of BTS with life as Kim Taehyung, he shared, “Because it’s been a while [since I performed], being ‘V’ still feels unfamiliar. 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.”

V described his personality in three keywords: “Curious, strong-willed, optimistic.” He also revealed the one essential item he can’t be without: “I always try to include a hint of red. And I often wear warm-toned pieces in brown, grey, and green.”

When asked about the music he has been listening to lately and how it influences him, Taehyung shared, “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.”

Taehyung revealed what “beauty” means to him, stating, “It’s having that ‘something’ that captivates others. It’s a broad idea, but perfume, jewelry, or the moment that paint hits some white fabric during a shoot—those things give me a feeling of certainty, like: ‘That’s it.’”

On his ideal vision of “V” as an artist, Taehyung said, “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. At the same time, I feel healthy and grounded, both physically and mentally.”

Read the complete interview in English HERE.

Taehyung also shared additional photos on his Instagram, giving fans a deeper look at the effortlessly cinematic mood of the photoshoot. His striking visuals and refined presence make each photo a study in elegance and poise.