BTS V is stepping into a new era. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, the artist opens up about his military journey, his literary inspirations, and why he’s ready to conquer the screen.
Kim Taehyung, the man we know as V, is in a season of profound growth. Having spent his military service in deep self-reflection, V has returned with a clearer vision for his future—one that isn’t confined to the concert stage. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, V shared how reading, acting, and music have intertwined to shape the artist he is becoming today.
The “Acting Ambition”: No More Boundaries
For V, the boundaries between being a singer and an actor are blurring. When asked about his acting aspirations, his answer was direct: he isn’t looking for a specific type of role; he’s looking for variety.
“My mindset for acting is the same as it is for music,” V explained. “I don’t want to be stuck in one genre. I want to experience various characters and different kinds of music. I want to try it all.”
His approach is about artistic fluidity—he refuses to be pigeonholed into a single image, aiming instead to explore the full spectrum of human character through acting, just as he does with his musical storytelling.
The Philosophy Behind the Growth
If music is V’s output, literature is his intake. During his military service, V used books as an anchor to realign his body and mind. He specifically highlighted his reading journey, citing Chae Sahng-woo’s The Eleven Steps (열한 계단) as a pivotal read that allowed him to project himself into new philosophical perspectives. He also noted recommendations from authors like Higashino Keigo and Han Kang, showing a deep appreciation for storytelling that challenges the intellect.
“I took that time to look back at myself and define who I want to be in the end,” V shared. “I exercised hard, read a lot, and listened to a lot of music. It was a chance to reset.”
Editor’s Notes: Layover vs. Arirang: Defining the “True V”
V’s solo discography serves as the timeline of this maturation. He views his solo album Layover as a necessary experience—a reflective look back at the moments he walked as “BTS V.”
In contrast, he describes his work on the Arirang project as the realization of his true colors. “This album was the color and genre I truly wanted to pursue,” he said, expressing a level of affection and sincerity that only comes when an artist finally feels fully aligned with their work.