In South Korea, tattoos still represent as dirty and taboo. It perceived as a form of rebellion, so if celebrities and idols have photographs with ink lining their skin, it is often the cause of controversy and negative feedback from South Korea's general public and, in some cases, their fans.
However, the latter group are more appreciative of their favorite idol's tattoos when they discover the underlying meaning behind them. Here are 9 Korean Idols who have tattoos and the deep meaning behind getting it permanently engraved on their skin.
1. EXO'S CHANYEOL
Chanyeol has a tattoo on his right wrists that says "L-1485" and enclosed in a thin-lined box. He dedicated this to his fans who are called "EXO-L," meanwhile the numbers signify a specific date, which is August 5, 2014, which is the day their fandom was born. This series of numbers and letters also got featured in EXO's Ko Ko Bop MV!
2. B.I.
B.I. is one of many idols who have multiple tattoos scattered on their skin, but the ones that are the most meaningful for him are the quote on his right hip which says "Like father, like son, like master, like man" and his "Nihilism" one on his chest. His fans have speculated that the first one is related to his father, reported to be part of an embezzlement scandal. At the same time, the latter is a philosophy he believes that relates to his struggle to debut.
3. ZICO
Zico has three prominently meaningful tattoos on his body. The portrait of his mother's face on his chest to show his love for her, a yellow ribbon tattoo on his arm that is the representation of the Sewol ferry tragedy in 2014 that caused the death of over 300 individuals, and lastly the date of their first music show win.
4. RED VELVET'S YERI
Although Yeri's tattoo is small and slightly hidden on her inner finger, her fans have discussed the profound significance of her "AURORA" tattoo. It is engraved on her middle finger and might be a reference to SHINEE Jonghyun's song. Many people thought that the two of them were very close friends before the latter passed away.
5. HYOLYN
Unknown to most, Hyolyn was diagnosed with multiple severely severe conditions during her birth, including pediatric cancer. However, she survived all that and became one of the most potent vocal artists of her generation. She had a big cross inked on her abdomen to cover her scars and to symbolize her Christianity.
6. BTS' JUNGKOOK
Jungkook has been keeping his sleeve and hand tattoo under wraps since he's got them, so it has yet fully revealed to the public. However, the most prominent and important ones on his hand include their fandom's official logo and name.
7. HYUNA
Hyuna dedicated a quote on the back of her left shoulder for her mother, whom she misses the most due to her busy life as an idol celebrity. It is decorated with stars and reads, "My mother is the heart that keeps me alive."
8. AMBER LIU
Amber's tattoo is an attention grabber with all its artistic and intricate details that undoubtedly represents a more in-depth explanation that only she could share. On her lower right arm, she has musical staff with notes that stands out and blends into a storm or a tsunami. The tattoo was speculated to symbolize her journey as a musician.
9. NU'EST BAEKHO
The idol has two chest tattoos; the first one is a French phrase that if you translate to English, it would mean "Never give up," while the second one across his other pecs is a beautiful star design with the words "what you give is what you get." These two phrases speak for themselves but also serves as a reminder for Baekho himself.
