BTS Jungkook And V’s Unreleased 2013 Photos Resurface, Sparking Heartbreak

New photos of BTS members Jungkook and V from their debut days have gone viral, sparking heartbreak among fans.

The images, shared by a fan account for April Fools’ Day, show the duo just months after BTS debuted under the then-small BIGHIT MUSIC. Fans quickly noticed a heartbreaking detail: Jungkook and V’s in-ear monitors were taped on with scotch tape.

The taped in-ears reveal how “broke” BIGHIT MUSIC was at the time, unable to afford custom-fit equipment for their artists. This small detail highlighted the struggles BTS faced early on, relying solely on their talent to deliver live performances.

“the taped in ear monitors bc they weren’t privileged to get a custom fit one this is what tablo said about bts being so good at live performances coz at the very beginning they can only rely on their talent” — liane⁷❀⊙⊝⊜ (@unotaehyung)

Fans flooded social media with reactions, expressing shock and sadness over the group’s humble beginnings.

“They were this BROKE ” — 2.0 (@BTS__Jinderella)

“The tape” — … I didnt hear that (@joonshotline)

“to the person who pointed out that they had to have their in-ears scotch taped in….. why would you remind me…. WHY” — cress (@cresserendipity)

“the scotch tape for in ears?? they were BROKE AF” — taerirang (@thvsevren)

“the mics being scotch taped down on their ears omfg they were broke as fuck” — swag surfing WITH BTS IN CHI⁷ (@namjoonswoman)

The photos serve as a stark reminder of BTS’s journey from struggling rookies to global superstars. Over the years, BTS’s success helped transform BIGHIT MUSIC into the powerhouse HYBE.

For a look at how BTS’s living conditions evolved, check out Koreaboo’s feature on their dorm changes from debut to now:

Here’s How BTS’s Dorms Have Changed Over The Years — From Debut To Now