BTS to Cover All 16 International Editions of Rolling Stone Magazine; Rolling Stone Japan Vol. 35 to be Released on June 25 (Thursday)
Rolling Stone Japan will release its August issue (vol. 35) on June 25, 2026, featuring K-pop group BTS on the cover. This is part of a global project where BTS will be on the cover of all 16 international editions of Rolling Stone magazine. The Japanese edition will include a full translation of the US version's group and individual interviews conducted by senior writer Brian Hiatt in Seoul in February 2026. The interviews cover their new album 'Arirang', their reunion after military service, challenges, and individual contributions. The Japanese edition will also feature an original report on their Tokyo Dome concert, their first full group performance in seven years, and album reviews. The issue is priced at 1,800 JPY. CE Music Creative Inc. (publisher) and CE Media House Inc. (distributor) changed their names from CCC Music Lab Inc. and CCC Media House Inc. respectively on April 1, 2025.
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CE Music Creative Inc., which operates music-related lifestyle proposal businesses and develops business formats within the CE Group, will release a special issue of Rolling Stone Japan featuring BTS on the cover for its upcoming August issue, to be released on June 25. This project is a fully global initiative, with BTS appearing on the cover and in a cover story across all 16 international editions of the US Rolling Stone magazine. The Japanese edition will include a complete translation of the US version's articles, along with original Japanese content such as a report on their Tokyo Dome concert and album reviews, making it a special BTS issue.
The interview was conducted by Brian Hiatt, a senior writer for Rolling Stone who previously wrote the BTS cover story in 2021. Hiatt interviewed BTS in Seoul in February 2026, discussing their journey leading up to their new album 'Arirang,' their first full-length album with all new recordings in approximately six years. In addition to a group interview, individual interviews were also conducted with each of the seven members.
In the cover story interviews, the members candidly discuss the challenges of reuniting as a group after military service and the delicate process of creating new music together. The feature also delves into the group's approach to challenging new sounds, revealing RM's encouragement for the group to take on further challenges, and J-HOPE's renewed appreciation for the group's strength after his solo activities, among other individual contributions and struggles. This special feature is presented as a definitive look at BTS's 'present,' reflecting their unique journey. The Japanese edition will include complete translations of all group and individual interviews from the US version. Additionally, it will feature a report on their first full group concert in approximately seven years at Tokyo Dome, along with comprehensive album reviews, making it a special BTS issue. Reservations began today on Amazon and at bookstores, with general release at bookstores on June 25 (Thursday).
This issue captures the 'present' of BTS, who have made a full comeback this year. We encourage you to pick up a copy.
■ Excerpts from the Interview
【RM】 On BTS's attitude towards recording the album 'Arirang':
"I've told the members, 'If we don't challenge ourselves further, I don't think there's any reason to continue as a team.' We must show the world that we are still active and constantly exploring. Sometimes it feels very complex. Nevertheless, I believe we must push our limits even further, and I still feel it's not enough."
【J-HOPE】 On his own doubts:
"I used to wonder if receiving so much love and attention was truly a good thing. Even as everyone applauded and cheered for us, there were times I thought it might be better to stop everything. And I questioned whether I truly wanted it. It started as a small flame, but it quickly grew into a large fire. Because of that, I also felt strong pressure... But in the end, I realized that keeping that flame lit was what I truly wanted and the most authentic choice for me."
【JIN】 On expanding BTS's tour:
"When I first received the tour plan, the number of destinations was not many, and the duration was only about three to four months. I said, 'Now that we've finally returned, we promised to 'go see' so many people, and I feel like we won't be able to keep that promise with this plan.'"
【JIN】 On internal discussions regarding BTS's musical direction:
"Actually, on that point, I didn't fully agree with the other members. Music, after all, shows a certain kind of result. So, I believed that 'the songs we have been most loved for are our identity.' However, not everyone felt that way, so after many discussions, I came to agree with the opinion that 'our identity lies in the music we used to make.'"
【RM】 On giving feedback to Hybe about JUNG KOOK's 'Seven' lyrics:
"I told the label, 'Please don't change it. Why not? He's old enough, and it's okay for him to sing the 'f-word.'"
【RM】 On confronting anti-fans in the song '2.0':
"There are truly people at home just praying, 'Please let BTS fall. Let them break apart and collapse.' So, our feeling is, 'Is that so, everyone? We were apart for two, three years... And even after three years, there were ARMYs waiting for us, and the world was waiting for us. So, your small pleasure during that time (BTS's absence) is over.'"
【V】 On group dynamics after solo activities:
"(After solo activities) I thought that when we reunited and worked together again, everyone's opinions would be much stronger than before. But surprisingly, all the members came back with a very open attitude. And their depth as individuals had also increased."
【J-HOPE】 On why this group works:
"Now that we are together again, the parts where I feel I am lacking in my expression and performance are filled in by the other members. In many ways, I truly felt, 'Ah, that's why we are seven.'"
【JIMIN/RM】 On the possibility of BTS performing at the Super Bowl in the future:
"It won't happen unless we are invited (JIMIN)." "Perhaps, with time, if people's perspectives change, such an opportunity might arise. Currently, people worldwide are experiencing wonderful Korean culture, including the movie 'Parasite,' so if we are given the opportunity, I would definitely like to do it someday (RM)."
【RM】 On Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles:
"You are far greater artists than us. We are truly small beings. Just a Korean boy band."
■ About 'Rolling Stone Japan'
Rolling Stone magazine, founded in San Francisco, USA in 1967, has been a driving force in global pop culture for over half a century. Currently, it operates in 16 countries, including Japan, with magazines, websites, and events. The Japanese edition was launched in 2007, and in 2017, the CCC Group (now CE Group) acquired the license and relaunched it. It is published four times a year, aiming to create a 'deep' and 'rich' magazine that readers will want to keep as a保存版.
Rolling Stone Japan
・Publication Name: Rolling Stone Japan vol.35 (August 2026 issue)
・Release Date: June 25, 2026 (Thursday)
・Special Price: 1,800 JPY (tax included)
・Publisher: CE Music Creative Inc.
・Distributor: CE Media House Inc.
Click here to reserve
As of April 1, 2025, the publisher, CCC Music Lab Inc., changed its name to CE Music Creative Inc., and the distributor, CCC Media House Inc., changed its name to CE Media House Inc.
The interview was conducted by Brian Hiatt, a senior writer for Rolling Stone who previously wrote the BTS cover story in 2021. Hiatt interviewed BTS in Seoul in February 2026, discussing their journey leading up to their new album 'Arirang,' their first full-length album with all new recordings in approximately six years. In addition to a group interview, individual interviews were also conducted with each of the seven members.
In the cover story interviews, the members candidly discuss the challenges of reuniting as a group after military service and the delicate process of creating new music together. The feature also delves into the group's approach to challenging new sounds, revealing RM's encouragement for the group to take on further challenges, and J-HOPE's renewed appreciation for the group's strength after his solo activities, among other individual contributions and struggles. This special feature is presented as a definitive look at BTS's 'present,' reflecting their unique journey. The Japanese edition will include complete translations of all group and individual interviews from the US version. Additionally, it will feature a report on their first full group concert in approximately seven years at Tokyo Dome, along with comprehensive album reviews, making it a special BTS issue. Reservations began today on Amazon and at bookstores, with general release at bookstores on June 25 (Thursday).
This issue captures the 'present' of BTS, who have made a full comeback this year. We encourage you to pick up a copy.
■ Excerpts from the Interview
【RM】 On BTS's attitude towards recording the album 'Arirang':
"I've told the members, 'If we don't challenge ourselves further, I don't think there's any reason to continue as a team.' We must show the world that we are still active and constantly exploring. Sometimes it feels very complex. Nevertheless, I believe we must push our limits even further, and I still feel it's not enough."
【J-HOPE】 On his own doubts:
"I used to wonder if receiving so much love and attention was truly a good thing. Even as everyone applauded and cheered for us, there were times I thought it might be better to stop everything. And I questioned whether I truly wanted it. It started as a small flame, but it quickly grew into a large fire. Because of that, I also felt strong pressure... But in the end, I realized that keeping that flame lit was what I truly wanted and the most authentic choice for me."
【JIN】 On expanding BTS's tour:
"When I first received the tour plan, the number of destinations was not many, and the duration was only about three to four months. I said, 'Now that we've finally returned, we promised to 'go see' so many people, and I feel like we won't be able to keep that promise with this plan.'"
【JIN】 On internal discussions regarding BTS's musical direction:
"Actually, on that point, I didn't fully agree with the other members. Music, after all, shows a certain kind of result. So, I believed that 'the songs we have been most loved for are our identity.' However, not everyone felt that way, so after many discussions, I came to agree with the opinion that 'our identity lies in the music we used to make.'"
【RM】 On giving feedback to Hybe about JUNG KOOK's 'Seven' lyrics:
"I told the label, 'Please don't change it. Why not? He's old enough, and it's okay for him to sing the 'f-word.'"
【RM】 On confronting anti-fans in the song '2.0':
"There are truly people at home just praying, 'Please let BTS fall. Let them break apart and collapse.' So, our feeling is, 'Is that so, everyone? We were apart for two, three years... And even after three years, there were ARMYs waiting for us, and the world was waiting for us. So, your small pleasure during that time (BTS's absence) is over.'"
【V】 On group dynamics after solo activities:
"(After solo activities) I thought that when we reunited and worked together again, everyone's opinions would be much stronger than before. But surprisingly, all the members came back with a very open attitude. And their depth as individuals had also increased."
【J-HOPE】 On why this group works:
"Now that we are together again, the parts where I feel I am lacking in my expression and performance are filled in by the other members. In many ways, I truly felt, 'Ah, that's why we are seven.'"
【JIMIN/RM】 On the possibility of BTS performing at the Super Bowl in the future:
"It won't happen unless we are invited (JIMIN)." "Perhaps, with time, if people's perspectives change, such an opportunity might arise. Currently, people worldwide are experiencing wonderful Korean culture, including the movie 'Parasite,' so if we are given the opportunity, I would definitely like to do it someday (RM)."
【RM】 On Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Harry Styles:
"You are far greater artists than us. We are truly small beings. Just a Korean boy band."
■ About 'Rolling Stone Japan'
Rolling Stone magazine, founded in San Francisco, USA in 1967, has been a driving force in global pop culture for over half a century. Currently, it operates in 16 countries, including Japan, with magazines, websites, and events. The Japanese edition was launched in 2007, and in 2017, the CCC Group (now CE Group) acquired the license and relaunched it. It is published four times a year, aiming to create a 'deep' and 'rich' magazine that readers will want to keep as a保存版.
Rolling Stone Japan
・Publication Name: Rolling Stone Japan vol.35 (August 2026 issue)
・Release Date: June 25, 2026 (Thursday)
・Special Price: 1,800 JPY (tax included)
・Publisher: CE Music Creative Inc.
・Distributor: CE Media House Inc.
Click here to reserve
As of April 1, 2025, the publisher, CCC Music Lab Inc., changed its name to CE Music Creative Inc., and the distributor, CCC Media House Inc., changed its name to CE Media House Inc.