BTS’s V’s “Tattoos” Have a Beauty Secret Behind Them

When V of BTS landed at Incheon International Airport last month after wrapping the North American leg of the "BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN NORTH AMERICA," fans zoomed in on small flower-shaped marks dotting his arm and shin. Some wondered online whether the singer had gotten new tattoos.

When the singer arrived at Incheon International Airport last month after wrapping the North American leg of the “BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN NORTH AMERICA,” fans noticed tiny flowers scattered across his arm and shin. The colorful marks weren’t new ink, they were wellness patches, and their playful designs are bringing a new twist to everyday self-care.

V was wearing patches from U.S. wellness brand Barrière, which sells stick-on products infused with vitamins and other nutrients. Instead of taking pills or mixing powders, users apply the patches directly to their skin. Their bright, flower-shaped designs also make them hard to miss, turning a wellness product into something that looks more like a cute accessory.

V isn’t the only K-POP star bringing attention to the trend of visible beauty products. BLACKPINK’s Rosé has also shown a Starface product in a “what’s in my bag” style video, putting the spotlight on the increasingly popular world of statement pimple patches.

Once designed to blend into the skin, pimple patches are now available in stars, hearts, flowers, and cartoon-inspired shapes. U.S. skincare brand Starface helped popularize the look with its signature yellow Hydro-Stars, while Korean shoppers can find similarly playful options through Olive Young’s pimple patch collaboration with Sanrio Characters, including Hello Kitty designs.

The appeal goes beyond covering blemishes. These patches can become part of a look, making skincare feel more fun and personal, especially for younger consumers who enjoy products that are as photogenic as they are practical.

Now, that same design-focused approach is extending into wellness. Korean brand Ringtab, operated by Newselect, launched a stick-on glutathione patch last year. The company reported cumulative sales of 180,000 sets, equivalent to around 3.64 million individual patches, by July. Its colorful heart and clover designs reflect a growing interest in products that don’t need to be hidden away.

The shift also reflects how self-care is becoming part of everyday style. From skincare routines to wellness products, consumers are looking for convenient options that fit into busy schedules and increasingly, ones that look good, too.

With V’s flower-shaped patches catching fans’ attention and Rosé showcasing a playful skincare product, K-POP idols are offering a glimpse into how beauty and wellness products can become part of everyday lifestyle content. Whether it’s a star on your cheek or a flower on your arm, self-care is getting a more expressive makeover.