The photos were unexpected.
Koreaboo
1 hour ago
BTS V’s choice to go topless on his new photobook has sparked backlash and criticism from international netizens.
The popular star will release a physical photobook, filled with shots of V taking on different concepts, styles, poses, and more. It will have 278 pages, and V participated on everything from planning to photography.
This is not V’s first photobook, it follows his “TYPE 1” release back in 2024.
[공지] V ‘TYPE 非’ POSTER SET 출시 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN)
(https://t.co/9XQblkEvxj)#V #뷔 #TYPE_非 pic.twitter.com/aEDW8ELjNt
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) December 30, 2025
To promote the photobook, BIGHIT MUSIC and V have shared several photos included in the album as teasers. Two shots, in which V appears topless, have gained particular attention.
Unfortunately, not only for positive reasons.
Netizens have accused V of including the topless pictures to attract attention and push fans to buy the photobook, instead of for artistic reasons.
when the music isn’t selling https://t.co/WS7fv0eIZk
— hannie (@iamjendu) December 31, 2025
like HIS FANS say “when the music ain’t selling” https://t.co/HaSsnHNwaZ
— Lia (@ChanelxRubyjane) December 31, 2025
i guess its time to strip when the music ain’t selling https://t.co/RsPgpzgteE
— B (@CE69INE) December 31, 2025
V’s shirtless appearance has also been criticised by posts on X (formerly Twitter) that have garnered thousands of likes.
Why do men always think they are giving everything just bcs they take off their shirts? Its giving this https://t.co/sOrz1Sw1IU pic.twitter.com/d2zQVHUVXe
— nay ✦ (@ibratzone_) December 31, 2025
However, fans have hit back at the criticism with proof of V’s previous releases — albums and photobook — have surpassed millions of copies and instantly sold out.
When the music and photobooks are selling. https://t.co/eN6HKon1UN pic.twitter.com/iNGLxXhzNM
— Taehyung YouTube (@BTSV_Youtube) December 31, 2025
What are your thoughts? Are V’s shirtless pictures included in the photobook to drive up sales? Or are they simply part of the idol’s artistic vision? Let us know in the comment section of our social media posts.
BTS