BTS’ V draws backlash over shirtless teaser photos from new photobook; netizens say, 'Time to strip when the music ain’t selling'

V is set to release a new physical photobook that spans 278 pages and showcases him across a wide range of concepts, moods, and visual styles.

• BTS V's topless photobook teasers spark online debate and mixed reactions.
• Fans praise V's artistic choices, while critics accuse him of marketing tactics.
• V's photobook spans 278 pages and features diverse concepts and styles.

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BTS member V has once again found himself at the centre of an online debate, this time over topless images featured in the teasers for his upcoming photobook. While the release has generated massive anticipation among fans, it has also sparked sharp criticism from sections of international netizens, who have questioned the intent behind the creative choice.

V is set to release a new physical photobook that spans 278 pages and showcases him across a wide range of concepts, moods, and visual styles. According to promotional material, the BTS star was deeply involved in the project, taking part in everything from conceptual planning to photography decisions. The photobook marks his second such release, following TYPE 1, which debuted in 2024 and was met with strong commercial success.

[공지] V 'TYPE 非' PHOTOBOOK 출시 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN) (https://t.co/9UQIr7eZSg)#V#뷔#TYPE_非pic.twitter.com/k1wa3Srs48

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) December 30, 2025

In the lead-up to the release, BIGHIT MUSIC and V shared several teaser images from the photobook to build excitement. Among them, two photos in which V appears shirtless quickly drew attention across social media platforms. While many fans praised the images for their aesthetic and confidence, others reacted negatively and accused the singer of using his physique as a marketing tactic.

like HIS FANS say "when the music ain't selling" https://t.co/HaSsnHNwaZ — lia (@ChanelxRubyjane) December 31, 2025

like HIS FANS say "when the music ain't selling" https://t.co/HaSsnHNwaZ

— lia (@ChanelxRubyjane) December 31, 2025

like HIS FANS say "when the music ain't selling" https://t.co/HaSsnHNwaZ — lia (@ChanelxRubyjane) December 31, 2025

When the music and photobooks are selling. https://t.co/eN6HKon1UNpic.twitter.com/iNGLxXhzNM

— Taehyung YouTube (@BTSV_Youtube) December 31, 2025

Some netizens alleged that the topless photos were included primarily to generate buzz and boost sales rather than for artistic or conceptual reasons. These criticisms gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), where several posts condemning the images amassed thousands of likes and comments. Detractors argued that the focus on shirtless visuals overshadowed the creative value of the photobook and reduced it to what they perceived as attention-seeking content.

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Supporters were quick to point out that V has consistently demonstrated strong commercial power regardless of promotional strategies. Fans cited his past solo releases, albums, and photobooks, many of which sold millions of copies and sold out rapidly, as evidence that provocative imagery is not required to guarantee success.

Others emphasised that the human body has long been a subject of artistic expression and argued that V, as a global artist, should be free to explore different visual narratives without facing moral scrutiny. Fans also noted that the photobook features a variety of concepts beyond the shirtless shots, accusing critics of selectively focusing on a small portion of the overall project.