Jungkook

Jungkook: From Golden Maknae to Global Superstar

Early Life and Background

Jeon Jungkook, born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea, grew up in a close-knit family with his older brother. Initially, Jungkook aspired to become a badminton player, but his life changed after watching G-Dragon perform “Heartbreaker” on television. Inspired, he pursued singing and auditioned for the third season of the talent show Superstar K in Daegu in 2011. Though he didn’t make it past the audition round, his potential caught the attention of seven entertainment companies, including Big Hit Entertainment. Captivated by RM’s rapping during his trainee days, Jungkook chose to join Big Hit. In 2012, he even traveled to Los Angeles to attend dance workshops at Movement Lifestyle to improve his stage presence.

Rise with BTS

Jungkook debuted as the youngest member of BTS on June 13, 2013, with the single "No More Dream." Despite being the group's maknae (youngest), he quickly earned the nickname "Golden Maknae" due to his multi-talented role as lead vocalist, main dancer, and sub-rapper. He impressed audiences with solo tracks like “Begin” (2016), “Euphoria” (2018), and “My Time” (2020), all of which charted well in South Korea. Over the years, Jungkook became a central figure in BTS's global success, participating in world tours, breaking streaming records, and redefining the image of K-pop idols worldwide.

Solo Career Highlights

In 2023, Jungkook launched his solo career with a bang. His debut single “Seven,” featuring rapper Latto, topped the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. US charts—making him the first Korean solo artist to achieve such a feat. He followed it up with “3D” featuring Jack Harlow, which also saw international success. Both songs were included in his first solo album Golden, released in November 2023. The album showcased a fusion of R&B, pop, and dance, establishing Jungkook as a versatile solo artist.

Global Stages and Documentary

In November 2022, Jungkook performed the official FIFA World Cup anthem “Dreamers” at the opening ceremony in Qatar, becoming the first Korean act to do so. In 2024, he released a documentary titled Jungkook: I Am Still, chronicling his evolution from a BTS member to a solo performer. The film includes behind-the-scenes footage of his recording sessions, creative process, and international performances.

Education and Personal Life

Jungkook graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul in 2017 and went on to study Broadcasting and Entertainment at Global Cyber University. Known for his humble personality and strong work ethic, he continues to win the admiration of fans not only for his talent but also for his sincerity. In his personal time, Jungkook enjoys photography, boxing, painting, and interacting with fans via social media and live streams.

Legacy and Influence

Nicknamed the “Golden Maknae” for good reason, Jungkook is widely respected for his artistic range, charisma, and discipline. His fanbase spans across continents, and he is consistently ranked among the most influential K-pop idols globally. Even during his military enlistment in 2024, his music continues to make waves, and his legacy as a global icon remains untouched. With a resume that includes topping global charts, record-breaking sales, and history-making performances, Jungkook’s future in music is as promising as ever.