Jeon Jungkook, (전정국), better known as Jungkook, is a South Korean singer, songwriter and record producer. He is the youngest member of the K-Pop band BTS. He is the lead vocalist, center and maknae of the group. He is called The Golden Maknae of BTS, because of his powerhouse vocals, passionate performance and creative spirit. His journey from a shy Busan boy to a global icon is filled with growth, resilience, and golden charm.
Born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea, Jeon Jungkook was a quiet and curious child. He graduated from Seoul’s School of Performing Arts in 2017. He received his college degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment in 2022. He grew up with a deep love for drawing, gaming, and sports — never quite imagining he’d one day stand on the world’s biggest stages.
In 2011, he auditioned for Superstar K at just 13 years old. Though he didn’t make it to the finals, his talent caught the eye of multiple entertainment companies but, he chose Big Hit because of RM. Jungkook trained hard — undergoing dance training in LA, mastering vocals, and growing through every stage of practice. When BTS debuted in 2013, he was just 15 but, his energy, voice, and sharp gaze made him unforgettable. From a shy boy who barely spoke to the group’s “Golden Maknae,” Jungkook’s transformation was as inspiring as it was beautiful. Every stage, every note, every step — he gave his all.
Debuting with BTS on June 12, 2013, Jungkook quickly established himself as a pillar of the group. As the main vocalist and one of the lead dancers, he brings exceptional range, fluid technique, and emotional nuance to every song. From the tenderness of Spring Day to the explosive energy of Mic Drop, his vocals consistently elevate BTS's music.
Jungkook has played a key creative role in several BTS tracks. He co-produced the beloved fan song Magic Shop,” drawing inspiration from the group's relationship with ARMY and infusing it with warmth and sincerity. He also contributed to directing the Life Goes On music video, capturing intimate, reflective moments of the members during the pandemic, that showed his growing artistic vision.
His voice is often central in BTS’s harmonies and high-note ad-libs, including his emotional climaxes of Spring Day and The Truth Untold and some unforgettable moments in Fake Love, Butter, and Boy With Luv. In the track Stay, with RM and Jin from the “BE“ album, Jungkook co-wrote and performed a vibrant, electronic-pop piece that offered hope and connection during isolation, showcasing his songwriting range within a group setting.
Jungkook has also left his mark behind the scenes. He co-produced and co-wrote the moving ballad Your Eyes Tell, originally meant for his solo work but later chosen as a Japanese OST and included in BTS’s album “Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey.” The track, praised for its cinematic quality and lyrical depth, reflects his growing influence as a songwriter.
Live on stage, his stamina and precision are unmatched. Whether he’s executing intricate choreography or improvising during encore stages, Jungkook’s presence commands attention, an anchor in BTS’s world-class performances. His artistic depth and tireless dedication have proved that he is far more than just the Golden Maknae.
While thriving as a member of BTS, Jungkook has also built a distinct identity as a solo artist within the group’s discography. His first solo track with BTS was Begin from the “WINGS“ album (2016), a heartfelt ode to his hyungs that reflected his gratitude and emotional maturity despite his young age.
In 2018, he released Euphoria, a bright, soaring track that became a fan favorite and was featured in the BTS short film “Euphoria: Theme of Love Yourself 起 Wonder“ before officially appearing on “Love Yourself: Answer“. With My Time from “Map of the Soul: 7 (2020)”, Jungkook explored the cost of growing up in the spotlight, blending R&B rhythms with autobiographical lyrics that resonated deeply with listeners.
Jungkook also independently released Still With You on SoundCloud during BTS Festa 2020, a jazzy ballad full of longing and warmth, showcasing his self-produced artistry. In 2021, he released My You, a bilingual fan-dedicated track that he wrote, composed, and produced himself. Ethereal and heartfelt, it was his musical love letter to ARMY, unveiled during BTS Festa 2022. In 2022, he collaborated with SUGA on the haunting track Stay Alive for the ”7Fates: Chakho” soundtrack. The song became the first Korean OST to enter the UK Official Singles Chart and earned him his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
Beyond BTS albums, his global solo presence soared with Charlie Puth’s Left and Right (2022), followed by Dreamers, the official anthem of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Jungkook became the first Korean artist to perform at the tournament’s opening ceremony. In 2023, his collaborations continued with Too Much (featuring The Kid LAROI and Central Cee).
In 2024, he released the deeply emotional Never Let Go, dedicated to ARMY, further showcasing his unwavering sincerity and connection with fans.
Jungkook gifted ARMY the word, “Apobangpo (아포방포)” - “Army Forever Bangtan Forever” in February 2019 - a promise of eternal love and loyalty across the globe. A simple phrase, yet an endless bond.
Beyond the stage, Jungkook’s love for sports shines just as brightly. Whether it’s boxing, running, playing sports, or dominating at the Idol Star Athletics Championships, his athleticism has always been natural and effortless. His powerful, focused energy in training, from gym workouts to boxing sessions, shows a side of him that's disciplined, fierce, and unstoppable.
As BTS rose to global stardom, Jungkook grew with them, not just as the youngest member, but as a powerhouse performer who earned the nickname “Golden Maknae.” Why? Because he could do it all. Dance. Sing. Rap. Perform. Direct. Produce. Even box and paint, if you gave him a chance. He is also a black belt in Taekwondo, a testament to his strength, discipline, and endless drive to master everything he touches.
Jungkook’s loyal Doberman, Jeon Bam, made his first public appearance in 2021 during BTS’s reality show In the SOOP. Since then, Bam has become an icon in his own right.
Jungkook shared during a livestream that he chose to adopt Bam because he was the only puppy in the litter not receiving milk from his mother. He noticed Bam in a corner, unable to feed, and decided to take him in. This compassionate decision reflects Jungkook’s deep care for animals and his desire to provide Bam with a loving home. Additionally, Jungkook has been praised for not docking Bam’s tail or cropping his ears, practices often associated with Dobermans. This choice further highlights his commitment to Bam’s well-being and natural appearance.
Jungkook's bond with Bam is evident through his posts and live videos where he often talks and shares moments with Bam. He even created a dedicated Instagram and Youtube account for Bam, sharing videos of Bam's life.
He said, “Bam is not just my dog. He’s family.” That bond has captured fans’ hearts, showing us the kind of warmth that lives behind the stage lights.
Behind the spotlight, he’s a quiet creator who sees beauty in small moments and turns them into art. His music videos reflect his vision, with visuals that deepen the stories he tells. Through his role in BTS’s creative work, he’s become an artist who not only performs but also builds the narratives behind each piece. His Golden Closet Films, also known as GCF, are not simple travel videos. They are memories, carefully shaped with emotion and attention. Every frame, from the angle of the shot to the choice of color, carries meaning and intention.
He has a deep love for painting, using it as another way to express his feelings. He finds comfort in cooking for the people he cares about. In one of his many live streams, he cooked perilla oil makguksu and shared his recipe, which went viral! His passion for cooking even led him to choose the role of a chef during his military service. He doesn’t just express; he leaves pieces of his heart in everything he does.
Jungkook is constantly exploring new forms of artistic expression. His solo releases like “Euphoria” and “My Time” showcase his growth as an artist. His directorial touch came through in BTS’s “Life Goes On” music video, where he captured quiet moments of healing and togetherness during uncertain times.
Jungkook released his first solo album, “GOLDEN.” on November 3, 2023.
The album includes 11 tracks that showcase his range — from emotional ballads to energetic pop hits. Inspired by the golden moments of love, Jungkook poured his heart into an album that reflects both his growth and his dreams.
Tracklist:
‘Seven’ was the lead single, released in July 2023, followed by ‘3D’ in September 2023. ‘Standing Next to You’ is the title track.
Each song painted a new facet of Jungkook. Through stages on global platforms like the Global Citizen Festival and his “Golden Live On Stage” in Seoul, he proved his global star power. From stripped-down acoustic moments to high-energy performances, he embodied every note. GOLDEN wasn’t just an album — it was a declaration: Jungkook, the artist, had arrived.
Jungkook’s GOLDEN promotion blended high-profile media appearances, fan-driven events, and global outreach, solidifying his position as a solo force on the world stage. A standout moment was his surprise Times Square performance, where he turned the iconic landmark into a live concert venue for fans and passersby alike. Alongside major TV slots like The Tonight Show and The Today Show, Jungkook made key appearances on popular radio programs including SiriusXM Hits 1, iHeartRadio, and Z100 New York, sharing personal stories and the creative journey behind GOLDEN, expanding his reach to new audiences.
Some of the achievements the album received are:
Jungkook connects with fans in the most genuine, unscripted ways. Whether it’s 3AM karaoke sessions, gym vlogs, or casual Weverse Lives, he shares slices of his real life with comforting honesty. His lives often stretch for hours — singing, chatting, laughing, or just vibing in silence with ARMY. He even made a Weverse Live record with over 20M views & over 290M likes!
From reading fan comments to performing song requests live, Jungkook treats each moment like a personal hangout. He reassures fans with his warmth and sincerity — often telling them to eat well, sleep more, and love themselves. Whether he’s playful or quietly reflective, every live feels like a golden hour shared together.
"If comfort had a name, it would be Jeon Jungkook."
Even in the smallest messages, Jungkook leaves warmth behind. Whether it's replying to a fan’s post or showing concern in a live chat or a simple greeting, he always manages to say exactly what we needs to hear — without dramatics, just heart.
When everyone was getting anxious about Bam's new Instagram account, Jungkook came online and confirmed that he did indeed create an Instagram account for his baby Bam to brag about him.
Here are a few of Jungkook’s heartfelt messages that became anchors for many:
Thank you, Jungkook, for inspiring us with your passion, your relentless spirit, and your pure heart. Your journey reminds us that dreams are built through patience, courage, and unwavering belief.
You are our eternal artist, our pride and our safe place, and your music and kindness light up paths we didn't even know we could walk. We are always beside you, cheering you on forever.