Jung Kook
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| Jung Kook | |
| Born | 01 September 1997 (age 28) Busan, South Korea |
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| Nationality | South Korean |
| Education | School of Performing Arts, Seoul |
| Alma mater | Global Cyber University (B.A. in Broadcasting and Entertainment) |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Known for | Member of BTS |
| Notable works | "Euphoria", "Seven", "Dreamers", "3D" |
| Awards | Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018) |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Parents | |
| Religion | |
| Website | See below |
Jung Kook, whose real name is Jeon Jung-kook, is a South Korean singer and songwriter. His most well-known role is as the lead singer of the well-liked boy band BTS.
Under BTS, Jung Kook has released a number of solo songs, such as "Begin" (2016), "Euphoria" (2018), and "My Time" (2020), all of which were huge hits in South Korea. Additionally, he performed "Stay Alive" for the BTS web series 7Fates: Chakho.
He co-wrote the song "Left and Right" with American singer Charlie Puth in 2022, and it peaked at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. He sang "Dreamers," an official FIFA World Cup song, at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony that year, making history as the first South Korean performer to do so.
Jung Kook made his solo debut in 2023 with "Seven," a collaboration with Latto that became the fastest song to reach one billion Spotify plays and topped international charts. His subsequent single, "3D," which featured Jack Harlow, also peaked in the top 5 of the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100.
Early Life & Education
Jeon Jung-kook was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea. He attended Baekyang Elementary and Middle School before transferring to Singu Middle School in Seoul when he became a trainee under Big Hit Entertainment. In 2012, he received dance instruction at Movement Lifestyle in Los Angeles, and in 2017, he received his degree from the School of Performing Arts in Seoul. He graduated from Global Cyber University in 2022 with a degree and the President's Award.
Career
Jung Kook began his career in 2013 as the youngest member and main vocalist of the world-famous K-pop group BTS, under Big Hit Entertainment. He debuted with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool, and his energetic performances and soulful voice quickly caught global attention. Over the years, Jung Kook became one of the most popular idols in South Korea and worldwide.
Within BTS, he released several solo tracks that showcased his growth as a singer and artist. His first solo song, “Begin” (2016), expressed his gratitude to his bandmates and his journey to Seoul as a young trainee. In 2018, “Euphoria” became one of BTS’ most iconic solo tracks, praised for its uplifting vocals and emotional lyrics. Later, his 2020 solo “My Time” reflected on the sacrifices he made growing up in the spotlight.
Beyond singing, Jung Kook has contributed as a producer and songwriter for BTS songs like “Love is Not Over” and “Magic Shop”. In 2020, he released “Still With You”, a self-produced track that displayed his smooth vocals and emotional depth. He also recorded “Stay Alive”, produced by BTS member Suga, for the webtoon 7Fates: Chakho, which became his first solo entry on major global charts.
Jung Kook’s solo journey reached new heights in 2022 when he collaborated with Charlie Puth on “Left and Right”, which peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The same year, he made history as the first South Korean artist to sing an official FIFA World Cup song, “Dreamers”, which he performed live at the 2022 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Qatar.
In 2023, Jung Kook launched his official solo career with the single “Seven” featuring Latto. The song topped charts worldwide — including Billboard’s Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. — making him the first Korean solo artist to achieve this milestone. His next single, “3D” featuring Jack Harlow, also became a major hit, placing in the Top 5 in both the U.S. and U.K. charts.
Later that year, Jung Kook released his debut solo album Golden (2023), featuring the single “Standing Next to You”. The album broke records with over 2.4 million sales in its first week, becoming one of the best-selling albums by a Korean soloist. He also starred in his own documentary, I Am Still, and appeared in the Disney+ travel show Are You Sure?! alongside BTS member Jimin.
As a BTS Member
Jung Kook began his journey as the youngest member and main vocalist of BTS. His solo tracks within the group’s albums reflect his growth and emotions over the years. These include “Begin” (2016), which expressed his gratitude to fellow members, “Euphoria” (2018), a bright and uplifting anthem of self-discovery, “My Time” (2020), a reflective song about fame and personal growth, and “Stay Alive” (2022), a soundtrack that beautifully captures the themes of BTS’s webtoon 7Fates: Chakho.
Solo Songs
As a solo artist, Jung Kook has reached new global heights, releasing songs that blend pop, R&B, and soulful melodies. His solo discography includes heartfelt fan songs like “Still With You” (2020) and “My You” (2022). In collaboration with global artists, he featured on Charlie Puth’s “Left and Right” (2022), followed by “Dreamers”, the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2022. His major solo hits include “Seven” (ft. Latto, 2023), which topped international charts, “3D” (ft. Jack Harlow, 2023), “Too Much” (with The Kid Laroi & Central Cee, 2023), and “Standing Next to You” (2023), all of which cemented his status as a record-breaking global pop star. His latest release, “Never Let Go” (2024), continues to showcase his emotional connection with fans.
Film & TV Appearances
Apart from his music career, Jung Kook has ventured into film and television, offering fans a closer look at his personality and artistry. His 2024 documentary “I Am Still” provides an intimate glimpse into his creative process and life as a global artist. The Disney+ travel series “Are You Sure?!” (2024) features Jung Kook exploring new experiences and destinations, giving audiences a fun and candid look at his off-stage life.
Notable Works
- Euphoria (2018)
- My Time (2020)
- Stay Alive (2022)
- Dreamers (2022)
- Seven (2023)
- 3D (2023)
- Golden (2023 Album)
Achievements and Recognition
Jung Kook has received immense recognition for his musical talent and influence. In 2018, he and his BTS bandmates were honored with the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit by the President of South Korea for promoting Korean culture worldwide. He was also appointed Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture in 2021.
As a solo artist, Jung Kook set numerous world records. “Seven” became the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams. He became the first Korean soloist to simultaneously top all three major Billboard charts and earned multiple entries in the UK Singles Chart Top 10 — an achievement no other Korean soloist had done before.
In 2023, Rolling Stone listed him among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, praising his smooth tenor voice and emotional range. The Hollywood Reporter named him one of the “Platinum Players of Music,” recognizing him as one of the top 25 musicians who defined global pop that year.
Jung Kook’s impact extends beyond music — he’s been a global ambassador for Calvin Klein, appeared in numerous global campaigns, and is admired for his influence on fashion and pop culture. His popularity has led to the “Sold Out King” phenomenon, where products he uses sell out instantly worldwide.
By 2025, he was included in the Madame Tussauds Hot 100 and Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40, and recognized by Gold House’s A100 list as one of the most influential Asian figures in global culture.