Jungkook: The Golden Maknae of BTS

In this blog post, we will explore Jungkook’s journey from a young dreamer to a global superstar. We will also look at some of his solo projects and achievements that showcase his artistic growth and potential.

Early life and education

Jungkook was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea. His family consists of his parents and an elder brother. He attended Baekyang Elementary and Middle School in Busan. When he became a trainee, he transferred to Singu Middle School in Seoul.

Jungkook initially had dreams of becoming a badminton player when he was younger, but after seeing G-Dragon perform “Heartbreaker” on television, it influenced him to want to become a singer. In 2011, Jungkook auditioned for the South Korean talent show Superstar K during its auditions in Daegu. Though he was not selected, he received casting offers from seven entertainment companies. He eventually chose to become a trainee under Big Hit Entertainment after seeing RM, now his fellow band member and leader in BTS, perform.

To work on his dance skills in preparation for debut, he went to Los Angeles during the summer of 2012 to receive dance training from Movement Lifestyle. In June 2012, he appeared in Jo Kwon’s “I’m Da One” music video and also worked as a backup dancer for Glam before his debut. He graduated from School of Performing Arts Seoul, an arts high school, in 2017. In March 2022, he received his degree from Global Cyber University’s Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment. He was awarded the President’s Award, the school’s highest honor.

Debut with BTS and solo songs

Jungkook made his official debut as a member of BTS on June 13, 2013, with the release of their first single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. He was 15 years old at the time and the youngest member of the group. He took on the roles of main vocalist, lead dancer, sub rapper, center, and maknae. He also participated in writing and producing some of the songs for BTS’ albums.

Jungkook has performed three solo songs as part of BTS’ discography—“Begin” in 2016, “Euphoria” in 2018, and “My Time” in 2020—all of which charted on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart. He also recorded the soundtrack song “Stay Alive” for the BTS-based webtoon 7Fates: Chakho.

“Begin” is a song from BTS’ second studio album Wings that expresses Jungkook’s gratitude and admiration for his hyungs (older brothers) who helped him grow as an artist and a person. The song features an upbeat pop-rock sound and showcases Jungkook’s vocal range and falsetto.

“Euphoria” is a song from BTS’ third studio album Love Yourself: Answer that serves as the theme song for their Love Yourself series. The song is an uplifting EDM track that conveys a feeling of happiness and freedom. The song was accompanied by a nine-minute video that revealed clues about BTS’ storyline and universe.

“My Time” is a song from BTS’ fourth studio album Map of the Soul: 7 that reflects on Jungkook’s journey from childhood to adulthood under the spotlight. The song blends R&B and trap elements and highlights Jungkook’s smooth and soulful voice.

“Stay Alive” is a song from the soundtrack album for the webtoon 7Fates: Chakho that tells the story of seven boys who are destined to save the world from an ancient evil. The song is an emotional ballad that conveys a message of hope and resilience.

Collaboration with Charlie Puth and FIFA World Cup soundtrack

In 2022, Jungkook featured on American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth’s single “Left and Right”, which peaked at number 22 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song is a catchy pop tune that talks about the ups and downs of a relationship. The song marked Jungkook’s first official collaboration with a Western artist and received positive reviews from critics and fans.

Later that year, he became the first South Korean artist to release an official song for the FIFA World Cup soundtrack with “Dreamers”, which he subsequently performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony. The song is an inspirational anthem that encourages people to pursue their dreams and overcome their challenges. The song also featured Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi and was praised for its cultural diversity and harmony.

Jungkook’s solo singles have also seen success on streaming platforms, with “Stay Alive”, “Left and Right”, and “Dreamers” each breaking the record for the highest-debuting song by a Korean soloist on the Spotify Global chart.

Conclusion

Jungkook is a talented and versatile artist who has achieved many milestones and accolades in his career. He is not only a member of BTS, but also a soloist who has explored different genres and styles of music. He is also a role model and an inspiration for many people around the world who admire his passion, dedication, and humility. Jungkook is truly the Golden Maknae of BTS and a star in his own right.