Who is Jeon Jungkook, BTS’s Jungkook?

Basic Information

• Stage Name: Jungkook
• Full Name: Jeon Jung-Kook (전정국)
• Position in the Group: Main vocalist, dancer, sub-rapper, and maknae
• Date of Birth: September 1, 1997 (28 years old in 2025)
• Zodiac Signs: Virgo / Ox (Chinese zodiac)
• Height: 1.78m
• Blood Type: A
• Personality & MBTI: ISFP (artistic, observant, and calm)
• Hometown: Busan, South Korea
• Nicknames: JK, Kookie, Golden Maknae, Nochu, Jeongguk, Bunny, Seagull, Jungkookie, Muscle Pig, Jeon Cena, Kookie-san
• Vocal Range: Tenor
• Genres: K-pop, R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop
• Instruments: Vocals
• Trainee Period: 2011–2013 (2 years)
• Debut with BTS: June 13, 2013
• High School: School of Performing Arts Seoul
• University: Global Cyber University – Broadcasting and Entertainment
• Brand Characters: Hip-Hop Monster, BT21 Cooky, TinyTan Jungkook
• Favorite Color: Black
• Hobbies & Interests: Photography, painting, sports, video games, and video editing
• Sports & Physical Activities: Enjoys boxing, swimming, and working out
• Emojis: 🐰 (Bunny) – Fans associate him with bunnies due to his cute cheeks and adorable smile. 🐐 (Goat) – Sometimes fans joke with the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) reference, highlighting his talent.
• Social Media: Instagram (Deleted), @bowwow_bam (Jungkook’s dog’s Insta), Tiktok @jungkook, Youtube Bam (Bam’s channel)

Fun Facts

• He was scouted by 7 different agencies after his audition on Superstar K3, but chose Big Hit because he admired RM.
• He is the youngest member of BTS, known for his many talents.
• He used to be extremely shy on camera but is now one of the most expressive performers on stage.
• A huge fan of G-Dragon, IU, Zion.T, Charlie Puth, Justin Bieber, and Troye Sivan.
• He has a dog named Bam.
• He’s a big fan of video games, cars, makeup, sports, and webtoons.
• He loves bread, pizza, and anything made with flour.
• Has a habit of sniffing (due to rhinitis) and cracking his fingers.
• Once said that if he could have a superpower, he’d love to talk to animals.
• Fans once nicknamed him “Sold-Out King” because everything he wears sells out quickly.
• Developed a personal visual style in his videos, blending artistic sensitivity with an intimate cinematic feel.
• He’s proud of his Busan accent and shared that he felt very lonely when he first moved to Seoul.
• He’s part of the “97 liners” idol group, along with Bambam and Yugyeom (GOT7), The8, Mingyu and DK (SEVENTEEN), Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO), and Jaehyun (NCT).
• Said that if he were a girl, he would date Jin, and affectionately calls Jimin “tiny.”
• During a live, he shared that he misses the stage and that his self-esteem was shaken after enlistment, but he promised to return even stronger.
• Has been voted one of the most handsome faces in the world many times, ranking #1 in 2019 by TC Candler.
• His motto is: “Living without passion is like being dead.”

History and Journey of Jeon Jungkook

Pre-Debut

Jeon Jungkook (전정국), known worldwide as Jungkook, was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea. He grew up attending Baekyang Elementary School and Baekyang Middle School in his hometown, until he moved to Seoul to become a trainee.

From a young age, he showed artistic sensitivity and curiosity about the arts, especially music, dance, and drawing.

The Audition That Changed Everything

In 2011, at only 13 years old, Jungkook auditioned for the South Korean talent show Superstar K3 in Daegu. Although he didn’t make it far in the competition, his performance attracted so much attention that he received offers from seven major agencies, including JYP, FNC, Starship, Cube, and Big Hit Entertainment.

His decision to join Big Hit surprised many at the time, as the company was still small and virtually unknown. However, Jungkook revealed that what convinced him was watching RM (then a trainee) perform. He felt inspired and decided to follow the same path, placing his trust in the company’s vision and the talent of the person who would become BTS’s leader.

Training and Growth

Jungkook joined Big Hit Entertainment as a trainee at a very young age. In 2012, he traveled to Los Angeles to sharpen his dance skills at the renowned Movement Lifestyle studio — the same one visited by artists like Justin Bieber and the Jabbawockeez. This experience played a key role in shaping his stage confidence.

Despite his natural shyness, Jungkook stood out in training for his relentless dedication and fast improvement. He even appeared as a backup dancer in music videos like “I’m Da One” by Jo Kwon and “Party (XXO)” by GLAM, also under Big Hit. These early pre-debut appearances already hinted at his potential.

The Rise of the “Golden Maknae”

As the youngest BTS member, Jungkook was nicknamed “Maknae” — a Korean word for the youngest in a group. But due to his outstanding abilities in singing, dancing, video editing, drawing, and even sports, the other members began to affectionately call him the “Golden Maknae.”

Despite his age, he was already seen as a promising trainee, full of artistic and emotional potential. He was shy in front of the camera but playful and curious behind the scenes, always eager to learn from his hyungs.

First Appearances and Recognition

In February 2013, Jungkook released his first dance practice video, titled “130204 Dance Practice,” and that same month, he uploaded his first vlog (known as a “log”) on BTS’s YouTube channel. He also participated in a graduation song created by J-Hope and Jimin to celebrate finishing middle school.

Jungkook joined the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), known for shaping the new generation of idols. In 2017, he officially graduated from high school and, years later, received the Presidential Award from Global Cyber University for his performance in the Broadcasting and Entertainment program — the highest honor granted by the institution.

A curious fact is that his stage name was almost Seagull, a tribute to the bird symbol of his hometown, Busan. In the end, he chose to keep his real name, which would later become one of the most recognized in K-pop.

Career at BTS

Jungkook was officially introduced as a BTS member in June 2013 and made his debut on the 13th of that month with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool and the track “No More Dream”.

From the start, he took on multiple roles in the group: main vocalist, dancer, sub-rapper, visual center, and maknae (youngest member).

Despite the modest debut, Jungkook stood out with his energetic stage presence, emotional vocals, and natural dance talent. His artistic growth over the years is often cited as one of the most impressive among idols of his generation.

Solo Tracks in BTS’s Discography

Over the years, Jungkook has released solo songs within BTS albums, where he showcased his sensitivity and versatility as a performer:

• “Begin” (WINGS, 2016): a tribute to his hyungs, reflecting the admiration and gratitude he feels for them;

• “Euphoria” (Love Yourself: Answer, 2018): one of BTS’s most successful solo tracks, known for its light and emotional melody;

• “My Time” (Map of the Soul: 7, 2020): a confession about growing up in the spotlight, marked by R&B beats and powerful vocals.

These songs reached high positions on Korean and international charts and became fan favorites — especially during live performances.

Contributions as a Composer and Producer

Jungkook has also been actively involved in BTS’s music production. He composed and co-produced tracks like “Magic Shop”, made especially for ARMY, and contributed lyrics to several other songs over the years, such as “Outro: Love Is Not Over” and “Run”.

His creative role has only grown over time, showing his dedication to the craft and evolution as a complete musician.

Powerful Stage Presence

On stage, Jungkook has always been a central figure. Whether it’s with his flawless high notes, precise dance transitions, or emotional connection with the audience, he quickly became known for his intense and memorable performances.

Tours like The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage, WINGS Tour, Love Yourself, Speak Yourself, and online concerts during the pandemic showed just how much Jungkook has grown — both technically and as an artist who moves people.

Media Appearances and Behind the Scenes

Over the years, Jungkook has also appeared on various variety shows, such as King of Mask Singer, where he impressed many by showcasing the strength and range of his voice even while wearing a costume.

Programs like Flower Crew and Celebrity Bromance revealed his shy, kind, and slightly mischievous side, winning over the public beyond music.

His love for art also led him to produce videos and documentaries under the alias G.C.F. (Golden Closet Films), showcasing a creative and sensitive side expressed through photography, filming, and editing.

Recognition and Impact

In 2018, Jungkook — along with the other members — received the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit, one of South Korea’s highest honors, recognizing BTS’s global impact in promoting Korean culture.

As part of the group, he helped break countless records, such as performing at the Grammys, topping the Billboard Hot 100, selling out stadiums worldwide, and being cited by world leaders as a symbol of positive influence.

Solo Career of Jeon Jungkook

Despite being the youngest BTS member, Jungkook has always stood out for his versatile talent and magnetic stage presence. Over the years, he has shown constant growth as a singer, songwriter, and performer — a journey that became even more evident with the start of his solo career.

Covers and GCF: an Artist in Progress

Alongside group activities, Jungkook shared several cover songs of international hits, revealing his passion for singing and exploring various styles. Among the most popular are his versions of “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” “Fools,” “Paper Hearts,” “Lost Stars,” “Only Then,” “10,000 Hours,” and more.

He also created the G.C.F (Golden Closet Films) project, where he edited and directed videos with his personal vision of BTS moments. These videos, posted on the BANGTANTV channel, revealed his aesthetic sensibility and editing talent, solidifying Jungkook as a well-rounded artist — both on and off stage.

First Solo Releases

In 2020, during BTS Festa, Jungkook released “Still With You”, a soft and emotional track self-produced by him. The song was offered for free on SoundCloud as a gift to ARMY during the pandemic. The following year, he released another track, “My You”, also part of BTS Festa.

These songs reinforced his affection for fans and his skills as a producer and songwriter. Both were later added to streaming platforms in July 2023 as official singles.

Billboard Debut and International Collaborations

In 2022, Jungkook took a major step in his solo career with the release of “Stay Alive”, the soundtrack for the webtoon 7Fates: Chakho, produced by SUGA. The song marked his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 (No. 95) and debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Global Excl. US. It also became the first Korean OST to debut on the UK’s Official Singles Chart.

Shortly after, Jungkook collaborated with Charlie Puth on the single “Left and Right”, released in June 2022. The track was an instant success: it reached the Top 30 on Billboard Hot 100, sold over 500,000 copies in the US, was RIAA-certified Gold, and earned international award nominations.

“Dreamers”: Jungkook at the World Cup

In November 2022, Jungkook made history again by becoming the first Korean artist to release an official FIFA World Cup song.

The song “Dreamers”, featuring Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, was performed live during the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony in Qatar, in a performance watched by millions around the world. The moment solidified his name as a global artist.

2023: The Big Leap with “Seven” and “Golden”

The year 2023 was a turning point in Jungkook’s solo career. In July, he released his first official single, “Seven”, featuring American rapper Latto.

The song debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Global 200, and Global Excl. US, making him the first solo artist from South Korea to achieve this milestone. The track’s overwhelming success led to several remixes, featuring names like Alesso and David Guetta.

In September, Jungkook dropped his second single, “3D”, featuring Jack Harlow. The song gained major international attention, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Top 5 on the UK Singles Chart, making him the first Korean soloist with two consecutive singles in the UK Top 5.

Finally, in November, he released his debut solo album, “Golden”, which includes tracks such as:

• “Seven” (feat. Latto)
• “3D” (feat. Jack Harlow)
• “Standing Next To You”

• “Hate You”, “Yes or No”, “Too Sad to Dance”, among others.

The project presents various sides of Jungkook as a pop artist, with influences of R&B, dance, and ballads. Golden topped charts in multiple countries and solidified his status as a true global pop star.

“Too Much”, “Never Let Go” and New Phases

Beyond Golden, Jungkook featured in the single “Too Much”, alongside The Kid LAROI and Central Cee, and released “Never Let Go” in June 2024 — a heartfelt gift to ARMY. The track was praised for its soft melody and message of gratitude.

Even while fulfilling his mandatory military service — expected to end in June 2025 — Jungkook remains one of the most influential figures in global pop, consistently praised by both critics and fans.

Jungkook’s Personal Life

Jeon Jungkook was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea, and grew up with his parents and older brother. From a young age, he was introspective, observant, and sensitive — traits that still shape his artistic personality and the depth of his lyrics.

Although the youngest in BTS, Jungkook has always been known for his maturity and sense of responsibility. Still, his “maknae” side continues to charm fans — with his playful nature, affection for his hyungs, and love for always learning more.

Personality and Habits

Jungkook is a unique blend of shyness and boldness. Offstage, he’s quiet and even a bit insecure — he once admitted that he tends to keep his fears and worries to himself. In a 2024 live broadcast, he shared that he’s been struggling with self-confidence since his enlistment began, feeling pressure when watching the rise of new artists — but finds strength in thinking of ARMY.

Despite his success, he remains humble and a perfectionist. His personal motto is:

“Living without passion is like being dead.”

Some of his well-known habits include sniffling (due to rhinitis), cracking his fingers, spending too long in the bathroom, and getting shy when doing aegyo — though the members often say his aegyo comes naturally.

Relationship with Members and Fans

Although shy around strangers, Jungkook is deeply affectionate and playful with BTS members. He enjoys mimicking them, teasing them in fun ways, and is often the first to start jokes in the dorm. Among his closest hyungs are Jimin and V, with whom he forms the famous 97 liners trio, alongside idols of the same age like Mingyu (SEVENTEEN), Jaehyun (NCT), and Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO).

With fans, Jungkook has a deep emotional connection. He once admitted that early in his career, he couldn’t look ARMY in the eyes due to shyness — but today, he makes it a point to maintain eye contact and give his heart in every performance.

One of his most remembered quotes is:

“If you ever miss me, I’ll always be here.”

Philanthropy and Social Causes

Jungkook is involved in various charitable actions, although he prefers to do so quietly. As part of BTS, he participates in the UNICEF Love Myself campaign, which fights violence against children and teens. He has also donated anonymously to causes supporting disaster relief, education, and mental health.

He’s known for boosting local Korean brands, such as the time Downy fabric softener sold out after he casually mentioned it during a live.

His impact goes beyond music — Jungkook was awarded the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit by the South Korean government, alongside the other members, for promoting Korean culture worldwide.

Military Service

On December 12, 2023, Jungkook officially began his mandatory military enlistment alongside Jimin. Both chose to serve as active duty soldiers in the armed forces. During his hiatus, Jungkook shared moments of introspection and longing for the stage with fans, but reassured them with a heartfelt promise:

“I’m preparing to come back and be your favorite singer.”

Jungkook is expected to return to civilian life in June 2025.

Jungkook’s Awards and Nominations

Throughout his career, both as a BTS member and as a solo artist, Jungkook has earned an impressive list of awards and nominations. His versatility as a vocalist, dancer, songwriter, and producer has been recognized by critics, cultural institutions, and major international award platforms.

Individual Honors

Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (5th Class)
▸ Year: 2018
▸ Awarded by: Government of South Korea
▸ Reason: Outstanding contribution to the global promotion of Korean culture with BTS.

One of the highest cultural honors a Korean artist can receive.

President’s Award – Global Cyber University
▸ Year: 2022
▸ Reason: For academic excellence and positive global influence, Jungkook received the university’s highest distinction, graduating in Broadcasting and Entertainment.

MTV Millennial Awards (MTV MIAW)
▸ Year: 2019
▸ Category: Global Instagrammer
▸ Result: Winner

Recognized for his massive engagement on social media.

Solo Career Awards

MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)
▸ Year: 2023
▸ Category: Song of the Summer
▸ Nominated work: “Seven” (feat. Latto)
▸ Result: Nominated

E! People’s Choice Awards
▸ Year: 2022
▸ Categories:
• The Collaboration Song of 2022 – “Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth)
• The Music Video of 2022 – “Left and Right”
▸ Result: Nominated

Guinness World Records (Spotify)
▸ Year: 2023
▸ Achievement:

“Seven” became the fastest male solo track to reach 100 million streams on Spotify — in just 6 days.

UK Singles Chart / Billboard Hot 100
▸ Year: 2023
▸ Achievements:
• First Korean soloist to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Seven”
• First Korean soloist with two consecutive Top 5 singles on the UK Singles Chart (“Seven” and “3D”)

Highlight Lists (TC Candler – Most Handsome Faces)

100 Most Handsome Faces – TC Candler
▸ 2016: #55
▸ 2017: #13
▸ 2018: #2
▸ 2019: 🥇 #1 – Winner
▸ 2020: #4
▸ 2020 (Decade): #5 among the “30 Most Handsome Faces of the Decade”

Records and Popularity

Most Mentioned Artist on Twitter
▸ Year: Multiple
▸ Jungkook is frequently ranked among the most tweeted-about artists globally, with some of the most retweeted posts in South Korea.

Influence in the Industry
▸His impact on brands earned him the nickname “Sold Out King” — anything he wears or mentions (clothes, accessories, even fabric softener) tends to sell out immediately.

Jungkook is still writing his story. Even during his military hiatus, his presence remains alive in the hearts of fans through his art, charisma, and legacy with BTS.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jeon Jungkook of BTS

Why did Jungkook leave BTS?

Jungkook did not leave BTS. He is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service in South Korea, along with the other members. The group is on a temporary hiatus, with a full return expected in 2025 once all enlistments are complete.

When will Jungkook finish military service?

Jungkook enlisted on December 12, 2023, and is expected to complete his military service in June 2025, following the standard active duty period.

What happened to Jungkook?

Jungkook is currently serving in the military, as required for South Korean male citizens. Before enlisting, he released his first solo album, Golden, and hit songs like Seven and Standing Next to You. He is doing well and often sends messages to fans when possible.

Who is Jungkook’s girlfriend?

Jungkook has never publicly confirmed any romantic relationship. Over the years, there have been many rumors, but he keeps his love life very private. His focus has always been on his career and fans. There is no official confirmation of any relationship.

Who is Jungkook dating in 2024?

There is no official information or confirmation of a relationship in 2024. Jungkook is currently serving in the military, and there’s no evidence of him dating anyone publicly.

Has any BTS member ever dated?

BTS members are very private about their love lives. To this day, none of them has publicly confirmed any relationship. They usually avoid the topic to protect their privacy and their fans’ feelings.

Is it true that Jikook came out?

No. “Jikook” is a fan-created ship that combines Jimin and Jungkook’s names. They have a close and affectionate friendship, but there has been no official confirmation of a romantic relationship. Any claims are speculation.

Who is a couple in BTS?

There are no confirmed couples in BTS. Ships (like Taekook, Jikook, Yoonmin, Namjin, etc.) are fan-created pairings based on interactions and member chemistry. The members share strong emotional bonds, but no romantic relationships between them have been confirmed.

Who does Jungkook like?

Jungkook has said he likes kind, intelligent people with long black hair, who know how to cook and have good fashion sense. He also values calm and sincere personalities. Musically, he admires artists like IU, Charlie Puth, Zion.T, Troye Sivan, and Justin Bieber.

What is Jungkook’s nickname?

He’s known by many affectionate nicknames, such as:
Kookie, Golden Maknae, Bunny, Nochu, Jeon Cena, Muscle Pig, and more.

What university did Jungkook attend?

Jungkook graduated from Global Cyber University, majoring in Broadcasting and Entertainment. He received the President’s Award from the university for his performance and positive global influence.

Where does Jungkook live now?

Before enlisting, Jungkook lived in Seoul, South Korea, in a luxury apartment. While in the military, he is stationed in a military unit, as part of his mandatory service.