Jungkook (BTS)

Who is Jungkook (BTS)?
Jeon Jung-kook (Korean: 전정국), widely known as Jungkook, is a South Korean singer and songwriter. He gained global recognition as a member and lead vocalist of the boy band BTS. As a solo artist within the group, he has released three songs—”Begin” (2016), “Euphoria” (2018), and “My Time” (2020)—all of which charted on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart. Additionally, he contributed the song “Stay Alive” to the soundtrack of the BTS-based webtoon 7Fates: Chakho.
In 2022, Jungkook collaborated with American singer Charlie Puth on the single “Left and Right”, which peaked at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, he made history as the first South Korean artist to release a song for the FIFA World Cup soundtrack with “Dreamers”, which he also performed at the World Cup opening ceremony.
Jungkook’s debut solo single, “Seven” (2023), featuring Latto, shattered multiple chart and streaming records. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the Global 200, and the Global Excl. U.S. charts, making him the first Korean solo artist to reach such heights. “Seven” also became the fastest song in history to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify. His follow-up single, “3D”, featuring Jack Harlow, debuted at number five on both the Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, cementing Jungkook as the first South Korean solo artist to achieve two consecutive top-five hits on the UK chart.
Quick Details
Stage Name | Jungkook (정국) |
Full Name | Jeon Jung Kook (전정국); 田柾國 (Hanja) |
Also known as | Jeon Jeong-guk; Chŏn Jŏngguk |
Date of Birth | September 1, 1997 |
Birth Place | Busan, South Korea |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Gender | Male |
Birthday | September 1 |
Age | 27 |
Height | 178 cm (5’10”) |
Weight | 66 kg (145 lbs) |
Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
Years active | 2013–present |
Genres | K-pop, EDM |
Instrument | Vocals |
Member of | BTS (방탄소년단) |
Labels | Big Hit |
Social media links |
Early Life & Education




Jeon Jung-kook was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea. He grew up in a family with his parents and an older brother. Jungkook attended Baekyang Elementary and Middle School in Busan before transferring to Singu Middle School in Seoul when he became a trainee.
In 2011, Jungkook auditioned for the South Korean talent show Superstar K in Daegu. Although he wasn’t selected, his performance caught the attention of seven entertainment companies, leading to multiple casting offers. He ultimately chose to join Big Hit Entertainment after being inspired by RM, who would later become his bandmate and BTS’s leader. To enhance his dance abilities for his upcoming debut, Jungkook traveled to Los Angeles in the summer of 2012 to train with Movement Lifestyle. In June 2012, he made a brief appearance in Jo Kwon’s “I’m Da One” music video and worked as a backup dancer for the girl group Glam before his official debut.
Jungkook graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul in 2017 and opted out of taking the CSATs, South Korea’s national university entrance exam, in November 2016. Later, in March 2022, he earned his degree from Global Cyber University’s Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment, where he was honored with the President’s Award, the institution’s highest recognition.
Career
Jungkook made his BTS debut on June 12, 2013, with the single 2 Cool 4 Skool. He has released three solo songs as part of the group. His first solo, “Begin” (2016), reflects his journey to Seoul to pursue his idol dreams and his gratitude to his bandmates. “Euphoria” (2018), a future bass track, was part of BTS’s Love Yourself series and charted on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100. “My Time” (2020), an R&B song from Map of the Soul: 7, discusses sacrificing teenage experiences for his career and charted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both “Euphoria” and “My Time” hold records for the longest-charting solo tracks by K-pop artists on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

In addition to performing, Jungkook contributed to BTS’s production, co-producing “Love is Not Over” (2015) and “Magic Shop” (2018). In recognition of his contributions, Jungkook and his bandmates were awarded the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit by South Korea’s President in 2018. In 2021, they were appointed Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture to represent South Korea internationally.
In September 2015, Jungkook participated in the “One Dream, One Korea” campaign, collaborating with various Korean artists for a song commemorating the Korean War. He later appeared in Flower Crew and Celebrity Bromance, and competed on King of Mask Singer in 2016. In November 2018, Jungkook joined Charlie Puth for a duet of “We Don’t Talk Anymore” at the MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards. He also released the self-produced “Still With You” on SoundCloud in 2020.
Jungkook made his solo debut with the soundtrack “Stay Alive” for BTS’s webtoon 7Fates: Chakho, marking his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. He also released “My You” and featured on Puth’s “Left and Right”. In 2022, he became the first Korean artist to perform at a World Cup opening ceremony, singing “Dreamers” for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
In 2023, Jungkook became Calvin Klein’s global ambassador. His solo single “Seven” debuted at number one on the Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts, making him the first Korean solo artist to top all three. His second solo single, “3D”, also debuted in the top five on both the Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. Jungkook was named in The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Platinum Players of Music” list and later released the collaboration single “Too Much”, which debuted in the UK top 10.
In November 2023, Jungkook released his debut solo album Golden, which set new sales records and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. His first post-enlistment project, “Never Let Go,” was released in June 2024, followed by the Disney+ reality series Are You Sure?! and the documentary I Am Still in September.
Impact and influence
In a 2019 Gallup Korea survey, Jungkook ranked as the third most-loved celebrity in South Korea, improving from 20th in 2016 to 8th in 2018. He also topped Hi China’s list of the most beloved celebrities in China for 10 consecutive weeks in 2018. Influential artists, like Kim Dong-han and Hyeongseop X Euiwoong, have cited him as a role model.
Jungkook was the most-searched male K-pop idol on Google in both 2019 and 2020, and the most searched K-pop idol on YouTube in 2019 and 2020. On Tumblr, he ranked first on the “Top K-Pop Stars” list for three years running. His tweets dominated social media, being the most retweeted in South Korea in 2018 and globally in 2019. He also set records for the most real-time livestream viewers on V Live, reaching 3.7 million in 2018 and 22 million in 2021.
Known as the “Sold Out King,” Jungkook’s items, such as shoes, fabric softener, and novels, quickly sell out. His fashion choices, including wearing Hanbok, popularized the “Modern Hanbok” trend in South Korean entertainment.
In 2021, Jungkook’s image was used by a lawmaker to promote tattoo legalization in South Korea, though it sparked controversy. Additionally, his images were posted by the Mayor of Tagbilaran, Philippines, to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations.
In 2024, Jungkook ranked 9th on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity 40 list and was recognized on the Gold House 2024 A100 list for his impact on American culture. He was also named the biggest K-pop artist in America, topping the inaugural Billboard K-Pop Artist 100 list.
Philanthropy
Jungkook donated ₩1 billion (US$874,164.08) to Seoul National University Children’s Hospital in April 2023 for treatment expenses of patients from low-income families and the hospital’s integrated care center.
Military service
On November 22, 2023, Big Hit announced through Weverse that Jungkook, along with bandmates RM, Jimin, and V, had started the enlistment process to carry out his mandatory military service. Jungkook confirmed in a subsequent post that he would enlist in December. He began his military service on December 12.
Personal Life
Since 2018, Jungkook has lived in Hannam-dong, Seoul, South Korea with his bandmates.[96] In July 2019, he purchased an apartment in Yongsan District, Seoul worth ₩4 billion, which he gifted to his older brother in December 2020. As of July 2021, Jungkook’s net worth was estimated to be US$20 million.
Jungkook’s father is Christian and his mother is Buddhist, but he has stated that he has no particular religious affiliation.
Discography
Albums
- Golden (2023)
Filmography
Television
Year | Title | Role | Note(s) |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | Music Bank | Himself | Special host with Sana |
2016 | Show! Music Core | Himself | Special host with Jimin |
2016 | Show! Music Core | Himself | Special host with J-Hope |
2016 | Flower Crew | Cast member | Pilot episode |
2016 | Celebrity Bromance | Cast member | Season 8, episodes 35–39 |
2017 | Show Champion | Himself | Special host |
2024 | Are You Sure?! | Himself | Disney+ exclusive 8-episode travel reality series with Jimin |
Awards & Nominations
Award Ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee(s)/work(s) | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asia Star Entertainer Awards | 2024 | Song of the Year | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top Song Sales Artist | Jungkook | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top Global K-Pop Artist | Jungkook | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top Selling Song | “Standing Next to You” | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top Global K-Pop Song | “Standing Next to You” | Won |
Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top Global K-Pop Song | “3D” (featuring Jack Harlow) | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top K-Pop Album | Golden | Won |
Circle Chart Music Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year – Album | Golden | Won |
Circle Chart Music Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year – Digital | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Circle Chart Music Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year – Global Streaming | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Circle Chart Music Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year – Streaming Unique Listeners | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
Clio Music Awards | 2024 | Film & Video | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Shortlisted |
Global Awards | 2024 | Best Fans | Jungkook | Won |
Golden Disc Awards | 2024 | Best Album (Bonsang) | Golden | Won |
Golden Disc Awards | 2024 | Best Digital Song (Bonsang) | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Won |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2024 | Global Artist Award – Africa | Jungkook | Nominated |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2024 | Global Artist Award – Asia | Jungkook | Nominated |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2024 | Global Artist Award – Europe | Jungkook | Nominated |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2024 | Global Artist Award – North America | Jungkook | Nominated |
Hanteo Music Awards | 2024 | Global Artist Award – South America | Jungkook | Nominated |
Huading Awards | 2024 | Asia’s Most Popular Male Singer | Jungkook | Won |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2024 | Best Music Video | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2024 | K-Pop Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Won |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2024 | Best Music Video | “3D” (featuring Jack Harlow) | Nominated |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2024 | Favourite Debut Album | Golden | Nominated |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2024 | K-Pop Song of the Year | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
Japan Gold Disc Awards | 2024 | Song of the Year by Download – Asia | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Korean Music Awards | 2024 | Best K-Pop Album | Golden | Nominated |
Korean Music Awards | 2024 | Best K-Pop Song | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
Korean Music Awards | 2024 | Musician of the Year | Jungkook | Nominated |
Korean Music Awards | 2024 | Song of the Year | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Best Male Artist | Jungkook | Won |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Best Dance Performance Male Solo | “Standing Next to You” | Won |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Fans’ Choice Male Top 10 | Jungkook | Won |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Nominated |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Album of the Year | Golden | Nominated |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Fans’ Choice of the Year | Jungkook | Nominated |
MAMA Awards | 2024 | Song of the Year | “Standing Next to You” | Nominated |
Melon Music Awards | 2024 | Best Male Solo | Jungkook | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2024 | Millions Top 10 | Golden | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2024 | Top 10 Artist Award | Jungkook | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2024 | Album of the Year | Golden | Nominated |
Melon Music Awards | 2024 | Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Nominated |
Melon Music Awards | 2022024 | Kakao Favorite Star Award | Jungkook | Nominated |
MTV Europe Music Awards | 2024 | Best K-Pop | Jungkook | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards | 2024 | Best Collaboration | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards | 2024 | Best K-Pop | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
People’s Choice Awards | 2024 | Male Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Won |
People’s Choice Awards | 2024 | Collaboration Song of the Year | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
People’s Choice Awards | 2024 | New Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Nominated |
People’s Choice Awards | 2024 | Pop Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Nominated |
Seoul Music Awards | 2024 | Main Award (Bonsang) | Jungkook | Won |
Seoul Music Awards | 2024 | Fan Choice of the Year – April | Jungkook | Nominated |
Seoul Music Awards | 2024 | Hallyu Special Award | Jungkook | Nominated |
Seoul Music Awards | 2024 | Popularity Award | Jungkook | Nominated |
Asian Pop Music Awards | 2023 | Best Male Artist (Overseas) | Jungkook | Won |
Asian Pop Music Awards | 2023 | Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas) | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Asian Pop Music Awards | 2023 | Top 20 Albums of the Year (Overseas) | Golden | Won |
Asian Pop Music Awards | 2023 | Album of the Year (Overseas) | Golden | Nominated |
Asian Pop Music Awards | 2023 | Best Collaboration (Overseas) | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
Asian Pop Music Awards | 2023 | Best Music Video (Overseas) | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
Billboard Music Awards | 2023 | Top Global K-Pop Song | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
The Fact Music Awards | 2023 | Best Music (Fall) | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
The Fact Music Awards | 2023 | Idolplus Popularity Award | Jungkook | Nominated |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2023 | Best Music Video | “Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth) | Nominated |
Japan Gold Disc Awards | 2023 | Song of the Year by Streaming – Western | “Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth) | Won |
MAMA Awards | 2023 | Best Collaboration | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
MAMA Awards | 2023 | Best Dance Performance Male Solo | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
MAMA Awards | 2023 | Song of the Year | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Shortlisted |
MAMA Awards | 2023 | Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Longlisted |
MAMA Awards | 2023 | Best Male Artist | Jungkook | Nominated |
MAMA Awards | 2023 | Best Music Video | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
Melon Music Awards | 2023 | Best Male Solo | Jungkook | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2023 | Hot Trend | Jungkook | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2023 | Millions Top 10 | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2023 | Top 10 Artist Award | Jungkook | Won |
Melon Music Awards | 2023 | Artist of the Year | Jungkook | Longlisted |
MTV Europe Music Awards | 2023 | Best Song | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
MTV Europe Music Awards | 2023 | Best K-Pop | Jungkook | Won |
MTV Europe Music Awards | 2023 | Biggest Fans | Jungkook | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards | 2023 | Song of Summer | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
TikTok Awards Thailand | 2023 | International Song of the Year | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Won |
UK Music Video Awards | 2023 | Best Pop Video – International | “Seven” (featuring Latto) | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards | 2022 | Song of Summer | “Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth) | Nominated |
People’s Choice Awards | 2022 | The Collaboration Song of 2022 | “Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth) | Won |
People’s Choice Awards | 2022 | The Music Video of 2022 | “Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth) | Nominated |
MTV Millennial Awards | 2019 | Global Instagrammer | Jungkook | Won |
World records
Publication | Year | World Record | Record Holder |
---|---|---|---|
Guinness World Records | 2023 | † Fastest solo K-Pop artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify (male) | Jungkook |
Guinness World Records | 2023 | Most streamed track on Spotify in one week (male) | “Seven” |
Guinness World Records | 2023 | Fastest time for a music track to reach 100 million streams on Spotify (male) | “Seven” |
Guinness World Records | 2023 | Fastest time for a music track to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify (male) | “Seven” |
Guinness World Records | 2023 | Most No.1 hits on The Official MENA Chart | Jungkook |