Jungkook (BTS)

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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 NameJungkook (정국)
Full NameJeon Jung Kook (전정국); 田柾國 (Hanja)
Also known asJeon Jeong-guk; Chŏn Jŏngguk
Date of BirthSeptember 1, 1997
Birth PlaceBusan, South Korea
Zodiac SignVirgo
GenderMale
BirthdaySeptember 1
Age27
Height178 cm (5’10”)
Weight66 kg (145 lbs)
ProfessionSinger, Songwriter
Years active2013–present
GenresK-pop, EDM
InstrumentVocals
Member ofBTS (방탄소년단)
LabelsBig 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.

BTS (방탄소년단) Photo

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

YearTitleRoleNote(s)
2016Music BankHimselfSpecial host with Sana
2016Show! Music CoreHimselfSpecial host with Jimin
2016Show! Music CoreHimselfSpecial host with J-Hope
2016Flower CrewCast memberPilot episode
2016Celebrity BromanceCast memberSeason 8, episodes 35–39
2017Show ChampionHimselfSpecial host
2024Are You Sure?!HimselfDisney+ exclusive 8-episode travel reality series with Jimin

Awards & Nominations

Award CeremonyYearCategoryNominee(s)/work(s)Result
Asia Star Entertainer Awards2024Song of the Year“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Song Sales ArtistJungkookNominated
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Global K-Pop ArtistJungkookNominated
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Selling Song“Standing Next to You”Nominated
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Global K-Pop Song“Standing Next to You”Won
Billboard Music Awards2024Top Global K-Pop Song“3D” (featuring Jack Harlow)Nominated
Billboard Music Awards2024Top K-Pop AlbumGoldenWon
Circle Chart Music Awards2024Artist of the Year – AlbumGoldenWon
Circle Chart Music Awards2024Artist of the Year – Digital“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Circle Chart Music Awards2024Artist of the Year – Global Streaming“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Circle Chart Music Awards2024Artist of the Year – Streaming Unique Listeners“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
Clio Music Awards2024Film & Video“Seven” (featuring Latto)Shortlisted
Global Awards2024Best FansJungkookWon
Golden Disc Awards2024Best Album (Bonsang)GoldenWon
Golden Disc Awards2024Best Digital Song (Bonsang)“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Hanteo Music Awards2024Artist of the YearJungkookWon
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – AfricaJungkookNominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – AsiaJungkookNominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – EuropeJungkookNominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – North AmericaJungkookNominated
Hanteo Music Awards2024Global Artist Award – South AmericaJungkookNominated
Huading Awards2024Asia’s Most Popular Male SingerJungkookWon
iHeartRadio Music Awards2024Best Music Video“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
iHeartRadio Music Awards2024K-Pop Artist of the YearJungkookWon
iHeartRadio Music Awards2024Best Music Video“3D” (featuring Jack Harlow)Nominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards2024Favourite Debut AlbumGoldenNominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards2024K-Pop Song of the Year“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
Japan Gold Disc Awards2024Song of the Year by Download – Asia“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Korean Music Awards2024Best K-Pop AlbumGoldenNominated
Korean Music Awards2024Best K-Pop Song“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
Korean Music Awards2024Musician of the YearJungkookNominated
Korean Music Awards2024Song of the Year“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
MAMA Awards2024Best Male ArtistJungkookWon
MAMA Awards2024Best Dance Performance Male Solo“Standing Next to You”Won
MAMA Awards2024Fans’ Choice Male Top 10JungkookWon
MAMA Awards2024Artist of the YearJungkookNominated
MAMA Awards2024Album of the YearGoldenNominated
MAMA Awards2024Fans’ Choice of the YearJungkookNominated
MAMA Awards2024Song of the Year“Standing Next to You”Nominated
Melon Music Awards2024Best Male SoloJungkookWon
Melon Music Awards2024Millions Top 10GoldenWon
Melon Music Awards2024Top 10 Artist AwardJungkookWon
Melon Music Awards2024Album of the YearGoldenNominated
Melon Music Awards2024Artist of the YearJungkookNominated
Melon Music Awards2022024Kakao Favorite Star AwardJungkookNominated
MTV Europe Music Awards2024Best K-PopJungkookNominated
MTV Video Music Awards2024Best Collaboration“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
MTV Video Music Awards2024Best K-Pop“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
People’s Choice Awards2024Male Artist of the YearJungkookWon
People’s Choice Awards2024Collaboration Song of the Year“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
People’s Choice Awards2024New Artist of the YearJungkookNominated
People’s Choice Awards2024Pop Artist of the YearJungkookNominated
Seoul Music Awards2024Main Award (Bonsang)JungkookWon
Seoul Music Awards2024Fan Choice of the Year – AprilJungkookNominated
Seoul Music Awards2024Hallyu Special AwardJungkookNominated
Seoul Music Awards2024Popularity AwardJungkookNominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2023Best Male Artist (Overseas)JungkookWon
Asian Pop Music Awards2023Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas)“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Asian Pop Music Awards2023Top 20 Albums of the Year (Overseas)GoldenWon
Asian Pop Music Awards2023Album of the Year (Overseas)GoldenNominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2023Best Collaboration (Overseas)“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2023Best Music Video (Overseas)“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
Billboard Music Awards2023Top Global K-Pop Song“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
The Fact Music Awards2023Best Music (Fall)“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
The Fact Music Awards2023Idolplus Popularity AwardJungkookNominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards2023Best Music Video“Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth)Nominated
Japan Gold Disc Awards2023Song of the Year by Streaming – Western“Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth)Won
MAMA Awards2023Best Collaboration“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
MAMA Awards2023Best Dance Performance Male Solo“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
MAMA Awards2023Song of the Year“Seven” (featuring Latto)Shortlisted
MAMA Awards2023Artist of the YearJungkookLonglisted
MAMA Awards2023Best Male ArtistJungkookNominated
MAMA Awards2023Best Music Video“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
Melon Music Awards2023Best Male SoloJungkookWon
Melon Music Awards2023Hot TrendJungkookWon
Melon Music Awards2023Millions Top 10“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
Melon Music Awards2023Top 10 Artist AwardJungkookWon
Melon Music Awards2023Artist of the YearJungkookLonglisted
MTV Europe Music Awards2023Best Song“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
MTV Europe Music Awards2023Best K-PopJungkookWon
MTV Europe Music Awards2023Biggest FansJungkookNominated
MTV Video Music Awards2023Song of Summer“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
TikTok Awards Thailand2023International Song of the Year“Seven” (featuring Latto)Won
UK Music Video Awards2023Best Pop Video – International“Seven” (featuring Latto)Nominated
MTV Video Music Awards2022Song of Summer“Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth)Nominated
People’s Choice Awards2022The Collaboration Song of 2022“Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth)Won
People’s Choice Awards2022The Music Video of 2022“Left and Right” (with Charlie Puth)Nominated
MTV Millennial Awards2019Global InstagrammerJungkookWon

World records

PublicationYearWorld RecordRecord Holder
Guinness World Records2023† Fastest solo K-Pop artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify (male)Jungkook
Guinness World Records2023Most streamed track on Spotify in one week (male)“Seven”
Guinness World Records2023Fastest time for a music track to reach 100 million streams on Spotify (male)“Seven”
Guinness World Records2023Fastest time for a music track to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify (male)“Seven”
Guinness World Records2023Most No.1 hits on The Official MENA ChartJungkook

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