Jung Kook

Jung Kook (born 1 September 1997), legally known as Jeon Jung-kook, is a South Korean singer and songwriter. He is globally recognised as the youngest member and main vocalist of the K-pop group BTS. Renowned for his vocal versatility, stage presence, and musical range, Jung Kook has achieved record-breaking success both as part of BTS and as a solo artist.

Jung Kook
Born	1 September 1997 (age 28) Busan, South Korea
Birth name	Jeon Jung-kook
Nationality	South Korean
Education	School of Performing Arts Seoul B.A. in Broadcasting & Entertainment, Global Cyber University
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter
Years active	2013–present
Known for	Member of BTS
Awards	Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit (2018)

Early Life and Education

Jeon Jung-kook was born in Busan, South Korea. He attended Baekyang Elementary School and Middle School before transferring to Singu Middle School in Seoul after becoming a trainee. In 2012, he received professional dance training at Movement Lifestyle in Los Angeles.

He graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul in 2017 and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment from Global Cyber University, receiving the President’s Award in 2022.

Career

Debut and BTS Journey (2013–present)

Jung Kook debuted in 2013 as the main vocalist and youngest member of BTS under Big Hit Entertainment with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. His powerful vocals, emotional delivery, and performance skills quickly earned him international recognition.

Within BTS albums, Jung Kook released several solo tracks reflecting his artistic growth, including Begin (2016), Euphoria (2018), and My Time (2020). He also contributed as a songwriter and producer to BTS tracks such as Love Is Not Over and Magic Shop.

In 2020, he released the self-produced fan song Still With You, which charted globally. He later recorded Stay Alive (2022), produced by BTS member Suga, for the webtoon 7Fates: Chakho, marking his first major solo chart entry.

Solo Career and Global Success (2022–present)

In 2022, Jung Kook collaborated with American singer Charlie Puth on Left and Right, which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, he performed Dreamers, the official FIFA World Cup song, at the 2022 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Qatar, becoming the first South Korean artist to do so.

He officially launched his solo career in 2023 with Seven featuring Latto. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts, making Jung Kook the first Korean soloist to achieve this milestone. His follow-up single 3D featuring Jack Harlow' also charted in the top five in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Later in 2023, Jung Kook released his debut solo album Golden, led by the single Standing Next to You. The album sold over 2.4 million copies in its first week, becoming one of the best-selling albums by a Korean solo artist.

Film and Television

In 2024, Jung Kook released the documentary I Am Still, offering insight into his creative journey and solo career. He also appeared in the Disney+ travel series Are You Sure?! alongside BTS member Jimin.

Solo Discography

• Still With You (2020)
• Stay Alive (2022)
• Dreamers (2022)
• Seven (2023)
• 3D (2023)
• Standing Next to You (2023)
• Never Let Go (2024)
• Golden (2023 album)

Achievements and Recognition

Jung Kook received the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2018 as a member of BTS for promoting Korean culture globally. In 2021, he was appointed Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture.

As a solo artist, he set multiple global records, including the fastest song to reach one billion streams on Spotify with Seven. In 2023, Rolling Stone listed him among the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, while The Hollywood Reporter named him one of the Platinum Players of Music.

His influence extends beyond music, with global brand endorsements, including Calvin Klein, and a significant impact on fashion and pop culture. By 2025, he was featured in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40, Madame Tussauds Hot 100, and Gold House A100.