WEEK 69 | Hello, all…

May 5-11, 2025

Talent.

 

Debut era Jung Kook

During an interview in 2021, the members of BTS were asked what would be the first sentence of a book they would write about their lives. Most had touching or thought-provoking replies. When it was Jung Kook’s turn, he simply gave a little grin and said, “Hello, all.”

If you didn’t know him, you might think he wasn’t taking the interview or the question seriously. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Jung Kook always shows the deepest gratitude and respect for anyone who takes the time to get to know more about his or BTS’ music. But he also readily admits that he’s not a hugely reflective person. He doesn’t tend to dwell in the past or in deep introspection, preferring to live in the moment and look more to the future.



One of the rare times he flipped the script was during his first appearance on Suchwita, when SUGA asked him, “If you could go into the past or the future, which would you choose and why?” He, after asking some calculating questions like, “If I go back, would I have all of my memories?”, said he would go to himself in the past and, knowing what was ahead of him, he’d immediately start working harder to learn English and develop his singing talent earlier. He didn’t want to go back for nostalgia, or to comfort his past self—nope… he would just go to make himself “better”.


It’s peak Jung Kook, honestly. Rarely does he stop and ponder what he wants from life beyond, “How can I be a better performer for ARMY and BTS?” It’s been his mindset ever since his earliest moments as a trainee, even though ARMY didn’t exist then. Though he didn’t know who his fans would be back then, he knew he wanted to make them proud. He wanted to work as hard as he needed to in order to be what they would want.


Jeon Jung Kook was born September 1, 1997 in Busan, South Korea where he lived with his parents and elder brother. During elementary and early middle school, Jung Kook began discovering he had natural talent in… well, pretty much anything he tried doing. He wasn’t particularly interested in music as a kid, but realized that he could, without any formal training, actually sing and dance fairly well. So in 2011, when he learned they would be holding auditions in Daegu, Jung Kook decided to try out for the talent show Superstar K. Though he wasn’t selected to be on the show, he did immediately receive casting offers from seven (how auspicious) different companies, including one of the “Big Three”—JYP Entertainment.

Undoubtedly most everyone in his life likely told him to go with the bigger, more established company over any of the smaller ones. And Jung Kook might have listened to them had someone from the tiny label Big Hit Entertainment not caught his eye during his research. Jung Kook saw RM (Rap Monster at the time) perform and that was it for him. He thought the older rapper was “so cool” and immediately decided he needed to join Big Hit so he could train with him.

When I first came to Seoul, everything was so huge and intimidating.

Jung Kook was only 13 when he left Busan and moved into the Big Hit dorms. He was shy and homesick, crying sometimes because he missed his mom. He was a bit of a loner and incredibly quiet. Most of the time the other trainees would forget he was there until they saw his big eyes peeking around a corner or heard him singing. In the midst of uprooting his life and becoming an Idol trainee, he was also going through puberty, painfully aware of his age and changing body. He showered late at night to avoid anyone else seeing him, and often dressed in oversized clothing.

 

Debut era Jung Kook

Originally, BTS had been meant to debut as a strictly hip-hop group composed of just rappers/songwriters/producers. However, as more multi-talented trainees joined the company, and CEO Bang Shi-Hyuk expanded his market research, the idea for the group began to shift. Eventually, Big Hit decided to pivot “slightly” and debut BTS as a hip-hop Idol group. They’d still rap (and be encouraged to write and produce their own material), but now they would sing and dance as well.

Jung Kook (along with another promising trainee named Seokjin) was definitely a major part of this decision. Big Hit knew he had immense talent and they didn’t want to sit on it for too long lest another company try to poach him from them. Because of his age and demeanor, they didn’t think he’d be suited as a soloist, and they also knew he really respected Namjoon and wanted to work with him.


And so, BTS got their maknae (youngest) and their main vocalist all in one fell swoop.

It was determined very early on that little JK was not only an incredibly talented singer, but that his voice was extremely adaptable to different styles as well. He also had a wide range and perfect pitch. Once they started training, singing, and dancing at the same time, they realized he had an aptitude for that as well. Two more members joined the line-up after Jung Kook, and as the pieces started falling into place, Big Hit told the now 14 year-old that he was going to be carrying a large share of the group’s vocal parts most of the time. Immediately he felt overwhelmed and undeserving. He stressed over it, not wanting to let his fellow members or the company down.

Years later, Jung Kook would admit that the responsibility placed on him at that age terrified him. But rather than give in to that terror, he let it fuel him. He said that it was then that he decided to eliminate the concept of “vocal practice time” from his mind. Anywhere he could sing from then on—in the car, the shower, wherever… 24 hours a day—he would. His competitive nature kicked in, and he decided he’d prove himself worthy of the trust his group and company were placing in him.

He threw himself into training even more. Eventually, his hero RM gave him the nickname “Golden Maknae" because he was so good at everything. They didn’t know it at the time but this affectionate nickname would not only stick around for years, but also come to define the standard Jung Kook would set for his entire career.

 
 
 
 

Skip to Content: Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four | Day Five

 

DAY ONE:

 

When he moved to Seoul, Jung Kook was still in middle school. Once finished there, he deferred his entrance to high school for a year in order to concentrate on preparing for BTS to debut. He worked hard, and in keeping his promise to himself, he sang anywhere and whenever he could.

Debut era Jung Kook

Jung Kook was only 15 at the time, and the six other members took their role as his hyungs seriously (even Taehyung, who tried in vain to get tiny Jung Kook to speak informally with him). They looked after and doted on him, slowly drawing him more and more out of his shell.

In the months leading up to their debut date, the members filmed and posted vlogs on YouTube and connected with fans on Facebook, Twitter (X), and their Fan Cafe. Jung Kook participated, but he was more prone to joking around and being himself if someone else was with him. He still tended toward shyness if by himself. When he filmed the vlog with RM in which his nickname—”Golden Maknae”—was first mentioned, he blushed, laughed and kind of hid in his hoodie when RM said it.

But the nickname proved to be prophetic. Obviously they knew he had talent before, but after BTS debuted, Jung Kook truly began to bloom. Once he got a taste of being on stage in front of fans cheering him on, there was no turning back for him. He knew he’d found where he belonged.

And magically, he began opening up more during backstage moments as well. Fans got to know that Jung Kook loved to tease his hyungs and stir up trouble, could recreate almost any girl group choreo, and could also fall asleep absolutely anywhere. And as they saw his adorable bunny-rabbit smile more and more, it wasn’t just the other members of BTS who would do anything to take care of him anymore—now the maknae had an entire (newly-named) ARMY at his back.

 

BANGTAN BOMB: "N.O" TROT VER BY JUNG KOOK AND OPERA VER BY BTS


 
  1. JUNG KOOK AUDITION FOR SUPERSTAR K | NEW YANG NAM SHOW (1:43)

  2. JUNG KOOK PREDEBUT VIDEOS (4:41)

  3. "I'M DA ONE" JOKWON (2012) | OFFICIAL M/V (5:42)

  4. (PREDEBUT) BTS - @ JOKWON'S "I'M DA ONE" CUTS (1:28)

  5. "I'M DA ONE" JOKWON (J-HOPE AND JUNG KOOK BACKUP DANCERS) | MUSIC CORE (3:06)

  6. BANGTAN BOMB: VJ JUNG KOOK (0:35)

  7. BANGTAN BOMB: LET'S MAKE AN AUTOGRAPH! (4:20)

  8. SPECIAL BANGTAN BOMB: JIMIN IS ELDER THAN JK LOL (0:22)

  9. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK "IT'S HOT RIGHT" (0:07 - as shown)

  10. "LIKE A STAR" (RM AND JUNG KOOK) | COLOR CODED LYRICS (1:50)

  11. "LIKE A STAR" (RM AND JUNG KOOK) | BTS BEGINS FAN CAM (1:43)

  12. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK WANTS TO EAT A DOUGHNUT (0:34)

  13. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK IS DRAWING "I LIKE IT" (2:01)

  14. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK'S SIGHT (1:21)

  15. BANGTAN BOMB: J-HOPE & JUNG KOOK ARE RAPPER! (0:37)

  16. BANGTAN BOMB: "N.O" TROT VER BY JUNG KOOK AND OPERA VER BY BTS (1:17 - as shown)

  17. "GRADUATION OF BTS" (2013) J-HOPE, JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | OFFICIAL M/V (3:02)

  18. "GRADUATION OF BTS" (2013) J-HOPE, JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:04)

  19. BANGTAN BOMB: SLEEPING BEAU... TY! (1:00)

  20. BANGTAN BOMB: SHY SHY SHY JUNG KOOK (0:43)

  21. "SEE-THROUGH" (FEAT. GAEKO, ZION.T BY PRIMARY) | VOCAL PRACTICE BY JUNG KOOK OF BTS (1:18)

  22. BANGTAN BOMB: V THINKS JUNG KOOK LIKE BABY! LOL (0:21)

  23. "BEAUTIFUL" - J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK | OFFICIAL M/V (3:12)

  24. "BEAUTIFUL" - J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK FANCAM | MUSTER (2:11)

  25. "BEAUTIFUL" - J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK | DANCE PRACTICE (3:04)

  26. "BEAUTIFUL" - J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:11)

  27. BONUS: "BEAUTIFUL" - J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK | BEHIND THE SCENES (5:45)

  28. BONUS: EPISODE: BTS SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JUNG KOOK! (5:42)

  29. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: BTS STYLE "HUSH" OF MISS A - RM, V, JK (2:21)

  30. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: PHOTOGRAPHER J-HOPE & JUNG KOOK LOL (1:27)

  31. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: MOVIE DIRECTOR JUNG KOOK (2:19)

  32. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: PRACTICING SPECIAL MC MENT 131203 (0:48)

 

BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK "IT'S HOT RIGHT"

 
 

Fun Fact:

Rap Monster, Jung Kook, and others celebrate a very Big Hit Christmas.

Listen, can you think of a better way to end the year and celebrate the holidays than with tiny Namjoon and Jung Kook singing Christmas songs with a few other artists/Ghosts of Big Hit Past?

Maybe? Fair. But this is still pretty cute. At the end of their Debut year, the leader and the maknae of BTS got together with Jo Kwon from 2AM, soloist Lim Jung Hee, and Joo Hee from 8Eight to spread some holiday cheer.

Please enjoy the lovely vocals, the sweet comradery, and adorable Baby Namjoon and Kookie.

  1. PERFECT CHRISTMAS TEASER (0:32)

  2. PERFECT CHRISTMAS - SPECIAL (JOKWON, LIM JUNG HEE, JOO HEE, RAP MONSTER, JUNG KOOK) (3:46)

  3. PERFECT CHRISTMAS WITH BIGHIT ARTIST SKETCH (3:31)

  4. SPECIAL BANGTAN BOMB: LIP-SYNC BIG HIT CHRISTMAS CAROL (1:00)

  5. ACAPPELLA - SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN (JOKWON, LIM JUNG HEE, JOO HEE, RAP MONSTER, JUNG KOOK) (3:37)

 
 

DAY TWO:


 

DARK & WILD Promotional Photo

If you know BTS’ early discography, then you know there was a time when Jung Kook carried some of the rap parts in certain songs. Like pretty much anything he put even a little effort into, JK was pretty good at rapping. But after awhile, they all (Big Hit included) realized that the maknae’s concentration was much better suited all on singing and dancing.


Also in those early days, the members of the Rap Line endeavored to get the four vocalists more clued in to popular music, with an emphasis on hip-hop, since that was the genre they were based in. They gave the Vocal Line members thumb drives with songs on them, almost like homework to learn.

Jung Kook, though he looked up to his hyungs immensely, wasn’t particularly good at following disciplined directions. So while he may have lost his thumb drive sort of accidentally on purpose, he did start paying attention to music in general bit by bit. And though he was meant to be studying up on hip-hop, JK found himself drawn time and time again to the catchy music and sweet lyrics of mainstream pop music.

And since he sang everywhere and at all times, it didn’t take long before he began recording some covers of songs he liked. Sometimes they were just little clips he’d post for fans, or they’d be bits in Bangtan Bombs, but eventually he started putting them up on YouTube and SoundCloud. His smooth tenor voice and easy falsetto make him suited for a wide range of genres, but even to this day he definitely sits most comfortably in pop.

 

BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK'S DANCE GUIDE

 
  1. "WORKING" ("YANGHWA BRIDGE" BY ZION. T  COVER) | LYRICS (3:57)

  2. "YANGHWA BRIDGE" ZION. T  AND JUNG KOOK | 2015 KBS SONG FESTIVAL (3:49)

  3. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK COLLABORATION STAGE WITH ZION.T (4:49)

  4. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK... JIMIN IS ELDER THAN YOU LOL (0:19)

  5. BANGTAN BOMB: JUST WATCHING JUNG KOOK LIPSYNC SHOW (2:11)

  6. BANGTAN BOMB: SOMETHING BY JUNG KOOK, JIMIN AND JIN! (2:10)

  7. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK'S DANCE GUIDE (0:29 - as shown)

  8. BANGTAN BOMB: RAP MAKING BY JIMIN & JUNG KOOK (1:15)

  9. BANGTAN BOMB: BTS CYPHER VER. JUNG KOOK AND V (0:46)

  10. "SOFA" (BY CRUSH) | LYRICS (3:51)

  11. "SOFA" (BY CRUSH) | WE-LIVE (3:37)

  12. BANGTAN BOMB: ZZZZZZ.... Z.... ZZ... ZZZZ (0:15)

  13. BANGTAN BOMB: "EYES, NOSE, LIPS" OF JUNG KOOK (FEAT.JIMIN) (1:30)

  14. BANGTAN BOMB: FRIDAY & SOME WITH BTS (2:59)

  15. BANGTAN BOMB: BTS STRETCHING TIME (0:58)

  16. BANGTAN BOMB: RECOMMENDED THE SONGS (VJ CAM W/ JK) (2:18)

  17. BANGTAN BOMB: LIP SYNC PRINCES (0:51)

  18. "CHRISTMAS DAY" JIMIN & JUNG KOOK | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:14)

  19. "CHRISTMAS DAY" JIMIN & JUNG KOOK | YOUIDO FANSIGN (0:55)

  20. "CHRISTMAS DAY" JIMIN & JUNG KOOK | FMV (2:25)

  21. BANGTAN BOMB: FINDING JUNG KOOK BY JIMIN PD (2:29)

  22. BANGTAN BOMB: FINDING JUNG KOOK BY JIMIN PD (2) (4:37)

  23. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: "A GUY LIKE ME" LIP-SYNC BY JUNG KOOK (V CAM) (3:56)

  24. BONUS: EPISODE: JUNG KOOK WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH BTS! (2:58)

  25. BONUS: CAMEO: MNET 4 THINGS SHOW EP 3 - RAP MONSTER (47:31)

  26. BONUS: AFTER SCHOOL CLUB EP 68 AFTER SHOW WITH ERIC NAM, KEVIN - GUESTS RM, JIMIN, AND JUNG KOOK (52:58)

  27. BONUS: AFTER SCHOOL CLUB EP 70 AFTER SHOW WITH ERIC NAM, KEVIN - GUESTS RM, JIMIN, AND JUNG KOOK (53:04)

 
 
 
 

Bangtan Bubble: Do you dwell in the past, or focus more on the future, like JK?

 
 

Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!

 

DAY THREE:


“I NEED U” Official M/V

In 2015 BTS began to change up both their sound and their look with their HYYH (“The Most Beautiful Moment in Life”) trilogy of albums. They left behind their hard hip-hop image and embraced more vulnerable lyrics and visuals.



By this point, two years into their career, Jung Kook was a master at nailing choreography and all of his vocal parts. But now he was challenged, along with the rest of the group, to add something new to his ever-expanding repetoire. Along with the introspective lyrics and softer looks came music videos with deep storylines that required quite a bit of acting from all of them for the first time.


It’s not like they had NEVER acted before, but they’d certainly never tackled storylines like these previously. When the video for “I NEED U”, the title track on The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1 dropped, ARMY was floored by the dark themes portrayed and the powerful performances given by all the members. Jung Kook in particular, showed a depth of emotion and fragility despite being only 17, and being used to acting tough and untouchable in most of their previous M/Vs.


During their first Festa celebration in 2014, SUGA asked all the members to make a wish for themselves or for BTS for the following year. They didn’t tell fans what those wishes were at the time, but waited until their 2nd birthday celebration the next June. On their KKUL FM 0613 broadcast, SUGA revealed that three of the members’ wishes had come true and one of them was Jung Kook. He said, “Oh yeah, I wished for a music show win.”

“I NEED U”, and all of the changes it brought with it, was what BTS needed to finally secure their first, extremely coveted music show win. (Incidentally, it happened on May 5th, exactly nine years before this blog’s publication date.) This win would be the tipping point for the group that took them over the edge from moderate success to gaining real traction in the music charts.

 

JUNG KOOK SINGING "PAPER HEARTS" | VLIVE

 

  1. "ONE DREAM ONE KOREA" | TEASER TRAILER (1:06)

  2. "ONE DREAM ONE KOREA" | OFFICIAL M/V (4:56)

  3. "ONE DREAM ONE KOREA" LIVE | ONE-K CONCERT (4:12)

  4. "ONE DREAM ONE KOREA" JUNG KOOK FOCUS| FANCAM (3:35)

  5. BANGTAN BOMB: WHO ARE THE ELDERS IN BTS LOL (1:11)

  6. BANGTAN BOMB: MAL DANCE BY J-HOPE (FEAT 3J) (0:43)

  7. BANGTAN BOMB:  BTS' RHYTHMICAL FARCE! LOL (1:32)

  8. BANGTAN BOMB: BTS ROOKIE CAMERA DIRECTOR JUNG KOOKIE :D (0:57)

  9. "LOST STARS" (ADAM LEVINE COVER) | LYRICS (4:28)

  10. "LOST STARS" (ADAM LEVINE COVER) LIVE | BUSKING IN MALTA CLIP (0:29)

  11. BONUS: JUNG KOOK BUSKING IN MALTA | BON VOYAGE (6:31)

  12. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK’S SELF-CAM WITH SEAGULL IN THE SEA (JACKET SHOOTING) (1:47)

  13. BANGTAN BOMB: LOOK THEIR FACE OVER USING THE CAMERA LOL (0:44)

  14. BANGTAN BOMB: 1ST MEETING WITH SEOLBING ?! (1:01)

  15. "PAPER HEARTS" (TORI KELLY COVER) | LYRICS (3:23)

  16. JUNG KOOK SINGING "PAPER HEARTS" | VLIVE (1:05 - as shown)

  17. "PAPER HEARTS" - TORI KELLY & JUNG KOOK MASHUP | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:23)

  18. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK'S CUPID SHOT- O MY SEAGULL! (0:24)

  19. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK PD'S DIRECTING (1:47)

  20. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK WITH FUN (0:25)

  21. "FOOLS" COVER (RM AND JUNG KOOK) | LYRICS (3:42)

  22. "FOOLS" COVER - RM+JUNG KOOK+TROY SIVAN MASHUP | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:42)

  23. BANGTAN BOMB: IT'S THE POSE WHEN BTS SLEEP NORMALLY (1:42)

  24. BANGTAN BOMB: KNOW-HOW FOR MAKING A HANDSOME LOOK (BONUS. MR.LIP BALM-JK) (2:08)

  25. BANGTAN BOMB: 2 BRUSHES FOR JUNG KOOK’S TEETH (0:39 - as shown)

  26. BANGTAN BOMB: SLEEPING BABY BOTHERED WITH JIN (0:43)

  27. BONUS: "PERFECT MAN" (SHINWA COVER) | MBC MUSIC FESTIVAL (2:21)

  28. BONUS: "PERFECT MAN" (SHINWA COVER) JUNG KOOK FOCUS | FANCAM (2:21)

  29. BONUS: JUNG KOOK SINGING "PERFECT MAN" | WE-LIVE CLIP (0:43)

  30. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: PERFECT BOYS 2015 (3:34)

 

BANGTAN BOMB: 2 BRUSHES FOR JUNG KOOK’S TEETH

 
 

Fun Fact

It’s that time again…

All the way back in Week 11, in another Fun Fact, we talked about the song “Coming of Age Ceremony” by First Gen Idol, Park Ji Yoon. Covering the song, originally released in 2000, has become a rite of passage of sorts for K-Pop Idols once they reach the age of majority in South Korea.

In our previous coverage, we gave several examples of other artists performing dance covers, and mentioned that it would soon become relevant for BTS. Well… the time has come.

During the live “Happy BTS Day” 3rd Birthday Party Show, Jimin and Jung Kook performed their own dance cover to “Coming of Age Ceremony”, in honor of Jung Kook’s upcoming 19th birthday. (Nineteen is the age of majority in South Korea since 2011.)

The original choreography was created for a girl of course, but when has that ever stopped the members of BTS before—Jung Kook especially. He and Jimin attack the dance with everything they’ve got and it’s… something special. SPECIAL.

  1. "COMING OF AGE" JIMIN & JUNG KOOK | 2016 FESTA (2:04)

  2. BANGTAN BOMB: "COMING OF AGE CEREMONY" DANCE COVER BY JIMIN & JUNG KOOK (6:45)

  3. PARK JI YOON "SUNG IN SHIK (COMING OF AGE CEREMONY)" LIVE (3:28)

  4. TWICE COVER OF "COMING OF AGE CEREMONY" (03:32, FEAT. MOMO, NAYEON, MINA, AND SANA) (3:32)

  5. 9MUSES COVER OF "COMING OF AGE CEREMONY" (2:36)

  6. ‘96 LINE COVER OF "COMING OF AGE CEREMONY" (03:00, FEAT. JOY OF RED VELVET, HAYOUNG OF APINK, & CHANMI OF AOA) (3:00)

DAY FOUR:


 

“I Know” by RM & Jung Kook

WINGS Promotional Photo

Buoyed by the success of their HYYH era, BTS decided to keep exploring new genres and challenging themselves both as a group and individuals. 2016 saw the release of their second full-length studio album, WINGS. The concept for the album delved deeply into both literature (Demian by Hermann Hesse) and Greek mythology. The theme circled around the last vestiges of youth giving way to the temptations of adulthood. It was definitely a more mature side the group was deciding to show. Would 19 year-old Jung Kook be up for the task?

Come on, you already know the answer to that question. Of course he was.

WINGS was also the first time the members had solo songs featured on an album. All of them at least contributed to the writing of their track, including Jung Kook. His Rap Mon hyung, his hero, did the actual writing, but JK gave him the story—how he felt arriving in Seoul as a trainee, and all of the feelings the developing bond with his brothers in the group brought out in him. The result was his first ever solo and writing credit, and one of my absolute favorite songs of his—”Begin”.

We talked about “Begin” in depth in Week 15 of the blog, but it’s just about the most beautifully perfect song I could ever imagine for Jung Kook at that time. Maybe for any time, actually. The mix of fast pace and soft sentiment fits his personality and talents like a glove. He’s able to show off his vocals and display heartfelt emotion while nailing a particularly difficult piece of choreography at the same time. It’s so quintessentially Jung Kook.

2016 was also the year that Jung Kook came of age in South Korea. He began taking a more active role in public speaking at events and award shows, and even made more solo appearances on variety shows too. Though still shy, and always humble, moments of confidence kept showing upespecially in the face of never-ending praise from his hyungs. Along with Jimin, Jung Kook decided to put his cheeky foot forward and performed the “Coming of Age Ceremony” dance at BTS’ third fan meeting, letting ARMY know for sure that the Golden Maknae was indeed, growing up.

 
 
 
  1. "I KNOW" (RM, JUNG KOOK) | COLOR CODED LYRICS (2:45)

  2. "I KNOW" (RM, JUNG KOOK) | ARMY.ZIP + 3RD MUSTER (2:43)

  3. RM & JUNGKOOK SINGING "I KNOW" FT. TAEHYUNG'S FUNNY REACTION (0:24)

  4. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK IS STILL A BABY.... (1:40)

  5. BANGTAN BOMB: SHOW ME YOUR BBA SAE!?!? (2:13)

  6. BANGTAN BOMB: ACTOR KIM WITH KOOK PD (0:23)

  7. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK'S SHOPPING (0:39)

  8. "PURPOSE" | LYRICS (3:23)

  9. BANGTAN BOMB: DART KING JUNG KOOK (3:37)

  10. BANGTAN BOMB: JIN & KOOK MASSAGE TIME (0:47)

  11. WINGS SHORT FILM #1 BEGIN (2:35)

  12. WINGS SPECIAL FILM - JK CRYING (1:48)

  13. BEGIN LIVE | THE WINGS TOUR 2017 (4:16)

  14. JK PHOTOSHOOT FEAT JIMIN TRYING TO MAKE HIM LAUGH (1:14)

  15. BANGTAN BOMB: JK'S CHATTER: MY BAGGY PANTS.... (1:25)

  16. BANGTAN BOMB: JK'S CHATTER : BTS BAND? (0:56)

  17. BANGTAN BOMB: SWEET JIN & JUNG KOOK'S CHATTER (1:43)

  18. "I'M A FLYING BUTTERFLY" 97-LINERS | 2016 KBS SONG FESTIVAL (3:35)

  19. "I'M A FLYING BUTTERFLY" (JUNG KOOK FOCUS) | 2016 KBS SONG FESTIVAL (2:09 - as shown)

  20. "I'M A FLYING BUTTERFLY" 97-LINERS | LYRICS (3:57)

  21. BONUS: 97-LINERS INTERVIEW | 2016 KBS SONG FESTIVAL (1:31)

  22. BANGTAN BOMB: JIMIN’S BEST DANCE IMITATION BY JUNG KOOK (0:35)

  23. BANGTAN BOMB: MISSION! MAKE JUNG KOOK LAUGH! (1:14)

  24. ROUND 1: ARCHERY GIRL VS FENCING MAN - "I'M IN LOVE" | KING OF MASKED SINGER (1:54)

  25. JUNG KOOK FENCING MAN DANCE | KING OF MASKED SINGER (0:23)

  26. ROUND 2: FENCING MAN - "IF YOU" | KING OF MASKED SINGER (2:10)

  27. FENCING MAN IDENTITY | KING OF MASKED SINGER (2:30)

  28. BONUS: FENCING MAN COMPILATION | KING OF MASKED SINGER (11:00)

  29. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: SHOW! MUSIC CORE SPECIAL MC JUNG KOOK! (3:11)

  30. BONUS: JUNG KOOK (BTS) & MINWOO (SHINHWA) | CELEBRITY BROMANCE, EP1~EP4 (1:10:06)

  31. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: JIMIN & JUNG KOOK DID SHOW MUSIC CORE SPECIAL MC!! (8:03)

  32. BONUS: JIMIN & JUNG KOOK DID SHOW MUSIC CORE SPECIAL MC!! (8:03)

  33. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB:  J-HOPE & JUNG KOOK SHOW MUSIC CORE SPECIAL MC (4:51)

 

"I'M A FLYING BUTTERFLY" (JUNG KOOK FOCUS) | 2016 KBS SONG FESTIVAL

 

Fun Fact:

Humility and grace isn’t reserved for elders.


In 2016, Jung Kook joined that cast of the reality show “Flower Crew”. The premise was that the show would split up two teams of Korean celebrities—one team would get to go on a lavish trip, while the other team would be faced with difficulties and less than stellar accomodations.

Jung Kook appeared in just the two pilot episodes of the series, leaving the show early due to “scheduling conflicts”. This is the official reason, and while likely true, may not be the entire story. During his two episodes there were a few incidents that happened which clearly made Jung Kook feel extremely uncomfortable.

The biggest of these is the well-known “burger incident”. “Flower Crew” was aired completely live, so everything the viewers saw was happening in real time. Jung Kook showed up to set with a gift for his castmates—a bag of yummy hamburgers. He handed the bag over as he gave formal greetings, and excitedly told everyone what was inside. While initially some seemed excited, another member of the cast, a comedian named Jo Se Ho (who is fifteen years older than JK), sneered at the offering and said “I think these are leftovers.” Jung Kook tried to protest, but Se Ho said “Forget it” and walked off, taking most of the cast with him and leaving a very confused and humiliated JK behind.

Korean variety shows often “roast” new cast members but Se Ho’s treatment of Jung Kook sparked instant backlash with most netizens saying he had gone too far. Whether this incident was part of the reason Jung Kook ultimately pulled out of the project we’ll probably never know, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it likely had at least a little influence on his decision.

Eventually, the cast of the show issued a formal apology to Jung Kook, though it was couched a bit in qualifying explanations. Years later, in 2021, Jo Se Ho was a host on another popular variety show: “You Quiz on the Block”. BTS, obviously much bigger now, was scheduled to appear. Before the episode Jung Kook actually called Se Ho and extended an “olive branch”, so to speak. Then, while they were taping the show, Se Ho, and the other host, both bowed and sincerely apologized to Jung Kook, who took it in stride and hugged them, showing immense grace.

This entire incident, which happened over the course of many years just shows how humble BTS is and how much they never want to be involved in drama or controversy. They treat everyone with kindness and respect—even those who don’t always show them the same.


  1. FLOWER CREW BTS JUNG KOOK | TEASER 1 (2:22)

  2. FLOWER CREW BTS JUNG KOOK | TEASER 2 (1:12)

  3. 160715 FLOWER CREW EPISODE 1 (1:30:10)

  4. 160716 FLOWER CREW EPISODE 2 (1:18:43)

  5. JO SEHO REJECTED JUNG KOOK'S BURGERS | FLOWER CREW (2:18)

  6. JO SE HO AND SEO JANG HOON APOLOGIZE FOR CRITICIZED BEHAVIOR TOWARDS BTS’S JUNG KOOK AND KIM MIN SUK (1:52)

  7. JO SE HO REJECTED JUNG KOOK'S BURGERS AND AFTER 5 YRS BOWS TO HIM (0:53)

  8. JUNG KOOK HUGGING THE MC JO SEHO WHO REFUSED HIS BURGERS! (0:41)

  9. BTS INTERVIEW | YOU QUIZ ON THE BLOCK, EP 99 (1:51:03)

  10. BTS J-HOPE X JIMIN X JUNG KOOK INTERVIEW (FULL VER.) | #YOUQUIZ (21:43)

 

DAY FIVE:


“Rainism” January 2017 Performance

Remember when I mentioned that Jung Kook was growing up? Yeah, he kept doing that in 2017 too.

That spring he graduated from high school, the final member of Bangtan to do so. And just as they had shown up for his high school entrance ceremony so too did his members attend his graduation. Who among us doesn’t still get misty-eyed at the footage of all the hyungs taking pictures of and with their maknae and smiling proudly when he said he was going to take them all out to eat again, just as he had the last time?

As the year continued, ARMY was given multiple reminders that Jung Kook was no longer a baby. If you need a refresher course, look no further than BTS’ infamous cover of Rain’s well-known hit “Rainism” and that will do the trick. (Both he and V were especially lethal in that performance.)

2017 was also a time of massive international growth for BTS. The beginning of their “Love Yourself” series garnered attention for them in the United States and they were invited to both the Billboard Music Awards (as winners and presenters) and the American Music Awards (as performers) that year.

American Music Awards 2017 “DNA” Performance

It was around this time that Jung Kook began his campaign to get American singer/songwriter Charlie Puth to notice him. He recorded a cover of “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Jimin and began dropping Puth’s name in interviews anytime he was asked “Who do you most want to collaborate with?” It was incredibly amusing and adorable, but most importantly, it was also effective. Eventually, Charlie Puth would reach out to Jung Kook and ask him to work on a song with him.


Jung Kook continued singing anything, anywhere, and at any time. He added to his collection of cover songs continuously, and even began branching out with OST recordings as well. It was becoming well-known that JK was the voice responsible for a lot of BTS’ background runs and ad-libs, and that he often recorded the guide versions of all their songs, and for others in the company.


In other words, Jung Kook was keeping that promise he’d made to himself before debut. The promise he made when he found out he was going to be BTS’ main vocalist. There would be no more time for “practice”. Singing was now his life, and he’d give it his all for every moment he had.

 
  1. "BEAUTIFUL" (GOBLIN OST - CRUSH COVER) | LYRICS (1:40)

  2. "BEAUTIFUL" (GOBLIN OST) - CRUSH & JUNG KOOK MASHUP | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:44)

  3. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH BTS FOR GRADUATION! (7:06 - as shown)

  4. "WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE" PT 1 - JUNG KOOK | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:39)

  5. "WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE" + "PURPOSE" | VLIVE (4:29 - as shown)

  6. "WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE" PT 2 - JIMIN & JUNG KOOK | COLOR CODED LYRICS (3:43)

  7. MASHUP "WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE" - JIMIN, JUNG KOOK, CHARLIE, SELENA | LYRICS (3:37)

  8. BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK IS SPINNING ROUND AND ROUND (0:30)

  9. BANGTAN BOMB: V & JUNG KOOK SINGING AT STANDBY TIME (1:21 - as shown)

  10. "SO FAR AWAY" AGUST D (FEAT JIN AND JUNG KOOK) | LYRICS (5:25)

  11. "SO FAR AWAY" AGUST D (FEAT JIN AND JUNG KOOK) | STAGE MIX (5:45)

  12. BANGTAN BOMB: THE CUTEST BOY IN THE WORLD IS HAWAII-KKOJILI (SUNTANNED JK IN HAWAII) (1:57)

  13. "2U" (DAVID GUETTA  FT. JUSTIN BIEBER COVER) | LYRICS (3:50)

  14. "2U" - JUNG KOOK+DAVID GUETTA +JUSTIN BIEBER | MASHUP (3:16)

  15. BONUS: "RAINISM" | 2016 GAYO FESTIVAL (2:16)

  16. BONUS: "RAINISM" JUNG KOOK FOCUS | 2016 GAYO FESTIVAL (2:14)

  17. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: "RAINISM" SPECIAL STAGE | 2016 MBC MUSIC AWARDS FESTIVAL (4:23)

  18. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: HIDE AND SEEK WITH JM, V, JK (#1) (9:42)

  19. BONUS: BANGTAN BOMB: HIDE AND SEEK WITH JM, V, JK (#2) (8:43)

  20. BONUS: LET'S EAT DINNER TOGETHER, EP 50 (JIN, JUNG KOOK) | OFFICIAL TRAILER (2:07)

  21. BONUS: A MAN WHO COOKS A LITTLE, CASTS AN ADVANCED SKILL ON A GIN♡ EGG ROLL~B | CLIP - LEDT, EP 50 (2:55)

  22. BONUS: DELICIOUS RICE AND EATING A LOT OF GIN, STEALING THE EYES OF GIRL FANS! | CLIP - LEDT, EP 50 (2:54)

  23. BONUS: LET'S EAT DINNER TOGETHER, EP 50 (JIN, JUNG KOOK) (1:31:27)

 
 

BANGTAN BOMB: JUNG KOOK WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH BTS FOR GRADUATION!

 

"WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE" + "PURPOSE" | VLIVE

 

BANGTAN BOMB: V & JUNG KOOK SINGING AT STANDBY TIME

 
 
 
 

Bangtan Bubble: Which of Jung Kook’s early cover songs is your favorite?

 

Let us know your answer in the comments below or on social media (include #BangtanBubble)!

 
 

FINAL THOUGHTS:


The evolution of Jung Kook in the first five years of BTS’ career is probably the most fascinating to me of all the members. Because of his age, physically he changed so much. Inside, though there were some changes here and there, at his core, Jung Kook showed a remarkable unwavering strength in conviction and ambition from 14 to 19 years-old. Though young, there was always something steady about him.

When we return next week, beware… the Kookie Dough is gone for good. Get ready for the onslaught of LYS and MOTS era Jeon Jung Kook

 
 

Side Quest

Watching a Kookie bake in the oven… in real time.

That’s sort of what watching this collection of Jung Kook’s vlogs and VLIVEs from 2013-2017 feels like. He goes from super tiny, all big, shining boba eyes and bunny teeth to tall and muscley… still with big, shining boba eyes and bunny teeth.

It’s sweet to watch him go from the shy kid who just laughed and imitated his hyungs all the time, to someone who felt more confident to talk to ARMY on his own, sing karaoke for them, and let his wickedly sharp sense of humor shine.

Enjoy this collection of our Golden Maknae through the years. If you don’t already adore him before this, you definitely will by the time you’re done.

“Ding Dong!”

 

130907 RAP MONSTER & JUNGKOOK'S LOG

 

160507 화양연화 ON STAGE : EPILOGUE LIVE - JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE

 

161129 LIVE : JK 🐰

 
 
  1. 130208 JUNGKOOK’S LOG (1:38)

  2. 130212 JUNGKOOK & JIMIN'S LOG (2:50)

  3. 130214 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:09)

  4. 130224 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:07)

  5. 130227 J-HOPE & JUNGKOOK’S LOG (2:14)

  6. 130306 JUNGKOOK’S LOG (1:34)

  7. 130319 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK’S LOG (5:11)

  8. 130401 J-HOPE & JUNGKOOK’S LOG (1:36)

  9. 130403 JUNGKOOK’S LOG (1:40)

  10. 130425 JUNGKOOK’S LOG (2:16)

  11. 130508 J-HOPE & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (1:43)

  12. 130514 RAP MONSTER & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:40)

  13. 130620 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (4:02)

  14. 130718 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:00)

  15. 130816 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (1:19)

  16. 130907 RAP MONSTER & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:00 - as shown)

  17. 131020 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (1:03)

  18. 131103 JIN & JUNGKOOK’S LOG (2:16)

  19. 131123 JUNGKOOK’S LOG (2:02)

  20. 140118 J-HOPE & JUNGKOOK’S LOG (3:51)

  21. 140224 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (4:34)

  22. 140405 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (1:27)

  23. 140515 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (4:31)

  24. 140602 SUGA, JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (1:41)

  25. 140705 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (1:40)

  26. 140910 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (4:40)

  27. 141021 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:28)

  28. 141210 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:06)

  29. 150403 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (4:36)

  30. 150513 JIMIN & JUNGKOOK'S LOG (5:24)

  31. 150801 LIVE IN BRAZIL - JIN, JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (1:00)

  32. 150806 LIVE IN THE AIRPORT - SUGA, JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (1:40)

  33. 150807 LIVE #1 - RM, V, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (4:13)

  34. 150901 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (2:38)

  35. 151018 WHAT ARE THE 95Z DOING? - J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (3:57)

  36. 151124 BTS LIVE - JIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (2:35)

  37. 151128 화양연화 ON STAGE LIVE - J-HOPE, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (4:23)

  38. 151224 [D-6] KBS GAYO DAECHUKJAE - J-HOPE, JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (33:17)

  39. 160507 화양연화 ON STAGE : EPILOGUE LIVE - JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (13:40 - as shown)

  40. 160508 화양연화 ON STAGE : EPILOGUE LIVE - JIN, J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (5:36)

  41. 160523 LIVE - SUGA, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (6:52)

  42. 160712 LIVE IN OSAKA - V, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (14:52)

  43. 161129 LIVE : JK 🐰 (55:39 - as shown)

  44. 161206 JUNGKOOK'S LOG (4:01)

  45. 170422 KOOKIE LIVE 🐰 🐇 (9:27)

  46. 170422 KOOKIE LIVE AGAIN! (35:29)

  47. 171208 JM & JK LIVE! 🐶🐰- JIMIN, JUNG KOOK | VLIVE (12:49)

 
 
 

CREDITS:

YouTube/Web

BANGTANTV, HYBE LABELS, Arirang TV, ashleygold25, Azizah Nurpauziah, BANGTAN SUBS, BangtanBakery, bangtanworldxarmy4076, BTS LIVE ARCHIVE, Bts7Army2021, Channel Bangtan, Deceryl Kim, Dynal, Enjoy BTS More, ETERNAL BOY, F1144 NABILA HUDA, Full Bloom Reboot, icetortilla, iHateSnakeuProductions, iwee, Jaeguchi, Jariana Kinga, Jonna, JTBC ENTERTAINMENT, jungkook.97, kari, KBS WORLD TV, Koo Gyeom Fairy Baby, KOOKDAE97, Kookies And Cream, Korean Celeb&Drama, Lajibolala, LEMORING, Lucky Butterfly, Machi, maya, MBC WORLD, MBCentertainment, MBCkpop, MURMAST, NeonRay, Onek TV_원케이 티비, Rabeca, Rj enthusiast, Snowpeach, TV-People, tvN D ENT, wokobee, Yeontan Kim, Zyra Halim, Азия-мир дорам и к-рор, 꾹뷔jkvlav, 슈가 뷔렌타인SUGAr Valentine, 정국FAVBOY, • m i n a m o c h i •, 5546002mc; Web:

ARMY Project 529 Volunteers

Research Team: Angel (TikTok: Lilangel2828), Leslie Day (TikTok: Leslie Day), Merry (TikTok: merryj67), Sam T (TikTok: samt_26), Shelley (TikTok: shels167), Trudy (TikTok: theeducationmommy), Viv (TikTok: VivEliz); Video Team: Leslie Day (TikTok: Leslie Day), Namz (TikTok: Namz07)

 
 

Join us LIVE every Sunday evening at 8pm ET for #the529live, a wrap up of each week's “Monday Muster”, thoughtful discussions, and tons of laughter! And catch us on TikTok each Wednesday night at 9pm ET for #the529tea, when we talk Bangtan news and dish about any TEA that might be happening on Kim Namjoon’s internet. 

Sunday’s LIVE is hosted on ARMY Project 529’s YouTube channel: @ARMYProject529 while Wednesday’s LIVE is on our project TikTok:  @ARMYProject529.



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WEEK 70 | I Want to Stay in Your Sky.

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WEEK 68 | Got Me Deep in My Feelings.