“I’m shining the brightest at the moment” – An exclusive interview with Jung Kook

BTS are arguably the biggest force in global pop music today.

With a roll of hits including ‘Dynamite’, ‘Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)’ and ‘Butter’ – which charted No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for no less than seven consecutive weeks – the seven-member group have won millions of fans around the world with their upbeat songs and dynamic choreography.

BTS also became the first Korean pop act to be nominated at the Grammy Awards for 3 consecutive years, and the first to perform solo 2 years in a row.

Since then, however, the group have branched out as solo artists, opening up another chapter to their careers, as well as getting fans excited for when BTS finally reunites again.

All of which brings us to JUNG KOOK. Nicknamed ‘Golden Maknae’ (i.e. ‘youngest of the group’) by RM, BTS’ leader, and ARMY, the group’s fandom, JUNG KOOK’s first solo venture is a nod to that moniker, with 11 songs taking listeners on a journey of ‘golden moments’. The result is an honest, emotional album that cements the 26 year-old as a decade-defining superstar.

To celebrate JUNG KOOK’s visit to Tokyo, VOGUE JAPAN spoke to the star for an exclusive interview, discussing his must-have travel items, taste in fashion, and what he’s focusing on right now.

The word ‘Golden’ seems to follow you around. Could you tell us how that first came about?
“As well as the title of the album, ‘Golden’ also references a dream my mother had when she was pregnant with me. And I think this is the most glorious time of my life, and I'm shining the brightest at the moment. I also think that it’s about talent, and the talent that I inherited from my parents.”

What is your routine like when you're on the road?
“Lately I’ve been doing fewer weightlifting exercises and more cardio, for about 30 minutes . I try to burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes. Besides that, my morning and evening routine is to look at my mobile phone as soon as I get up in the morning, and then the same again in the evening!”

What are your three must-have items for a comfortable journey?
“For now, my mobile phone, passport and, let's see, Calvin Klein pieces I believe.”

What are you concentrating on at the moment?
“Right now, I'm concentrating on this interview (laughs)! I have the album coming out soon, so I'm practicing hard and preparing for that.”

What are your fashion obsessions?
"I really like this Calvin Klein set-up (tinted stone denim set-up from the Calvin Klein Jeans 2024 Spring collection). I really like double denim. Apart from Calvin Klein, I mostly gravitate towards things that are comfortable and easy to wear. I like to be a bit oversized and I like shoes that are a bit big. And I like to wear knitted hats!

JUNG KOOK graces VOGUE JAPAN’s first ever digital moving cover, and quickly charmed the team in Tokyo with his down-to-earth, infectiously upbeat attitude. His solo album ‘GOLDEN’ is based on the motif of ‘golden moments’ and contains 11 songs, many featuring fellow world-renowned artists.

Heavy-hitting musicians including Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes and Major Lazer, contributed to the album. The line-up of featured artists was a star-studded affair too, and included, Latto of ‘Seven’, Jack Harlow of ‘3D’, Major Lazer and DJ Snake.

The resulting album is a collection of love songs that takes listeners on a ride of emotions: the up-tempo rhythm of the first half of the album expresses how it feels to be in love, while the latter half is more mellow and melancholic, touching on more sentimental themes like separation and sorrow.

In an appearance on fellow BTS member SUGA’s talk show ‘SUCHWITA’ recently, JUNG KOOK talked about how quickly everything was put together during the production of ‘GOLDEN’, and how he recorded it in the US.

Branching out on his own has allowed the star to evolve creatively, but it’s clear he still remains close to – and confides in – his bandmates.

Following their various solo projects, BTS are expected to reunite in 2025. Until then, however, BTS’ golden artist is in his element, leaving the rest of us to bask in his light.