On December 18, BTS’s Jungkook delighted fans with an unannounced live broadcast on the fan platform Weverse, marking a heartwarming return to direct communication. The two-and-a-half-hour live session garnered over 20 million viewers, setting a new record for the platform.
Opening the broadcast, Jungkook greeted fans with, “Unity! I really missed you. It’s been so long. I’m nervous.” He shared personal updates, revealing, “I’ve gained some weight, but I’ve been running 5 kilometers every day and doing weight control. I think I’ll want to do more live broadcasts during this vacation.”
Jungkook also mentioned his bandmates, saying, “Jimin and I are doing well in the military,” and added that he plans to meet with fellow BTS members Jin and J-Hope soon.
During the broadcast, Jungkook addressed a sensitive issue regarding his new home. He asked fans to respect his privacy, stating, “I hope you don’t visit my house just because news of my move was shared on YouTube. If you want to send letters, please do so through the company, as I cannot receive packages sent to my home.” He expressed gratitude for the fans’ support while requesting their understanding.
To make up for the lack of physical housewarming visits, Jungkook hosted an “Online Housewarming” during the live session, broadcasting from his cozy hideout in the basement. The space, equipped with karaoke equipment, large screens, and a bar, provided the perfect setting for a lively performance. Jungkook treated fans to renditions of songs like Rosé and Bruno Mars’s “Apartment,” V’s “Winter Bear,” and Park Hyo-shin’s “Goodbye.” He also showcased his admiration for BIGBANG, singing their tracks and reminiscing about how their music shaped his youth. “It was a national rule for men my age to imitate BIGBANG songs at karaoke,” he said with a laugh.
On a more reflective note, Jungkook candidly discussed his struggles with self-esteem and the pressures of his career. “I watched an AI-generated video recently and thought, ‘AI sings better than me.’ It made me question if anyone would notice the difference if I recorded something with AI. My self-esteem has been low lately, and I feel a lot of pressure to perform better. I can’t wait to make a comeback and prove myself.”
Jungkook, who enlisted in the military on December 12, 2022, is currently serving as a corporal in the 5th Infantry Division. His discharge is scheduled for June 11, 2024. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return, encouraged by his heartfelt connection during the broadcast.