Jung Kook expressed his hesitation in revisiting the early days of BTS, admitting, “I still can’t watch the footage from when we first debuted.” Following the launch of his solo debut ‘GOLDEN,’ Apple Music’s Zane Lowe engaged in a comprehensive conversation with Jung Kook in Seoul. The interview covered topics such as being the youngest BTS member, the challenges of the group’s early days, venturing into solo careers, the pressures of collaboration, and the evolution of his lyrical expression.
Reflecting on his role as the youngest member of BTS, Jung Kook acknowledged the special privilege and the invaluable support he received from his older bandmates. He credited their influence for contributing to his growth as an artist. Looking back on the initial stages of BTS, he shared a candid perspective, admitting that watching debut footage still makes him cringe, emphasizing the rawness of their early journey.
Discussing the decision to pursue solo endeavours, Jung Kook revealed the impact of the group’s rappers, RM, SUGA, and j-hope, who inspired him and others to explore individual projects. He discussed the natural progression of solo work, acknowledging the influence of his fellow members.
When it comes to collaborations, Jung Kook admitted feeling more pressure when working outside of his solo projects. He emphasized the responsibility of not being a “nuisance” to the music, expressing heightened nervousness during collaborative efforts.
In terms of his music, Jung Kook delved into his shift toward more honest and unfiltered lyrics, highlighting the universal theme of love in his recent works. He discussed the challenge of changing his image and the importance of this phase in his career.
Expressing his enjoyment of the creative process, Jung Kook revealed that working on ‘GOLDEN’ allowed him to explore different genres and perform in English. He emphasized the sense of accomplishment after completing each song.
Addressing the thrill of performing live, Jung Kook described it as an indescribable feeling, akin to experiencing all the good words in the world combined. He expressed gratitude for the support from his fans and the joy it brings him.
Jung Kook singled out “Standing Next to You” as his favourite track on the album, citing its grandiose nature and its special place in his heart due to the challenging recording process. He encouraged fans to listen to it loud on a loudspeaker.
Reflecting on the release of “Seven,” Jung Kook shared that his expectations were centred around curiosity, wondering if people would relate to the songs as he did. He expressed uncertainty about the future but affirmed his passion for music.
Expressing his feelings of missing BTS, Jung Kook looked forward to reuniting in 2025, anticipating the incredible synergy the group would have. He highlighted the special bond between BTS and ARMY, emphasizing the mutual dependence and desire for authentic conversations.
Jung Kook emphasized his focus on the present moment and his aversion to dwelling on the past. He shared his life motto of acknowledging and moving forward from past experiences, emphasizing the importance of constant progression.
Putting ARMY before everything else, Jung Kook explained that his top priority is considering the fans in all his actions. He stressed that, as a member of BTS, his thoughts revolve around what he can do together with ARMY.
While not initially drawn to music as a child, Jung Kook’s interest grew during BTS’s ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life’ album. He expressed a desire to explore design or drawing in the future and revealed a penchant for creative work.
Jung Kook hinted at the possibility of pursuing design or drawing in the future, showcasing his affinity for creative endeavours beyond music.
