BTS memeber Jung Kook takes the cover story of Rolling Stone UK Magazine, created in collaboration with its editions in Japan, Korea, India, France, Brazil, the Philippines, and China. In charge of photography was Tayo Kuku Jr, with styling from Kim Youngjin. Beauty is work of hair stylist Park Naejoo, and makeup artist Kim Dareum. For the covers k-pop superstar is wearing selected pieces from Calvin Klein.
The Rolling Stone interview took place in New York and marks his first solo conversation of the year. The singer focuses on personal growth, creative direction, and his plan to safeguard his wellbeing while shaping the next phase of his career.
Jung Kook describes an ongoing desire to pursue change in music. He explains that he aims to set his own direction rather than follow existing currents. He outlines a wish to explore work without limits and speaks about the importance of refusing confinement during this stage of his development. His comments frame a period of self-assessment as he prepares for future projects.
The singer also reflects on the enormous success of “Seven,” his 2023 solo single. Big Hit Music confirmed in August that the track passed 2.5 billion streams on Spotify, the highest total ever reached by a K-pop release. The song surpassed BTS’s “Dynamite” and pushed Jung Kook to a new position within global streaming metrics. He recalls that the process of making “Seven” reset his creative energy and restored his confidence on stage.
Jung Kook explains how the track marked a turning point. He speaks about his early excitement while recording it and the boost he felt when audiences embraced the release. He notes that this response encouraged him to continue exploring new territory. This experience feeds into his current plans as he weighs possible directions for future solo work.
Jung Kook completed South Korea’s mandatory 18-month military service in June, finishing at the same time as his bandmate Jimin. RM and V completed their service a week earlier, clearing the way for all seven members to restart group activity. Jung Kook’s releases have now accumulated 9.4 billion streams, which places him as the most-streamed K-pop solo act to date.
The group confirmed their next chapter during a June livestream, announcing that a new BTS album will arrive in the spring. They explained that they will work together again beginning in July and that the project will reflect input from every member. They described the upcoming album as a return to the mindset that shaped their earliest years, setting the stage for a reunion that fans have anticipated since the start of each member’s national service.
Jung Kook signals that this period gives him room to adjust, experiment, and refine his direction. He suggests that he will continue to try new approaches so he can present varied sides of himself in the future.
Read more at rollingstone.co.uk
