Jungkook Talks Privileges of Being BTS’s Maknae, Special Relationship with ARMYs, And More
As the youngest, Jungkook draws inspiration from other BTS members, using it as a driving force for his music
On November 10th, Apple Music released an interview with BTS’s Jungkook. Host Zane Lowe visited Seoul recently and had an in-depth conversation with Jungkook. In the interview, Jungkook candidly discussed episodes from the early days of BTS as the youngest member, his activities as a solo artist, thoughts on collaboration with other artists, and more.
Additionally, he shared interesting and diverse stories beyond his solo album “GOLDEN” released on November 3, thoughts on BTS in 2025, and the special bond with ARMYs.
Q: What Jungkook learned from being BTS’s youngest member and the group’s older members
Jungkook: It definitely felt like there were privileges to being the youngest. I think I received a lot of help from the members, knowingly or unknowingly. The members are really great people, so I think I learned a lot from them. I was able to grow into who I am now thanks to the help of the six members.
Q: Where does Jungkook’s decision to pursue solo activities come from?
Jungkook: Firstly, the influence of the rapper line members, RM, SUGA, and j-hope, was significant. Because these three members, after debuting, occasionally released their own creations, vocal members felt stimulated by that. So, I also started doing cover songs, releasing fan songs, and even holiday songs. After listening to ‘Seven,’ I thought I should do it.
Q: Jungkook’s thoughts on solo activities and collaborations
Jungkook: I enjoy doing solo work, and I like collaborating with other people. Honestly, I feel more pressure when doing external work. Because it’s not my own, I shouldn’t cause any inconvenience, so I get more nervous. Even when shooting the MV for ‘TOO MUCH’ this time, I felt more pressure because other people were involved.
Q: Favorite part of the ‘GOLDEN’ album-making process
Jungkook: It was enjoyable to sing songs with lyrics that encompassed various genres and themes. The process of recording closely with foreign producers was also fun, and the sense of accomplishment when completing a song was great. The whole process was really enjoyable.
Q: Jungkook on 2025
Jungkook: I don’t think of 2025 as a distant future. While preparing as a solo artist, there were moments when I really missed the members. Whether in the waiting room, standing alone on stage, or eating with the staff, I definitely felt the absence of the members who had been with me for several years. Because of such moments, 2025 may feel distant, but I absolutely don’t think so. I think the synergy of BTS in 2025 will be amazing. I’m really looking forward to that.
Q: Jungkook on the special connection with ARMYs
Jungkook: I don’t know who’s following whom between BTS and ARMYs. It’s special that there’s mutual dependence and a special bond where we rely on each other. I want to show my true self to ARMYs and have genuine and comfortable conversations. In reality, as a singer, there is a line that needs to be maintained with fans. Of course, I will maintain that line. I want our relationship to be a friend-like one where we can share anything.
Q: What BTS and Jungkook are most proud of
Jungkook: What I consider the most important is not myself but ARMYs. It’s not my family, not the members of BTS, but specifically ARMYs. So, as Jungkook of BTS, I find myself thinking more about what I can do with ARMYs. Rather than personal goals, it’s more about setting goals and enjoying the process of achieving them thanks to the fans. It becomes an achievement in itself. The order of priorities doesn’t seem to change for me.
Source: daum
