Jungkook’s rise from a teenager in Busan to one of the biggest names in global pop has had its share of unexpected turns. Before the sold-out shows, chart records and solo success, there was a young trainee who had to choose between several agencies, adjust to life away from home and work through the uncertainty of becoming a K-pop idol. On his 29th birthday, here are seven stories from different stages of Jungkook’s career that offer a glimpse into the person behind the global fame.
Seven agencies wanted Jungkook after he failed his audition
At 13, Jungkook auditioned for Superstar K3 in Busan, performing IU’s Lost Child and later 2AM’s This Song. He did not make it through the audition, but the experience still opened several doors. Seven agencies, including JYP, Cube, FNC, Starship, Woollim, TS Entertainment and Big Hit, reportedly showed interest in him.
At 13, Jungkook auditioned for Superstar K3 in Busan, performing IU’s Lost Child and later 2AM’s This Song. He did not make it through the audition, but the experience still opened several doors. Seven agencies, including JYP, Cube, FNC, Starship, Woollim, TS Entertainment and Big Hit, reportedly showed interest in him.
Jungkook eventually chose Big Hit, then the smallest of the agencies that had approached him. A major reason was Kim Namjoon, aka RM. After watching pre-debut videos of the rapper, Jungkook was impressed by his talent and wanted to train alongside him. That decision would eventually put him on the path to BTS.
From handing out concert flyers to performing in Times Square
One of the more striking contrasts in Jungkook’s early career is the distance between his rookie years and his later global success. As a teenager in Los Angeles, Jungkook reportedly walked around handing strangers paper flyers and asking them to attend a free BTS concert. Years later, he would perform in Times Square in a surprise appearance announced only around 30 minutes beforehand, drawing a huge crowd.
A difficult moment with Jo Se-ho eventually became a full-circle moment
In 2016, while appearing on Flower Crew, Jungkook brought hamburgers and soft drinks for the cast. When comedian Jo Se-ho declined them, saying they appeared to be leftovers, the interaction became an online talking point and fans were particularly upset by Jungkook’s visibly disappointed reaction.
Five years later, the two found themselves together again on You Quiz on the Block, where Jo Se-ho was a co-host. By then, Jungkook had become an international star. The reunion offered a very different ending to a moment that had once been surrounded by controversy and was also a reminder of the kindness Jungkook had continued to carry with him.
Before the stadiums, Jungkook was a homesick trainee
Jungkook moved away from home while he was still a teenager and spent his trainee years living in Seoul. Those early years were far removed from the life he would eventually lead. He would sometimes buy instant ramen from a nearby convenience store and eat it while crying because he missed his mother. A banana milk after practice could become a small comfort at the end of a difficult day.
His middle school graduation was also unusual. His parents could not attend, but BTS members Jin, Suga and Jimin were there for him. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as training continued. In the months leading up to BTS’ debut, the members could spend as many as 12 to 14 hours a day practising.
Seven was originally written for Justin Bieber
Seven became one of the defining songs of Jungkook’s solo career, but it was not originally written with him in mind. According to the audiobook The Meaning of Jungkook, the song was initially written for Justin Bieber. Producer Andrew Watt and Scooter Braun later saw its potential for Jungkook, with Braun reportedly believing it could become a huge global hit if Jungkook recorded it. Jungkook had initially been uncertain about launching a solo career. Seven changed his mind and eventually became one of the songs that helped set his solo album Golden in motion.
Even at the height of his solo success, Jungkook put BTS first
Jungkook’s solo career could easily have become the centre of his professional life, particularly after the success of Golden. But his commitment to BTS remained central to the way he approached his career.
Jungkook, Jimin and V chose to enlist alongside their older bandmates rather than wait several more years. Jungkook has also been clear about where BTS stands in relation to his solo work, saying, “To me, BTS is more important than my solo work.”
Even his final moments before enlistment retained a very ordinary quality. On his last night, Jungkook appeared on Weverse while doing laundry and spoke to ARMY, making the farewell feel less like a grand celebrity goodbye and more like an everyday conversation.
His tattoos became part of a bigger conversation about individuality
Jungkook’s tattoos and piercings marked a noticeable departure from the polished image traditionally associated with K-pop idols. His first publicly spotted tattoo was “ARMY” across his knuckles, and his collection gradually became part of his evolving personal style.
But the conversation around his tattoos extended beyond fashion. His choices became part of a larger discussion around individuality, beauty standards and changing perceptions of tattoos in South Korea. At one point, South Korean lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong even used photographs of Jungkook while advocating for legislation concerning tattooing.
Also Read: BTS’s Jungkook Apologises to Fans After Tampa Concert Sound Glitch
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