Jung Kook of BTS Wants to ‘Show Different Sides’ of Himself Going Forward: ‘I Don’t Want to Be Confined’
From BTS‘ comeback to developing as a solo artist, Jung Kook has a big year coming up in 2026.
But first, he’s checking in with fans through a milestone cover story interview with Rolling Stone UK, in which he’s set to open up about prioritizing his well-being and growing up in the spotlight while also teasing new music. And in a preview of the piece, the K-pop star explains why he’s “always pursued change” in his life and in his career.
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“I want to be an artist who doesn’t get dragged by the flow, but creates the flow,” he told the publication. “I don’t want to be confined — I want to be an artist without limits.”
One of the biggest ways in which Jung Kook has pushed his artistry forward was with “Seven,” his hit solo single released in 2023. The track, which featured Latto, debuted No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the second of his bandmates to top the chart.
“Everything felt like a hassle, [then] ‘Seven’ made me want to get back to it,” he recalled, noting that the positive response from ARMY to the track gave him “even more confidence.”
Jung Kook last dropped solo music more than a year ago, releasing “Never Let Go” in the summer of 2024. After his discharge from the South Korean military in June, the star is now gearing up to drop an album and embark on a world tour with his bandmates next year — but he’s also got his own music on his mind.
“This is a time where I can evaluate whether I can take another leap forward,” he told RS UK. “Rather than doing the same kind of performances or similar songs repeatedly, I’m trying new things and continuing to evolve so I can show different sides of myself.”
See Jung Kook on the cover of Rolling Stone UK below.
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