BTS member Jungkook bares his soul, and chest, in the the autumn issue of Dazed magazine, giving insights into his mega-hit Seven. The singer also posed for an enigmatic photoshoot dressed in pieces from the Balenciaga Winter 2023 and Spring 2024 collection.
The cover photo shows Jungkook posing inside a car, one hand on the steering wheel. His leather jacket is unzipped, giving a tantalizing glimpse of his bare chest. The interview explored how Jungkook is “driving in his own lane” with his solo music career.
Check out the images of BTS’ Jungkook in the upcoming issue of Dazed below:
Insights into Seven
In the interview, Jungkook revealed details about Seven, his debut solo single and first project away from his group BTS. He told Dazed that he first heard the song in March, and “fell in love with it”, immediately scheduling a recording session.
Since its release on July 29, 2023, Seven has become a global hit. The song debuting at #1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, where it remains to this day. Seven, featuring rapper Latto, also helped Jungkook become the fastest male artist to reach 500 million streams on Spotify.
Jungkook described Seven as “a direct reflection of who he is now as an artist”. He said: “It was important for me to show how much I’ve grown as a solo artist through taking on new challenges … rather than staying in my comfort zone or settling for the things that I was used to. I wanted to fully explain that to my fans.”
Jungkook shows love for ARMYs
Jungkook also got personal as he described how embarking on his solo career changed how he viewed himself. He said: “Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities and blaming myself for being lazy, thinking, ‘Why couldn’t I do it when I was capable?’, I accept who I truly am and focus on what I can do. There’s more to gain from doing things at my own pace.”
He also credited the BTS fan community, known as ARMYs for helping him become a better performer. He stated: “Because I get so much love and support from the fans, I want those people to be more confident, to have more self-assurance because of me, and that’s the reason why I try to do my best.”
Jungkook heading to 2023 MTV VMAs?
Hours before the Dazed interview was released, Jungkook was photographed at Incheon International airport, prior to boarding a plane bound for New York. This sparked speculation that the singer will attend the 2023 MTV VMAs, which takes place on Sept 13, 9AM KST (Sept 12, 8PM ET). Seven is widely rumored to be the frontrunner for the Song of the Summer Award at the ceremony.
Jungkook stood and posed for cameras, dressed in a black denim Calvin Klein jacket and jeans and white t-shirt. He completed his airport casual look with a light-colored beanie.
We wish Jungkook all the best of luck, and look forward to seeing the results being announced!
READ | 2023 MTV VMAs adds NEWJEANS, Jungkook to list of nominees
