The ARMY’s favorite Golden Maknae has literally grown up as a BTS member! Jungkook is the youngest of all who became a BigHit trainee in 2011 and went on to make a debut with BTS in 2013. Since then, JK has continued to make a place for himself not only as a member of the global phenomenon boy band but also as a successful soloist with hits like Seven and 3D to his name.
Now, as he turns 28, it’s time to look back at the K-pop idol’s amazing journey over the decade.
Jungkook’s early days with the BTS
Several throwback videos and early visuals of JK, along with the other BTS members, showcase his journey as an innocent teenager who struggled hard to become what he is today. From staying in a small apartment to requesting civilians to visit their concert as a rookie group, the Golden Maknae was with his mates all the time. The sweetest moment was when the Bangtan Boys attended Jungkook’s graduation ceremony, and he was seen peeking at them gleefully throughout the event.
First birthday with the band
JK celebrated his first birthday with BTS in 2013, the same year they made their debut with BigHit Music. The ARMYs will remember how his fellow boys got him a small, lovely cake as a surprise, and Jungkook broke into tears seeing all the love! Today, he turns 28, but the entire camaraderie remains the same.
2013 pic.twitter.com/f9xPQhFt0C
— jk day ⋆ (@97JKZONE) August 31, 2025
Journey from a teen to a world-famous idol
ARMYs who have been following the Bangtan Boys since the beginning will agree that Jungkook literally grew up in front of their eyes. He not only crossed his youth but also completed his mandatory military service to become the more mature man that he is now. One cannot help but talk about his ever-increasing piercings and tattoos that almost gave him a distinct identity of his own. Undoubtedly, JK is one of the most good-looking idols in the K-pop world, and despite tough competition from V in this field, both remain best friends. No wonder fans often love calling them ‘Taekook.’
Record-making spree as the lead vocalist of BTS
Jungkook’s voice is characterized by Tenor, which is often regarded as the highest male voice type in classical music. The BTS member is known for excellent stability and control over his breath while singing, and has given us several solo tracks like Seven (feat. Latto), Standing Next to You, and 3D. Despite making his debut as a soloist on July 14, 2023, almost a decade after his debut with the group, Jungkook remains an all-time favorite of music lovers.
Jungkook’s unlimited milestones and achievements
The Golden Maknae’s impact and influence aren’t just limited to South Korea. Over the years, he has become a world-renowned icon who has performed across international areas, including Qatar, where he performed the 2022 FIFA World Cup official soundtrack, Dreamers. Let’s get a quick glimpse of Jungkook’s highest achievements and milestones over the years:
- Third most-loved celebrity of 2019 in South Korea (Gallup Korea)
- Most-searched K-pop idol on Google and YouTube (2019)
- Earned the nickname ‘sold out king’ as items he uses often sell out quickly
- Best male artist (overseas) at the Asian Pop Music Awards 2023
- Ranked 9th on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 in 2024
- Named the biggest K-pop musician in America after ranking first on the Billboard K-pop artist 100 list
- Best K-pop record at the Asia Artist Awards 2024
- Song of the year award for Seven (feat. Latto) at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards
Of course, JK’s list of achievements does not stop here. From his songs ranking at no.1 positions on the Billboard and Spotify charts to amassing millions of views on YouTube, the artist has done it all.
The BTS members’ favorite dramas and anime
As Jungkook turns a year older, we have also curated a list of his favorites for the ARMYs to take a peek! Let’s start with his favorite Korean drama, which is Twenty Five Twenty One (2021). He even shared a clip of this Netflix drama on Instagram a year ago. Earlier, during the pandemic, JK also shared a glimpse of the same streaming platform’s drama, Paik Spirit, on his Instagram stories. This surely proves that just like many of us, the Golden Maknae also loves to binge-watch in his free time.
jungkook giggling at this scene from twenty five twenty one is actually everything to me pic.twitter.com/O4zSJv6kQJ
— aleχ (@lovforkoo) March 28, 2024
during the asmr moment, taehyung said a line from the animation movie "the girl who leapt through time" which is also a movie that jungkook recommended. pic.twitter.com/TFcpQmUJou
— 파뿌 ⁷🌙 (@koosmostae) June 15, 2020
To the ARMY’s surprise, Jungkook also happens to be a huge anime fan. Spirited Away happens to be his childhood favorite, as the artist often dreamed of being Haku, a shape-shifting dragon. Interestingly, the K-pop artist also likes the movie The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, as was revealed by V during an ASMR moment on social media.
A special treat for Jungkook’s fans on his birthday
Once again, BTS made sure that the Seven singer feels extra special on his 28th birthday by sharing an unseen video on their Instagram handle. It features an adorable, never-before-seen clip of the artist with a background of his track Never Let Go. This montage showcases his wonderful journey from a shy teenager to a confident global icon, which is sure to leave the ARMY emotional.
View this post on Instagram
In other news, the BTS members are working on new music for their Spring 2026 release, and Jungkook’s a part of it too. Now that the band is back with a full swing, the ARMY is eagerly waiting to hear some good music again.