Jeon Jung-kook, better known as Jungkook, is a famous South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer. As a prominent member of the popular boy band BTS, he has gained significant recognition. Jungkook has released three solo tracks under BTS' discography: "Begin" (2016), "Euphoria" (2018), and "My Time" (2020), all of which achieved chart success on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart. He also lent his voice to the soundtrack of the BTS-inspired webtoon 7Fates: Chakho, recording the song "Stay Alive".
September 1, 1997: Birth of Jungkook
Jungkook, known by his full name Jeon Jung-kook, was born on September 1, 1997. He would go on to become a prominent South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer, best known as a member of the boy band BTS.
2011: Superstar K Audition
In 2011, Jungkook auditioned for the South Korean talent show Superstar K in Daegu. Although he was not selected, he received casting offers from seven entertainment companies and eventually chose to become a trainee under Big Hit Entertainment.
June 2012: Dance Training in Los Angeles
In June 2012, Jungkook went to Los Angeles to receive dance training from Movement Lifestyle in preparation for his debut. During this period, he also appeared in Jo Kwon's 'I'm Da One' music video and was a backup dancer for Glam.
June 12, 2013: Debut with BTS
On June 12, 2013, Jungkook made his debut as a member of BTS with the release of the single '2 Cool 4 Skool'. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career with the globally renowned boy band.
September 2015: One Dream, One Korea Campaign
In September 2015, Jungkook participated in the 'One Dream, One Korea' campaign, collaborating on a song with various Korean artists in memory of the Korean War. The song was released on September 24 and presented at the One K Concert in Seoul on October 15.
2015: Produced 'Love is Not Over'
In 2015, Jungkook helped produce the song 'Love is Not Over' for BTS' extended play 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1'. This marked his first major contribution as a producer for the band.
November 2016: Decision to Forgo CSATs
In November 2016, Jungkook decided to forgo taking the CSATs, Korea's nationwide university entrance exam, to focus on his career with BTS.
2016: Release of Solo Song 'Begin'
In 2016, Jungkook released 'Begin' as part of BTS' discography. The song charted on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, marking a significant moment in his career.
2016: Debut on Gallup Korea's Most-Loved Celebrity List
Jungkook debuted on Gallup Korea's list of most-loved celebrities in South Korea at 20th place in 2016.
2017: 17th on Gallup Korea's Most-Loved Celebrity List
Jungkook placed 17th on Gallup Korea's list of most-loved celebrities in South Korea in 2017.
2017: Graduation from School of Performing Arts Seoul
Jungkook graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul, an arts high school, in 2017. This marked an important milestone in his educational journey.
2017: Collapsing During Concert in Chile
Jungkook collapsed during a BTS concert in Chile in 2017.
April 5, 2018: Release of 'Euphoria' Short Film
On April 5, 2018, Jungkook released 'Euphoria' with an accompanying nine-minute short film, as the introduction to the third part of BTS' 'Love Yourself' series. The song charted at number five on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.
October 2018: Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit
In October 2018, Jungkook was ordained alongside his bandmates with the fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit by the President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in, in recognition of their contributions to Korean culture.
October 2018: Record-Breaking V Live Livestream
Jungkook set a record for the most real-time livestream viewers in V Live history in October 2018 with 3.7 million viewers.
November 6, 2018: Duet with Charlie Puth
On November 6, 2018, Jungkook collaborated with American singer Charlie Puth for a special duet performance of 'We Don't Talk Anymore' at the MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards.
2018: Release of Solo Song 'Euphoria'
In 2018, Jungkook released 'Euphoria', another solo track as part of BTS' discography. This song also charted on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, further solidifying his solo career.
2018: Produced 'Magic Shop'
In 2018, Jungkook was credited as the main producer for 'Magic Shop', a song from BTS' album 'Love Yourself: Tear'. This further established his role as a talented producer within the group.
2018: Eighth on Gallup Korea's Most-Loved Celebrity List
Jungkook placed eighth on Gallup Korea's list of most-loved celebrities in South Korea in 2018.
2018: Moving to Hannam-dong
Since 2018, Jungkook has been living in Hannam-dong, Seoul, with his bandmates.
2018: Heel Injury During Love Yourself World Tour
During the Love Yourself World Tour in 2018, Jungkook suffered a heel injury that prevented him from dancing but he continued performing while seated.
July 2019: Apartment Purchase
Jungkook purchased an apartment in Yongsan District, Seoul, for ₩4 billion in July 2019.
November 2019: Car Accident
Jungkook was involved in a car accident with a taxi in November 2019, but no major injuries occurred, and an amicable settlement was reached.
2019: Most-Searched K-Pop Idol
Jungkook was the most-searched male K-pop idol on Google in the first half of 2019 and the most-searched K-pop idol on YouTube.
2019: Third Most-Loved Celebrity in South Korea
In 2019, Jungkook was ranked the third most-loved celebrity in South Korea according to a Gallup Korea survey.
June 4, 2020: Release of 'Still With You'
Jungkook released the self-produced song 'Still With You' for free on SoundCloud on June 4, 2020, as part of BTS' annual debut anniversary celebrations.
December 2020: Gifting Apartment to Brother
Jungkook gifted the apartment he purchased in Yongsan District to his older brother in December 2020.
2020: Release of Solo Song 'My Time'
In 2020, Jungkook released 'My Time', a solo song that also charted on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart. This song highlighted his personal journey and sacrifices made for his career.
2020: Continued Popularity on Search Engines
Jungkook topped the chart again as the most-searched male K-pop idol on Google and YouTube in 2020.
March 2021: New Record for V Live Livestream Viewers
Jungkook broke his own record for most real-time livestream viewers on V Live in March 2021, reaching 22 million viewers.
June 2021: Controversy over Use of Jungkook's Image
In June 2021, a lawmaker and a mayor sparked controversy by using Jungkook's photos for political campaigns, leading to criticism from netizens.
July 2021: Net Worth Estimation
As of July 2021, Jungkook's net worth was estimated to be US$20 million.
July 2021: Appointed Special Presidential Envoy
In July 2021, Jungkook was appointed Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture by President Moon Jae-in, alongside his bandmates. This role aimed to lead the global agenda for future generations and expand South Korea's diplomatic efforts.
February 2022: Soundtrack for 7Fates: Chakho
In February 2022, Jungkook sang the soundtrack for '7Fates: Chakho', a BTS-based webtoon. The song 'Stay Alive', produced by bandmate Suga, marked Jungkook's first solo entry on the Hot 100 at number 95 and his first solo top-ten entry on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S chart at number eight.
March 2022: Degree from Global Cyber University
In March 2022, Jungkook received his degree from Global Cyber University's Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment and was awarded the President's Award, the school's highest honor.
2022: Collaborations and World Cup Performance
In 2022, Jungkook featured on Charlie Puth's single 'Left and Right', which peaked at number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. He also became the first South Korean artist to release an official song for the FIFA World Cup soundtrack with 'Dreamers', performing it at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
March 2023: Global Ambassador for Calvin Klein
In March 2023, Jungkook was announced as the newest global ambassador for Calvin Klein.
April 2023: Donation to Seoul National University Children's Hospital
Jungkook donated ₩1 billion to Seoul National University Children's Hospital in April 2023 to support patients from low-income families.
November 22, 2023: Announcement of Military Enlistment Process
Big Hit Music announced on November 22, 2023, that Jungkook had begun the enlistment process for his mandatory military service.
2023: Debut Solo Single 'Seven' and Follow-up '3D'
In 2023, Jungkook released his debut solo single 'Seven' featuring Latto, breaking numerous chart and streaming records, including debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts. His follow-up single '3D', featuring Jack Harlow, debuted at number five on both the Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, making him the first South Korean solo artist to achieve two consecutive top-five entries on the latter.
2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Jungkook 191st on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, praising his vocal talent and ability to hit high notes with ease.
2024: Forbes Korea and Gold House Recognition
Jungkook ranked 9th on Forbes Korea's 2024 Power Celebrity 40 and was included in Gold House's 2024 A100 list, highlighting his significant impact on American culture.