The Grindset Mindset

Having lived and worked in Seoul, I was familiar with the grueling work culture that far surpassed anything I had experienced in New York. Still, I was awed by Jungkook’s approach to practice and improvement. One small example: Finding his vocal skills lacking when BTS debuted, Jungkook began to practice singing at every opportune moment—in the green room, the company car, his hotel room, walking down the street. It’s a habit he maintained through his solo debut, as captured in documentary footage, and speaks louder than words.

Just How Far He’ll Go

The BTS members are known for their dedication, going to great lengths to deliver their world-class performances: Jungkook famously collapsed backstage in Chile at the BTS Wings Tour in 2017, as seen in the Burn the Stage docuseries. I was surprised to learn that Jungkook was also ill during his promotions for “Seven (Feat. Latto).” Given his strong, clear singing voice on stages in New York and London, one would never know that he was pushing through a nasty cold.

The Value—and the Hazards—of His Perfectionism

In the dance practice room and the recording booth, Jungkook will perform take after take after take, intent on delivering the best he possibly can. Yet he would also be the first to admit that the same exacting nature common in Korean culture can be a weakness. Despite the other BTS members’ encouragement, he has a habit of writing songs and then deleting them if he feels they don’t pass muster. As he completes his military service and returns to work, it will be interesting to see how his creative approach has (or hasn’t) changed.

BTS Still Comes First

A lot has been made about Jungkook as a solo artist. For years, the media has positioned him as a star with breakout potential akin to a Justin Timberlake or Harry Styles. But in his own words, “BTS is more important,” and he had always planned to put the group before his solo ambitions. It’s impossible to truly know a person from afar, but Jungkook has long made one thing is clear: He is devoted to BTS (and their ARMY). Now that they’re back, the next chapter of K-pop history is just beginning.

The Meaning of Jungkook: The Triumph of BTS and the Making of a Global Pop Superstar