JUNGKOOK BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS

JUNGKOOK BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, SONGS & FACTS - Jeon Jung-kook, known to the world as Jungkook, is the youngest member of BTS and one of the most successful K-pop soloists of his generation. Nicknamed the "Golden Maknae" for his all-round talent, he serves as the main vocalist, lead dancer and sub-rapper of BTS, the record-shattering group managed by BIGHIT MUSIC and HYBE.

At 29, Jungkook has grown from a 15-year-old debuting with BTS in 2013 into a record-breaking solo artist whose debut single "Seven" topped the Billboard Hot 100 and whose album GOLDEN made him a global pop star in his own right. Here is his full biography: age, career, songs and facts.

Early Life

Jeon Jung-kook was born on September 1, 1997, in Busan, South Korea. As a child he dreamed of becoming a singer, and at 13 he auditioned for the talent show Superstar K3. Though he was eliminated in the audition rounds, several agencies offered him contracts. He chose Big Hit Entertainment after being impressed by RM, the group's future leader, turning down offers from bigger labels.

He moved to Seoul as a trainee and, in 2012, travelled to Los Angeles for intensive dance training that sharpened him into a top-tier performer. He later graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), balancing his studies with trainee life before his debut.

Career

Jungkook debuted with BTS on June 13, 2013, through the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. As the group's youngest member - its "maknae" - and its main vocalist, he quickly became a fan favourite, earning the nickname "Golden Maknae" for excelling at singing, dancing and even rapping. Read more in our BTS official biography.

Within BTS, he released acclaimed solo tracks including "Begin" (2016), "Euphoria" (2018) and "My Time" (2020), each showcasing his expressive vocals. His official solo debut arrived on July 14, 2023, with "Seven (feat. Latto)". The single debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 - a first for a Korean soloist - became the fastest song in history to reach one billion Spotify streams at the time (108 days), and in June 2026 became the first song by a Korean artist to pass three billion Spotify streams.

His debut solo album, GOLDEN, followed on November 3, 2023. Recorded primarily in English, it featured "Seven", "3D" (feat. Jack Harlow) and "Standing Next to You", with collaborations spanning Jack Harlow, Major Lazer, Latto and DJ Snake (see also our Jack Harlow biography). A year earlier, his 2022 collaboration with Charlie Puth, "Left and Right", had already proved his appeal as a Western pop collaborator.

Recent Work

In December 2023, Jungkook enlisted for South Korea's mandatory military service alongside fellow BTS member Jimin. He was discharged on June 11, 2025, with all seven BTS members clearing service by mid-2025.

Since his return, he has kept busy. Season 2 of the travel series Are You Sure?! with Jimin premiered on Disney+ in June 2025, taking the pair through Vietnam and Switzerland, and in July 2025 he surprised fans with a Weverse livestream from a songwriting camp in the United States. Meanwhile, HYBE has confirmed that BTS will release a full-group comeback album in March-May 2026 - their first full album since Map of the Soul: 7 (2020). For more on the group, see J-Hope of BTS on LE SSERAFIM's 'Spaghetti', the BTS Arirang world tour news and the BTS 'Swim' (Arirang) lyrics.

Personal Life

Outside music, Jungkook enjoys boxing, drawing, gaming and photography, and he is known for his tattoos. He keeps his personal life largely private, preferring to let his work speak for itself.

Watch the Official Video

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Jungkook in 2026?

Jungkook was born on September 1, 1997, which makes him 29 years old as of October 2026.

What is Jungkook's real name and where is he from?

His real name is Jeon Jung-kook, and he was born in Busan, South Korea.

When did Jungkook complete his military service?

He enlisted in December 2023 alongside Jimin and was discharged on June 11, 2025.

What are Jungkook's biggest solo songs and album?

His biggest solo songs are "Seven (feat. Latto)", "3D" (feat. Jack Harlow) and "Standing Next to You", and his debut solo album is GOLDEN (2023).