Happy birthday to Jeon Jungkook: BTS‘s golden maknae, incredibly talented vocalist and dancer, and all-around industry treasure turns 25 today! What better way to kick off a new month than with a celebration of all things Jungkook?
It’s impossible to imagine BTS without even one piece of the septet, and that remains true in the case of Jungkook. Just a teenager when BTS was being formed, Jungkook experienced his high school years with six silly and protective big brothers guiding him along. He’s now spent a major part of his life in the public eye, and, through the rollercoaster of life in the biggest act in the world, has managed to maintain a humble disposition, a warm and welcoming demeanor, and an incredible work ethic.
For anyone new to the big, bright world of BTS (or anyone just curious about this person whose name has already been trending for a good 24 hours), you’ve come to the right place. Jungkook has the kind of clear, dexterous voice built for pop music — and, as almost any behind the scenes clip of BTS indicates, Jungkook also just loves to sing.
Starting out so young in BTS meant that Jungkook has been honing his skills as a dancer for over a decade as well; just take a look at his dance cover of Megan Thee Stallion’s verse on the group’s own “Butter” alongside bandmates Jimin and j-hope as a quick reference point.
To celebrate Jungkook’s 25th, we’ve rounded up ten of our favorite JK-centric songs. Grab a lemon kombucha and settle in — and stream along via the playlist below.
