BTS's Golden Maknae enters God mode with clear global pop domination

India Today

5 days ago

If global music were a high-stakes poker game, Jungkook wouldn't just be holding all the cards, he'd be the one dealing them. The youngest member of BTS has been carving out a solo career that's less a side project and more a global takeover, with chart-topping singles, record-shattering albums, and heavyweight collaborations that other artists can only dream of.Jungkook's solo chapter kicked off with 'Golden', a debut album that stormed the charts with the precision of a well-aimed strike. It became the most-streamed album in a single day by a Korean solo artist, sold over two million copies in its first week, and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Not bad for someone who, just months earlier, was still fronting group performances.advertisementBut it was his lead single 'Seven' (featuring Latto) that truly cemented his position as a global player. A slick, UK garage-infused pop track, 'Seven' didn't just debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it simultaneously topped the Billboard Global 200 and Global (excluding US charts). The track has since become a streaming giant, raking up over 2.3 billion plays on Spotify and holding its place on the Global charts for 100 consecutive weeks, making Jungkook the first Asian soloist to pull off such a feat.
Jungkook: The king of collaborationsWhere many solo artists cautiously test the waters with collaborations, Jungkook has been diving-in headfirst, and surfacing with pure gold.Take 'Left and Right' with Charlie Puth. What began as a casual onstage duet in 2018 turned into a chart-ready single in 2022. The breezy, R&B, laced pop song debuted in the Billboard Hot 100's top 25, peaked at No. 5 on the Global 200, and earned Gold certification in the US. It was a perfect blend of Puth's polished pop production and Jungkook's smooth, emotive vocals, an instant fan favourite. And just recently, the pair were seen in the studio again, sparking rumours of a sequel hit. Then there's '3-D' with Jack Harlow. This second solo single wasn't just a follow-up, it was a statement. It soared to No. 5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, while topping Digital Song Sales, the Global 200, and Global (excluding US charts). In doing so, Jungkook became the only BTS member with two solo No. 1s in the global rankings.His collaboration streak doesn't stop there; he's also landed UK top-10 hits with 'Too Much' (featuring The Kid Laroi and Central Cee) and 'Standing Next to You' from Golden. It's a track record that reads less like a newcomer's resume and more like a seasoned superstar's highlight reel.A star that shines in absenceEven during his mandatory military service, Jungkook's presence in the industry hasn't dimmed. Fellow musicians from Omar Rudberg to Kehlani have publicly sung his praises, and international producers are already lining up with offers for his next move. It's a level of anticipation usually reserved for global icons, and he's delivering on it without even needing to be on stage.While each BTS member has explored their own creative path, Jungkook's solo run has been on a different scale entirely. Between 'Seven,' '3-D,' and 'Left and Right,' he's not only collected major chart titles but also redefined what it means for a K-Pop idol to go truly global. These aren't just tracks, they're career-defining moments that have propelled him into the league of pop's biggest names.In a span of just over a year, Jungkook has transitioned from BTS's Golden Maknae to one of the most bankable names in music worldwide. And judging by the collaborations already in motion, the real game has only just begun.- EndsMust Watch