'I’m working hard to improve' Jungkook says ahead of 'Golden' release

K-pop

Published: 02 Nov. 2023, 17:20 Updated: 02 Nov. 2023, 19:25

'I’m working hard to improve' Jungkook says ahead of 'Golden' release

A scene from the music video for ″Stand Next to You″ by BTS's Jungkook [BIGHIT MUSIC]

Now into his 11th year in the music industry, BTS's Jungkook finds he still has "more room to improve," he said in an introduction video he released to the press prior to the release of his first solo album that drops Friday.

“I noticed a new side of me during the recording and producing process. I realized what I am still weak at, which was a quality moment for me to reflect on myself,” Jungkook said.

“I’m working hard to improve my vocal skills and I constantly monitor myself to find places where improvement is needed,” he added. “But still, I feel I have a lot of room to improve.”

Jungkook’s official solo album “Golden” is a compilation of golden moments from the singer’s music career, he said in a press release.

A scene from the music video for ″Stand Next to You″ by BTS's Jungkook [BIGHIT MUSIC]

“I wanted the album to be the best version of me showing people who I am,” Jungkook said.

The album “Golden” took its motif from the golden moments of the singer and is also linked to him being the golden maknae, as dubbed by band member RM, according to the press release. Maknae in Korean means the youngest, and the artist is the youngest member of BTS.

“I want to prove my abilities through this album,” the singer said.

The lead track “Standing Next to You” is a retro funk song with the message that “I will always be with you no matter what,” Jungkook said.

A scene from the music video for ″Stand Next to You″ by BTS's Jungkook [BIGHIT MUSIC]

The album consists of 11 tracks that are all in English, including three tracks he released earlier this year: two versions of “Seven (feat. Latto)” and the single “3D (feat. Jack Harlow).”

The titles of the seven new tracks besides the aforementioned lead track were also revealed: “Close to You (feat. Major Lazer),” “Yes or No,” “Please Don't Change (feat. DJ Snake),” “Hate You,” “Somebody,” “Too Sad to Dance” and “Shot Glass of Tears.”

“I said this before in other interviews, but my goal is to become an artist that can switch and fit into different types of genres,” he said. “I wanted to create music that reflects my identity, which led me to explore different songs. I listened to every one of them, taking the opportunity to imagine and reflect on what songs I could be good at.”

“One of my favorite songs, besides the lead track, is ‘Hate You,’” he added. “The song is just right for this season, and I think the listener will enjoy it, too.”

Jungkook insisted on listening to the tracks in order to soak up the emotional changes throughout the album.

Jungkook will appear on NBC's ″The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon″ [JIMMY FALLON SHOW]

Following the release, Jungkook will be embarking on a global promotion for his new album as well.

Jungkook is scheduled to appear on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and the “Today” show’s “CitiConcert Series.”

A teaser for Jungkook’s appearance on the show was uploaded on the Jimmy Fallon Show’s official social media Thursday. During the show, he will give a special performance and be interviewed by Jimmy Fallon. The episode will be aired on Nov. 7.

He will also perform solo at the Today plaza in New York City as part of the “CitiConcert Series” on Nov. 8.

Jungkook of BTS, center [BIGHIT MUSIC]

Jungkook, whose real name is Jun Jung-kook, debuted as a member of boy band BTS in 2013. He released his first solo debut single, "Seven," on July 14, writing new records for global music charts.

Jungkook will hold a showcase for the “Golden” release at Jangchung Arena in Jung District, central Seoul, at 8 p.m. on Nov. 20.

To find out more about Jungkook and BTS, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]