Typically, there are two main official names used for idols: their stage name or their real name. Meanwhile, within fandom communities, a variety of creative nicknames are often used to refer to idols, usually based on certain traits or well-known stories about them. However, nicknames outside of stage names and real names are rarely used formally in the media or achieve widespread recognition.

In the case of Jungkook, things are different. He has a nickname that is frequently used by major media outlets such as Forbes, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Teen Vogue, as well as by many international artists—“Golden Maknae.” Jungkook has even drawn inspiration from this nickname for his first solo album, “GOLDEN,” as well as for various personal projects such as “Golden Closet Film,” “Golden Closet Studio,” “Golden Closet Sketch,” “Golden Closet Gift,” and more.

It is no exaggeration to say that alongside Jungkook, “Golden Maknae” has now become a personal brand and a symbol of his entire career. Many people may wonder how this nickname came to be and who came up with such a fitting title for BTS’s youngest member. Although there have been various rumors over the years, it wasn’t until the release of his solo album and several recent interviews that Jungkook personally shared the story behind it.

Jungkook confirmed that it was BTS leader RM who coined the nickname: “Namjoon first started calling me ‘Golden Maknae’”.

Jungkook is known as the group’s “maknae” because he is the youngest member. In кσяєα, the youngest member of a group is referred to as the “maknae.”

Meanwhile, the word “Golden,” which RM added in front, first appeared before BTS’s debut in 2013—specifically on May 14, 2013. At the time, the group was preparing to debut, and RM and Jungkook filmed a vlog explaining what they were doing. In the video, when Jungkook introduced himself as the youngest member, RM corrected him and described him as an “all-rounder” or a “golden maknae.”

RM later explained that he gave Jungkook this nickname because of his immense potential and his ability to excel at many things. Jungkook can dance, sing, rap, learn quickly, and often accomplish tasks with seemingly little effort. Beyond that, he is also known for his athletic abilities, artistic talent—often compared to Bob Ross—and a wide range of sкιℓℓs in areas such as filmmaking, cooking, and gaming. Moreover, RM and the other members have consistently described him as kind-hearted and pαѕѕionate.

Interestingly, Jungkook initially did not like this nickname and avoided using it because he felt it was “a bit too much.” Over time, however, he gradually embraced it and has even referred to himself as the “Golden Maknae” on several occasions. This likely stems from the deep respect he has for RM as both a leader and a mentor—not only within the group but also in life. At the same time, it is undeniable that RM’s nickname was incredibly accurate from the very beginning.

RM recognized the youngest member’s potential early on, and over the past decade, time has proven his judgment right. Not only has Jungkook continued to refine his talents, but he has also achieved remarkable milestones both as a member of BTS and as a solo artist.

For example, at the age of 19, he won his first Daesang with BTS; at 21, he topped the Billboard 200 and became the youngest recipient of the Cultural Merit Medal, as well as participating in the United Nations General Assembly; at 23, he received a Grammy nomination with BTS; at 25, he became the first K-pop idol to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup; and at 26, he made his solo debut with “Seven,” which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking numerous global streaming records, while his solo album “Golden” debuted at No.2 on the Billboard 200.

Looking back on this journey, even Jungkook himself has come to fully embrace the idea that “Golden” is the most accurate word to describe both who he is and his career over the past decade—and perhaps even beyond. At this point, fans can’t help but acknowledge RM’s vision and feel proud of Jungkook’s efforts in proving that he truly deserves this one-of-a-kind nickname.