These days, fans are witnessing a K-pop superstar Jungkook who is mature, distinctive, and powerful. Alongside this image stands his unparalleled global status as a solo artist: he ranked No. 1 on “The 2024 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100” list and was also named in “Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of 2023: Introduction & Honorable Mentions (Staff List).” He further set a historic record at the major U.S. music awards, the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2024, becoming the most-awarded Asian solo artist in the ceremony’s history.
Jungkook was also the only кσяєαn male singer included in Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” list. In addition, he was selected for the “A100,” a list of the 100 most influential Asians published by Gold House, a nonprofit organization that supports Asian Pacific cultural leaders.
However, to the members of BTS and to ARMYs, Jungkook has another side as well—one that will forever remain the “Golden Maknae” of BTS. Watching Jungkook laugh freely and look genuinely happy when he is with the BTS members after his military discharge, fans are reminded of the 14- or 15-year-old Jungkook who began living with his six older brothers after joining Big Hit Entertainment.
Jungkook spent all the formative years of his growth into adulthood living together with the BTS members so the six of them are not only his family and friends, but also the people who shaped his character and influenced the person he has become today. In other words, every single one of them is deeply important to him.
This is precisely why Jungkook feels extremely conflicted when he is asked to choose which older brother he likes the most within the group. Yet there came a moment when the BTS members directly challenged the youngest to give an honest answer, leaving him with no choice but to face the question—despite his obvious embarrαѕѕment.
Jungkook explained that all of the members took part in raising him, and the entire group agreed with this reasoning. While the members remained curious about whom Jungkook would ultimately choose, he simply could not give a specific answer and stated that he loves all of his older brothers equally. He firmly said, "They are all good to me."
At first glance, this response may sound simple, or even like a lighthearted attempt to avoid the question. However, when viewed through the lens of Jungkook’s life and growth, it carries a far deeper meaning. To the Golden Maknae, RM is a role model of intelligence and leadership; Jin, the eldest, is the warm and generous brother who taught him how to enjoy life; SUGA instilled calmness and composure; j-hope became a source of positive energy; while Jimin and V are more like kindred spirits and closest friends.
When each older brother occupies a unique and irreplaceable place in his heart, choosing a single “favorite” becomes impossible. This bond cannot be measured or ranked, because they exist as a unified whole that cannot be separated. Through this, fans gain a clearer sense of the harmony and connection within BTS: no one can replace another, and no one needs to be compared.
The story does not end there. After Jungkook expressed his affection for all of his older brothers, a hilariously υиєχρє¢тє∂ moment followed. When asked, “Have your hyungs ever carried you?” Jungkook revealed a truth that made everyone burst into laughter—he said that he was actually the one who carried them. The members went on to explain that Jungkook had once let them ride on his back while he did push-ups.
It seemed that his older brothers, who were already over 25 years old at the time, no longer had the strength to carry him, while a 25-year-old Jungkook could easily carry them instead. Indeed, the saying “the younger generation surpαѕѕes the older one” could not be more fitting in this case.
Ultimately, questions and answers like these only serve to deepen the family-like bond that BTS has built together over more than a decade. That foundation of trust and affection has enabled them to overcome countless challenges and reach the pinnacle of success. And it is this enduring friendship that continues to inspire millions of fans around the world, making them love and take pride in BTS even more.
