Jung Kook, a member of BTS, released his highly anticipated solo single, “Seven,” at midnight ET on Friday morning. The surprise appearance of popular female rapper Latto on the track added an unexpected twist. The lyrics hint at a steamy encounter between the two artists, while the music itself exudes a cool and relaxed vibe, making it a strong contender for the “songs of the summer” list. In an email interview with Variety, Jung Kook expressed his surprise at the potential hit status of the song and his excitement if it becomes a success. Due to translation barriers, Jung Kook conducted the interview via email with the assistance of a translator. He revealed that he hopes to release a solo album before the end of 2023, although he did not disclose how much progress has been made. Fans will have the chance to see Jung Kook’s solo talents in action as he performs “Seven” on “Good Morning America” on Friday morning. Although “Seven” is his official global solo debut, Jung Kook’s previous tracks have already accumulated over a billion streams on Spotify. He recently re-released “Still With You” and “My You” to additional platforms, resulting in the former becoming a streaming hit. When questioned about the strategy behind releasing these tracks, Jung Kook clarified that they were released as free tracks to express his gratitude to fans and build anticipation for “Seven.” He emphasized that it was not a strategic move and had nothing to do with his confidence in the new single. Jung Kook explained that he immediately knew “Seven” was the right song for his solo debut, as it resonated with him on a deep level. He dedicated himself to practicing and recording it multiple times to ensure a perfect outcome and hopes that listeners will experience the same emotions he felt when he first heard the song. Jung Kook expressed his gratitude to producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut for their involvement in the creation of “Seven” and their dedication throughout the recording process. When selecting a guest artist for the song, the producers recommended Latto due to her exceptional rapping skills. Jung Kook personally admired her unique voice, which added an extra layer of liveliness to the track. Although Latto’s rap lyrics are more overtly sexual, Jung Kook believed it was important for them to align with the overall mood of the song and appreciated her contribution. With its combination of acoustic guitar and rhythmic beats, “Seven” exudes a breezy and summery vibe. When asked if he specifically aimed for a “summer single,” Jung Kook expressed his desire for everyone to have a fun summer while listening to the song. Jung Kook shared his thoughts on the release schedule for BTS members’ solo work, highlighting that each member releases their solo material when it is ready. He enjoyed watching and gaining inspiration from the unique music, stories, and promotions of his fellow members, suggesting that the release order was not a significant factor for him. While some BTS members explore darker themes in their solo albums, Jung Kook feels comfortable with mainstream pop music, as showcased in “Seven.” His main focus is on delivering good music and performances that reflect his growth as an artist. When asked about the potential success of “Seven,” Jung Kook admitted that he didn’t have specific goals in mind but would be thrilled if it becomes a “big hit.” The conversation shifted towards the dynamics within BTS and how fans appreciate interpersonal friendships within the group. Jung Kook loves the chemistry between all the members and acknowledges that fans enjoy seeing different dynamics between the members, both as a whole and individually. Regarding future releases, Jung Kook shared his ambition to release a solo album this year, although he didn’t divulge further details. He will be performing on the “Good Morning America” summer concert series, an opportunity for him to be the sole focus without the need to consider the group dynamic. Jung Kook mentioned that performing alone has a different mindset, allowing him to fill the stage with his own energy. Despite the demands placed on BTS over the years, Jung Kook appreciates the chance to rest and relax. He emphasized that having the support of their fans and the rest of BTS is always beneficial, regardless of the circumstances.
