Why is 'Seven' so important to Jungkook's solo journey? BTS singer looks back on career milestone in Rolling Stone feature

For Jungkook, Seven wasn't just measured in streams or charts.

In a new Rolling Stone feature, the BTS singer reflects on how the chart-topping single became the moment that unlocked his identity as a solo artist and rescued him from creative uncertainty.

"Working on the song 'Seven' felt like the most important and special moment for me. That song is what allowed me to continue working up to now."

Before its release in 2023, Jungkook was stuck in a period of ambivalence. He revealed to the outlet that at the time, after years of releasing hit after hit with his group BTS, his potential solo works felt off-kilter — until Seven arrived.

"Everything felt like a hassle. 'Seven' made me want to get back to it."

The track, featuring rapper Latto, attained massive success on the charts and shattered records. It debuted No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts. The song also became the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, and stayed over 900 days on the platform's Daily Global Chart.

With all these achievements and more, albeit unanticipated, Jungkook felt even more assured about himself as a performer.

"I really loved 'Seven' and felt confident performing it, but I was still surprised by how well it was received. That reaction gave me even more confidence."

Also Read: "Their next album 1M": Netizens react as BTS' 'Map of the Soul: 7' tops with biggest first week sales of K-pop albums on Billboard 200 of all time

More about Jungkook: Chart achievements and career milestones

Seven opened the doors for the BTS vocalist to release his solo album, GOLDEN, in the winter of 2023. The debut solo project contains 11 tracks, including the well-received Standing Next to You, as well as Closer to You and Please Don't Change.

GOLDEN also received favorable reviews from critics, with NME citing that it manages to:

"capture Jung Kook's multifaceted artistry, charismatic vocals, and irresistible pop appeal in 10 easily palatable songs primed for commercial success."

Consequence also praised the record, writing:

"even in the less enduring moments in Golden, Jung Kook remains interesting, wielding his voice with athletic precision."

Jungkook's debut took home the Album Bonsang at the 38th Golden Disc Awards and Artist of the Year – Album at the 13th Circle Chart Music Awards.

It became the best-selling K-pop solo debut album ever, securing spots on Billboard 200 (No. 2) and UK (No. 3). GOLDEN also accumulated massive Spotify streams, becoming the fastest Asian album to achieve 5 billion streams.

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Further, the record earned platinum certifications in the US and Japan, and also won major awards like Top K-Pop Album at the Billboard Music Awards.

Also Read: BTS' Jungkook extends record with "Seven" as longest-charting song by an Asian solo artist on Billboard Global 200

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