In a recent and revealing interview with Rolling Stone Japan, BTS’s youngest member, Jungkook, shared profound insights into his mindset as a world-class performer.
The short interview video, released on January 19, 2026, via the magazine’s official Instagram, captures a more mature and grounded artist who has learned to navigate the immense pressure of global stardom.
Jungkook’s central message—that enjoying the stage matters more than perfection—offers a rare glimpse into the internal philosophy of an artist known for his seemingly flawless execution and “Golden Maknae” status.
The Mindset of a Performer
Jungkook admitted that even after years of performing on the world’s biggest stages, he still experiences natural pre-show nerves.
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However, he has developed a mental strategy to manage these feelings. He emphasizes that immersion in the moment is his highest priority.
“Whether I make a mistake, trip on stage, or miss a note, I try to set all that aside and think, ‘Let’s just enjoy this,'” he explained.
For Jungkook, the fear of technical errors is secondary to the authentic joy of the performance, a mindset that likely contributes to the infectious energy he brings to every show.
A Focus on Singularity and Quality
Interestingly, Jungkook revealed that he intentionally simplifies his focus when on stage.
While many performers meticulously monitor their external appearance, facial expressions, or even their scent, Jungkook prefers to block out these distractions.
“I’m not very good at multitasking, so the only two things I personally care about are singing and dancing,” he shared with refreshing honesty.
He believes that as long as the core quality of the music and movement is high, minor “awkward” expressions or external details do not detract from the experience.
This focus on “performance quality” is what he values most, as he feels a deep responsibility to deliver a meaningful show to the fans who come to watch him.
Reflecting on Global Fan Culture
The interview also touched upon his relationship with his international audience, specifically Japanese ARMY.
Jungkook recalled his early impressions of Japanese fans, describing their unique rhythm of cheering as “very precise” and characterized by a blend of intense passion and respectful restraint.
This cultural nuance left a lasting impression on him, highlighting his appreciation for the diverse ways fans express their support worldwide.
Life Beyond the Stage: Sapporo and Beyond
Outside of his professional life, Jungkook shared a few personal highlights from his recent travels. He expressed a love for cold weather and Japanese cuisine, specifically mentioning a recent trip to Sapporo for a shoot.
He fondly recalled enjoying draft beer and soup curry, moments of relaxation that contrast with his high-intensity career.
A Historic Achievement
This interview was part of a major collaborative project by Rolling Stone, featuring simultaneous covers across Korea, the UK, and Japan.
This project also marked a historic milestone: Jungkook became the first Korean solo artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone UK.
Accompanied by a pictorial shot in New York where he showcased a relaxed, effortless charm in Calvin Klein, the feature reaffirms Jungkook’s status as a global icon.
As BTS fans look forward to the group’s long-awaited full-group comeback, this interview serves as a reminder of the individual growth and artistic integrity that each member continues to bring to the group’s collective legacy.
