Golden Maknae rewriting the rules of global stardom.
Jeon Jung Kook has made history as the first K-pop soloist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone UK, headlining a global exclusive that spans multiple countries. The December 2025 issue features three collectable covers for the UK, Japan, and Korea, with pre-orders already surging ahead of BTS’s planned 2026 comeback.
The rollout extends far beyond the UK. Editions in Japan, Korea, India, France, Brazil, the Philippines, and China are all participating, underscoring Jung Kook’s exceptional international reach. The final three variant covers will be revealed on December 8, while Rolling Stone Japan’s Volume 33—featuring a 24-page photo spread and interview—hits shelves on December 25, with pre-orders starting December 1.
#BTS‘s #Jungkook graces the covers of Rolling Stone UKhttps://t.co/XsxlyCCYMh
— allkpop (@allkpop) December 1, 2025
Teaser images show Jung Kook reimagining the Calvin Klein look he wore at New York Fashion Week, this time leaving his shirt unbuttoned for a more sensual twist. In one teaser cover, he appears in an oversized brown suit, revealing chiselled abs and delivering a piercing stare that immediately sent fans into a frenzy. The feature positions him as both a dominant solo act and a key figure in BTS’s next chapter.
For fans, the release is more than a magazine drop—it’s a moment of global anticipation, with collectors rushing to secure all editions. For Jung Kook, it marks another milestone in a year filled with major achievements.
His 2023 solo single Seven surpassed 2.5 billion Spotify streams in August, becoming the first K-pop song to reach that mark and overtaking BTS’s Dynamite. His releases have accumulated 9.4 billion streams, making him the most-streamed K-pop solo act of all time.
Rolling Stone has long served as a benchmark of cultural and musical relevance, and appearing on its cover is often seen as a defining moment for major artists. Landing this spot as a K-pop soloist for a special global edition speaks to the genre’s growing mainstream acceptance—and to Jung Kook’s leading role within it.
Jung Kook’s rise reflects a broader shift in K-pop, demonstrating how individual members of major groups can build strong global followings and earn critical acclaim. His powerful vocals, commanding performances, and consistent solo success have cultivated a dedicated international fanbase, making this Rolling Stone feature a natural progression in his artistic growth.
The cover story is expected to elevate his solo career even further, opening doors to new opportunities and reinforcing his influence as both a commercial and critically recognized artist. The feature will explore his journey, his music, and his vision for the future, offering an intimate look at the artist behind the global phenomenon.
Jung Kook was discharged from South Korea’s 18-month mandatory military service in June, alongside bandmate Jimin. Their return followed RM and V, who completed their service a week earlier. BTS has confirmed that the group will reunite in 2026, giving fans a clear timeline for their long-awaited comeback.