As promised, Jung Kook released his first major solo single, Seven, at midnight ET sharp on Friday morning. There was an unexpected surprise: the performance of one of the hottest female rappers of our time, Latto, made a special appearance on the track. The lyrics are about hot action to take place between the two, but the music, while energetic, comes across as deeply chilled. In other words, it feels like a late entry into the Songs of the Summer derby.
In an email interview with Variety, Jung Kook acknowledges the summery vibe, but sounds almost surprised when he hears a hit-status projection for the song, as if it adds to the co-written and co-produced by Andrew Watt/Cirkut Track would have come to mind late. “I honestly didn’t have a big goal in mind, but since you said that, I’d be thrilled if it were a ‘hit,'” he says.
Due to translation issues as the singer (like most of his BTS peers) did not have a full command of English, Jung Kook conducted the interview with a translator who emailed his answers. In it, he promises — or at least hopes — that the BTS ARMY can expect a solo album before 2023, without giving too much away about how much is in the can and how much remains to be done. Meanwhile, fans can see his solo charisma shine without group chemistry when he performs “Seven” on Friday morning’s Good Morning America.
Even though “Seven” is officially your worldwide solo debut, you have songs that have been streamed more than a billion times on Spotify. And you’ve recently re-released “Still With You” and “My You” on other platforms, and “Still With You” was kind of a streaming hit in its own way. Was the strategy to use these to increase hunger for “Seven”? Were you confident that fan support for these songs wouldn’t quench a thirst for a new song?
“Still With You” and “My You” were released as free titles, meaning they were not officially released. I thought it would be nice for fans to listen to my previous solo tracks on streaming platforms before the release of “Seven” which is my official solo debut. It’s sort of a token of gratitude. It wasn’t a strategic move or had anything to do with my confidence.
Did you work on a lot of songs and ‘Seven’ ended up being the strongest one you put out as your first worldwide single after making a choice – or should it always be ‘Seven’ and you just focused on that to perfect?
When I heard “Seven,” I thought, “This is it.” After that, I focused on practicing and recording the track multiple times to perfect it. I hope many people can feel like I did when I first heard the song.
Jung Kook courtesy of BIGHIT Music
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Andrew (Watt) and Cirkut collaborated on the songwriting and production of “Seven”. During the recording, Andrew gave directions with great passion, resulting in the recording going very smoothly. I’m really grateful to them for helping me debut as a solo artist with great music.
You could have chosen between several guest artists. What about Latto made you want her?
We thought about who would be the best rapper for this summer song and one of the producers recommended Latto. So we reached out to her and she happily agreed to collaborate on Seven. I personally like her rap voice and I find her voice adds another layer of liveliness.
The whole song is sexy, but the lyrics of Latto’s rap make it a little more overtly sexual. That’s typical of a guest rap. But were you okay with her taking it a little more directly or to the extreme than you?
I found it important that it fit the overall mood of the song, and Latto’s unique charm really came into its own.
Something about the acoustic guitar combined with the rhythm will make people feel breezy—in other words, summery. Are you looking for a “summer single” par excellence?
The song has an airy and summery feel to it. I hope everyone who listens to “Seven” can have a nice summer whenever they hear it.
As far as the BTS members releasing solo material, you’re sort of in the middle of the group, some leading you, some following. That seems like a comfortable place – some of the others have already been out there testing the terrain for solo work, but fans haven’t had to wait endlessly either. Do you have any thoughts on where you ended up in the release schedule?
I don’t really care about the order in which my solo works come out. Everyone releases their solo work at the time of its completion. Personally, I really enjoyed being able to see the music, stories and promotions of the other members expressing their own uniqueness and tastes. This was a new source of inspiration for my own solo endeavors.
Some of the group members use their solo albums to explore sides of themselves that may be darker, or at least don’t come out as often in group situations. But judging by this song, you seem very familiar with mainstream pop music. Do you feel like you have a side of yourself, musically or personally, that you’d like to show that hasn’t been in the spotlight so much?
It’s my official solo debut so everything is challenging and feels new and fresh. Of course I think a lot about making good music and performing while I’m working on my music. Most of all I want to show a more mature and adult version of myself as this is my first step forward in the spotlight as a solo artist.
This feels like it could be a big song… I’m sure expectations are high. Do you have goals that you set yourself for this?
Thank you for your compliment! I would love it if it was a “big hit” (laughter). I honestly didn’t have a big goal in mind, but since you said that, I’d be thrilled if it were a “hit”.
The BTS book that has just been released sheds light on some of the relationships within the band. Do you realize how much fans love to hear about interpersonal friendships, even within the band, like the one you seem to have with Jimin, that mean as much to them as the overall group dynamic or just the fixation on one Person?
Yes, I am aware of this. I love that there is great chemistry between our members no matter which member they are with and that our fans love the chemistry between all of us.
What will follow this single – how much more is in the pipeline?
I’m working hard to release a solo album this year. It’s still early to say anything concrete, but look forward to it!
They will be performing the summer concert series “GMA” on Friday morning, not many hours right after the single’s release. Does it feel like being the only focus comes naturally, or does it feel a little odd not having to think about how balance with others comes about?
When I performed “Dreamers” on a big stage like the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup, I felt the absence of the members. But to be precise, I would say that I have a different attitude. When I’m on stage with the members I focus on balance as a team, and when I’m on stage alone I focus on fueling the stage with my own energy. It doesn’t matter when, it’s always good whether I have our fans with me or BTS.
Everyone always talks about the fact that the group has had little or no rest over the years. How was it getting some of this? Or do you feel like you’re still too busy preparing for a solo career to really know what rest means?
I’ve been pretty busy working on Seven again lately. It’s good that we all have time to grow individually, also with our solo projects. Whether we’re resting, learning what we wanted to learn, or concentrating on our own music, I think it’s important that we all give ourselves some downtime. And after that time I think we will be even bigger BTS.