By ANNIE C. VILLASIN-YOUNG
As a 47-year-old feature writer, I’ve had countless opportunities of interviewing and observing very creative and inspiring personalities – from visual and performing artists to comic book authors and illustrators. Through the years, I’ve grown to believe in the endless possibilities one person could experience (I myself an enthusiast of various subjects and activities). And I’m also continuously amazed by the talents and skills people from different walks of life could show, especially on social media.
Now on a global stage, I’ve seen there’s no one quite like the brilliantly versatile JUNG KOOK, who at 27 has been a legend in his own right and his own time.
Jung Kook – K-Pop icon, exceptional “golden” boy of BTS, and now hailed as a Global Pop Star –is definitely one of the intensely motivated, immensely talented, and multifaceted individuals the world has ever seen. For one thing, Rolling Stone cited him as one of the 200 “Greatest Singers of All Time.” He’s also chosen as one of Gold House’s “100 Most Impactful Asian Pacific Leaders.”
I’ve always admired JK as singer, dancer, songwriter, and painter, among others (fangirling here), and I feel a certain affinity with him (like other ARMYs). But my fascination grew with his Seven performances last year. And with his solo album GOLDEN’s launch, Standing Next to You performance at iHeartRadio, Apple Music interview, and GOLDEN: Live on Stage concert, I simply became a huge fan. His artistic growth, depth of character, and delightful manners are simply impressive.
What makes him tick? What makes the young and the young-at-heart (from 5 to 55) his ardent supporters (even music icon Lea Salonga)?
In the documentary film JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL, viewers were invited to delve deeply into the global pop superstar’s aspirations, struggles, optimism, dynamism, and meaningful connection with fans. It’s a refreshing look at the remarkable and inspiring eight-month journey of Jung Kook as solo artist and the phenomenal success of GOLDEN.
The docufilm’s interviews reveal fellow professionals’ high regard for JK. Moreover, footages reflect the Golden Idol’s positive energy, unassuming personality, self-awareness, amiability, gratefulness, childlike lightheartedness, diligence and discipline. Moreover, he shows openness and dedication to learning, passion for excellence and attention to details, quiet wisdom, indefatigable spirit, strength of character, flexibility, and ingenuity.
JK is still shining through his “GOLDEN era” – having received countless recognitions and awards (showcased in his “GOLDEN: The Moments” solo exhibit) – even while he’s currently fulfilling mandatory military service duties.
With JK’s exemplary artistic journey, I see a powerful combination of natural abilities, multiple intelligences, innate and harnessed skills, worthwhile relationships, and golden opportunity (make hay while the sun shines) – unleashing the potentials of a modern-day Renaissance soul.
He’s an epitome of someone unstoppable, someone who rises above challenges (including ridicule and hate). You can’t keep a good man down, so they say. He has gained much approbation and the power of his experiences would always stay with him. Passionate at what he sets his mind to, JK said he’ll keep moving forward.
