Global pop icon Jungkook is ringing in 2026 with a milestone achievement: gracing the covers of Rolling Stone’s UK, Japan, and Korea editions in a sultry, style-defining collaboration with Calvin Klein. Shot on January 3 by photographer Tayo Kuku Jr., the triple-cover project marks the first time the music magazine has launched a coordinated global visual narrative centered on a single artist, cementing Jungkook’s status as a cross-cultural force.
Now 28, the BTS member has long been a fashion favorite since becoming Calvin Klein’s global ambassador in March 2023. This latest shoot builds on a series of celebrated campaigns with the brand, from his debut spring 2023 looks that showcased his edgy, rockstar energy to a 2024 spring campaign lensed at New York’s Grand Central Station. For Rolling Stone, each regional cover reflects a distinct aesthetic: the Korean edition emphasizes kinetic restraint, the UK version highlights an architectural cool, and the Japan cover leans into tactile texture and controlled drama, all while staying true to Calvin Klein’s signature minimalist design language of clean lines and stark contrast.
In an exclusive interview accompanying the shoot, Jungkook opened up about his evolution from BTS’ beloved “golden maknae” the talented youngest member of the group to one of the world’s biggest solo artists. His 2023 debut solo single Seven featuring Latto broke records across the globe, debuting at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts, making him the first Korean solo artist to achieve the feat. The track went on to become the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams, while his debut album Golden became the first K-pop solo album to surpass 3 billion streams on the platform.
Fresh off completing his mandatory South Korean military service in June 2025 alongside bandmate Jimin, Jungkook shared how his time away from the spotlight reshaped his priorities. “I don’t like the past,” he said with a laugh when shown an old magazine cover of himself. “I’m enjoying right now.” That present-focused mindset includes a dedicated health routine: he stays active with jogging and badminton, and follows a mindful eating plan of one fusion meal per day, which he says gives him a sense of achievement and balance amid a busy schedule.
Looking ahead, Jungkook revealed he is working on new music, with early sessions already underway in Los Angeles, and expressed excitement for BTS’ highly anticipated group comeback. “I want to create my own path, but I also can’t wait to be back on stage with the members,” he shared. As he continues to navigate life as both a solo star and a core member of the biggest band in the world, this Rolling Stone project serves as a testament to his enduring influence one that transcends music to make an indelible mark on fashion and culture across the globe.
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