Duolingo And Beyond: Jung Kook’s Relatable Struggle To Master English

In an unfiltered conversation with Rolling Stone, the “Golden Maknae” discusses his evolution at 28, the challenges of mastering a new language, and why he’s choosing to stay “carefree” while the rest of the world watches.

At 28, Jung Kook is arguably the biggest pop star on the planet, but he is the first to admit that he is still a work in progress. Nearly half his life has been spent inside the ecosystem of BTS, and as he steps into the spotlight for his solo endeavors and the band’s return with Arirang, he’s navigating a new era: one where he is finally defining his own sense of self.

Jung Kook’s Journey: From BTS to Carefree Pop Icon / Rolling Stones

The “English Breakthrough” He’s Chasing

Despite his global dominance and vocal perfection in English-language tracks, Jung Kook remains his own harshest critic. When asked what it would take for him to truly feel like a global pop star, he didn’t point to chart positions or sold-out stadiums. He pointed to a skill: English fluency.

“I actually know exactly what I need,” he admitted to Rolling Stone. “I need to get better at English, at least to the point where I can make small talk or chat casually. I think that would be a breakthrough.”

His approach is as relatable as it gets—he’s tried everything from Duolingo to various conversation apps. But beyond the apps, it’s his perfectionism that keeps him working. “I don’t want native speakers to hear me speak their language and find it uncomfortable, or dislike it, in any way,” he explained. It’s this deep-seated desire to connect authentically that drives his legendary work ethic.

The “Carefree” Soloist

While many artists crack under the pressure of solo success, Jung Kook maintains a philosophy that keeps him grounded: don’t stress. “I’m just a very carefree and open person,” he says. While his bandmates felt the weight of their individual solo projects, Jung Kook thrived by simply having fun. “Some of the other members were pretty stressed, but I just thought it was fun. I enjoyed it! I did what I wanted to.”

This “carefree” attitude extends to his songwriting. He credits his spontaneous “flow” for hits like Hooligan, where a unique beat instantly sparked his creative process. While he admits to feeling a slight pang of regret—wishing he could have “done a little more” during his writing process—his ability to collaborate effortlessly is what makes him a standout.

Jung Kook’s Journey: From BTS to Carefree Pop Icon / Rolling Stones

Forever the “Golden Maknae”

Jung Kook is the youngest of seven, and he embraces that identity with zero ego. In a group setting, he says he has always felt “comfortable” in the role of the youngest. “I love being the youngest. Because, even though we’re adults now, for my whole life I was the youngest in my family, the youngest in my group… I’m so used to that now.”

As BTS looks toward their future with the Arirang era, Jung Kook isn’t interested in over-analyzing his past or hyper-fixating on his legacy. He is simply living in the moment, wanting to perform, wanting to sing, and as he puts it, “getting out and dancing.”