BTS Jeon Jungkook Fashion Evolution

Besides being BTS’ ‘golden maknae’, Jeon Jungkook is a certified head-turner in his own right; many aspire to cop his every look earning him the moniker ‘sold out king’

The youngest member of the world’s biggest pop group, Jeon Jungkook (whose birthday is tomorrow, September 1) has his own liege of followers. Among those who consider themselves ‘JK-biased’, it’s common knowledge that this idol is often dubbed the ‘sold out king’. From kombucha, lip balms, to numerous designer items, anything seen used or worn by Jungkook instantly enjoys a leap in sales. On one occasion, the singer himself couldn’t buy more than a pack of his favourite drink just after a casual livestream.

Gucci-Tae (V), Chanel-Jimin, Suga’s Fear of God shirts, Jin’s Thom Browne collection, J hope’s experimental looks, and RM’s streetwear with a twist—each BTS member has their own distinct style. Among them, Jungkook is known to be the most laidback with his pairings often favouring athleisure, practical co-ords, or all-black ensembles.

See Also: BTS x Louis Vuitton FW21 Show in Seoul: Our Fashion Breakdown

In celebration of Jungkook’s 24th birthday, we take a trip down memory lane—from the group’s debut in 2013 to 2021—to see just how this once wide-eyed trainee gradually evolved into the 'e-boy' style icon he is known today.

1. 2013–2014: Debut, Skool Luv Affair, and Dark & Wild era

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official

BTS debuted in 2013 with an edgy concept for its members to go against the grain of K-pop trends during the time. Although the group has stylists, Jungkook's personal style is often reflected even in his choice of stagewear or photoshoot attire. The lead vocalist was often spotted in monochrome looks even as a 15-year-old idol. 

2. 2015–2016: HYYH and Young Forever era

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Above Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
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Above Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official

For BTS' Young Forever albums, the group opted for a lighter colour palette largely contrasting their punk-rock debut style. Jungkook sports pastel colours for several promotional shoots for their album. 

3. 2017–2018: Wings and Love Yourself era

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Photo 1 of 10 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 2 of 10 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 3 of 10 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 4 of 10 INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 06: Jungkook of BTS and Charlie Puth perform at the 2018 MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards (MGA) at Namdong Gymnasium on November 06, 2018 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Photo 5 of 10 LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: BTS attends the 2017 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Photo 6 of 10 INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 28: Jin, JungKook, RM and Jimin of boy band BTS attend the 2018 Asia Artist Awards on November 28, 2018 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Photo 7 of 10 LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 20: Musical group BTS, winners of the Top Social Artist award, attend the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/BBMA18/WireImage)
Photo 8 of 10 LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 21: Music group BTS attends the 2017 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/BBMA2017/Getty Images for dcp)
Photo 9 of 10 HONG KONG, HONG KONG - DECEMBER 14: V, Suga, Jin, JungKook, Jimin, J-Hope and RM of BTS attend the 2018 Mnet Music Awards in Hong Kong at AsiaWorld–Expo on December 14, 2018 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)
Photo 10 of 10 SAITAMA, JAPAN - DECEMBER 12: V, Suga, Jin, JungKook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of South Korean group BTS arrive at 2018 MAMA FANS' CHOICE in JAPAN at Saitama Super Arena on December 12, 2018 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

With BTS gaining global acclaim in 2017, the members skyrocketed to fame seemingly overnight; their stagewear and concerts now bigger than ever.

As individuals, BTS has matured from teenage newbies to seasoned professionals. Their style also followed suit. No longer burdened by moving singularly as a unit (in their choreography or fashion looks), each member began to shine even more.

Jungkook often donned bucket hats and oversized shirts or bomber jackets. Even for his red carpet outfits, the youngest member favoured monochromatic pairings, leaning towards dark shades—a large contrast to other members like V or RM who often add pops of colour.

Read more: BTS Suga: The K-Pop Rapper's Best Fashion Looks

4. 2019–2020: Map of the Soul and pre-pandemic tour

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Photo 1 of 11 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 2 of 11 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 3 of 11 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 4 of 11 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
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Photo 6 of 11 LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 01: BTS performs onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for dcp)
Photo 7 of 11 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: BTS attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Photo 8 of 11 NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 31: K-Pop band, BTS is seen in Times Square on December 31, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Photo 9 of 11 NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) V, Suga, RM, Jungkook, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope of BTS visit The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show at Z100 Studio on April 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)
Photo 10 of 11 NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: BTS visits "The Morning Mash Up" on SiriusXM Hits 1 Channel at SiriusXM Studios on May 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Photo 11 of 11 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 01: (L-R) V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS pose with the awards for Top Duo Group and Top Social Artist in the press room during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

In 2019 to early 2020, BTS's world tour was in full swing, selling out stadiums from Wembley in London to the Allianz Parque in São Paulo. Jungkook's outfit choices during this tour still remained close to his innate fashion sense. 

For concept photos for the Map of the Soul albums, the maknae (youngest member), follows the group's idea but adds his own twist, lace-up boots and leather harnesses to kick things up, still in black. For the ON music videos, BTS wore rough-and-tumble pieces from Rick Owens which perfectly matched the song's edgy sound; the overall baggy look closely resembled Jungkook's personal style. 

See also: BTS Anniversary: 9 Inspirational Lyrics Even Non-BTS Fans Can Relate To

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - APRIL 19: BTS group shot before rehearsals for KBS 2TV's "Music Bank" at KBS' new hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 19, 2019 in Seoul, South Korea.(Photo by JTBC PLUS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Above At a photo call in Seoul in 2019, each member's personal style is on display - Jungkook sports his go-to combo. (Photo by JTBC PLUS/Imazins via Getty Images)

At red carpet events, Jungkook opted for more subdued ensembles as well—classic silhouettes and darker colours abound. During photocalls or practice, he is seen with similar pairings: the latest designer boots or Balenciaga kicks, baggy jeans, and loose pullovers; bonus points for a classic bucket hat or plain baseball cap.

5. 2020: Dynamite and BE era

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Above Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
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Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Above Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official

The world's biggest boy band wasn't immune to the abrupt changes brought about by the pandemic. With cancelled tours and delayed promotions, BTS had to rethink their releases and musical projects. As a one-off, the group decided to release Dynamite, their first-ever full-English song. Much to their surprise, the single launched them into bigger fame and to the top of the charts like never before. For Dynamite, BTS is seen in retro garb paying tribute to the '70s; Jungkook wears flare denims in one shot and colourful co-ords in another. 

Read more: Korean Stars Who Covered English Songs: BTS, Blackpink Rosé, And More
 

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Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Above Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
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Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Above Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official

Later that year, the group also released a self-produced album entitled BE. For their 2021 Seasons Greetings (a holiday shoot), the group adopted a retro '90s concept; Jungkook wears a unique all-black combo for an alley shot (right) and school attire for a 'new in the city' theme (left). 

6. 2021: Butter and Permission to Dance era

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 2 of 3 Soowoozoo | Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official
Photo 3 of 3 Butter, Soowoozoo look 1, Soowoozoo look 2 | Photo: Facebook / @bangtan.official

Following the success of Dynamite, BTS has since released two other full-English tracks, namely Butter and Permission to Dance (PTD). For both music videos, Jungkook's personal style is front-and-centre. Although the singer mixes it up with purple hair, his outfits remain true to his roots. Even for PTD—which saw all other members wearing brightly coloured attire—Jungkook simply refused to give up his e-boy signature and kept his western garb all-black.

The group also held a record-breaking virtual concert titled Soowoozoo in celebration of their 2021 anniversary. Here, the youngest member was spotted with outfits that displayed his fully tattooed arm (a big feat for the singer as tattoos are often censored in mainstream Korean media). Thus, his 'beach boy' look (yellow Fendi polo shirt) for the concert's opening immediately went viral on Twitter and held the number one global hashtag spot for two days. 

See also: 9 K-pop Artists To Know 2021: BTS, EXO, Jay Park, And More

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BTS for Louis Vuitton FW21 | Photo: Twitter / @louivuitton
Above BTS for Louis Vuitton FW21 | Photo: Twitter / @louivuitton
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Jeon Jungkook for Louis Vuitton FW21 | Photo: Twitter / @louivuitton
Above Jeon Jungkook for Louis Vuitton FW21 | Photo: Twitter / @louivuitton

As BTS continues to dominate charts, fans will get to see even more of each member's style, especially as they keep bagging endorsement deals left and right, most notable of which is their ambassadorship for French luxury house Louis Vuitton. If this recap has taught us anything about the group's golden maknae, it's that no matter the era, we can always count on Jeon Jungkook to keep serving quintessential Gen Z looks—chunky shoes, baggy jeans, and bucket hats in tow.

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Photo: Pinterest/ @Damla
Above Photo: Pinterest/ @Damla

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