Jungkook Makes History as First Korean Solo Artist on Rolling Stone UK Cover in 8-Country Collaboration
Jungkook has broken new ground for Korean artists by securing the December 2025 cover of Rolling Stone UK alongside editions in seven other countries, becoming the first K-pop soloist to achieve this milestone as his solo catalog surpasses 10 billion Spotify streams.
Rolling Stone revealed the covers on December 8, 2025, marking the music magazine's first-ever three-nation print collaboration between Korea, the UK, and Japan. The BTS vocalist appears on print covers in all three countries, with digital editions simultaneously released in the United States, France, India, the Philippines, China, and Brazil-reaching a total of eight international markets.
The 27-year-old artist conducted his only solo interview of 2025 in New York for the feature, which includes an extensive photoshoot and discussion of his artistic vision. "I've always pursued change," Jungkook told Rolling Stone. "I want to be an artist who doesn't get dragged by the flow, but creates the flow. I don't want to be confined-I want to be an artist without limits."
His appearance on Rolling Stone UK's cover represents a significant first for Korean solo artists in the publication's history. While BTS appeared as a group on Rolling Stone's cover in 2021, Jungkook's solo feature demonstrates the expanding recognition of K-pop artists beyond group contexts.
Streaming Records Continue Accelerating
The Rolling Stone feature arrives during an unprecedented period of streaming success for Jungkook. His solo songs surpassed 10 billion cumulative Spotify streams on November 25, 2025, making him the first Korean solo artist to reach this threshold, according to BigHit Music.
His 2023 single "Seven (feat. Latto)" leads with over 2.6 billion streams-the highest total for any K-pop song on Spotify. The track made history by becoming the first K-pop solo song to top Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global chart and set a platform record by reaching 1 billion streams in just 108 days.
"Seven" debuted at number one on Billboard's Hot 100 and spent seven consecutive weeks atop both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. The single has maintained exceptional longevity on Spotify's Weekly Top Songs Global chart for 123 weeks-the longest run recorded by any Asian solo artist.
Three additional tracks have crossed the billion-stream mark: "Standing Next to You" from his debut album "GOLDEN" reached 1.3 billion, while collaborations "Left and Right" with Charlie Puth hit 1.1 billion and "3D" featuring Jack Harlow surpassed 1 billion. Jungkook holds the record for most billion-stream songs among K-pop solo artists.
Debut Album Drives Milestone Achievement
"GOLDEN," released in November 2023, has accumulated over 6.4 billion Spotify streams. Every track on the 11-song album has surpassed 100 million plays-a rare achievement that demonstrates consistent engagement beyond lead singles.
Rolling Stone previously named Jungkook among its "200 Greatest Singers of All Time" and recognized "GOLDEN" among 2023's best albums, establishing his credibility before the historic cover collaboration.
Post-Military Service Career Phase
Jungkook completed South Korea's mandatory 18-month military service in June 2025 alongside BTS member Jimin. All seven BTS members reunited in July 2025 and began working on new material, with a group album planned for spring 2026.
The Rolling Stone covers position Jungkook alongside iconic artists who have previously graced the magazine's front page, including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Harry Styles, and Bruno Mars. The eight-country collaboration underscores his ability to maintain and expand his global presence during BTS's group hiatus while preparing for the upcoming reunion.
