BTS member Jung Kook said he has never really formed a stable sense of self and is still figuring out his identity [1].
As one of the most recognized figures in global music, Jung Kook's reflection on personal identity highlights the psychological toll of early fame. His experience provides a rare glimpse into the internal struggles of artists who enter the public eye during their formative years.
Speaking in Seoul, South Korea, during mid-February 2026, Jung Kook said how growing up within an idol group impacted his personal development [1, 2]. The interview was part of a cover-story package for the May 2026 issue of Rolling Stone [1]. At the time of the interview, Jung Kook was 28 years old [3].
"I'm still forming my sense of self," Jung Kook said [2].
He noted the difficulty of establishing an individual identity while operating within the high-pressure environment of a world-famous group. The artist described himself as a carefree and open person, though he continues to navigate the complexities of his public and private personas [2].
While the interview focused on his personal journey, the broader context of the Rolling Stone project involved all seven members of BTS [1]. The discussions centered on the group's collective legacy, and the individual trajectories of its members as they balance solo stardom with their group identity.
Jung Kook said that his relationship with music has been constant throughout his life. "The only time I was fully away from music was in the..." he said [2].
“"I'm still forming my sense of self."”
This admission reflects a broader trend among K-pop idols who undergo rigorous training and public scrutiny from a young age. By acknowledging a lack of a stable sense of self, Jung Kook highlights the tension between a curated professional image and the development of a private identity, a challenge common to those who achieve extreme fame before reaching adulthood.
