‘Jungkook: I Am Still’ showcases the strengths and lovable persona of BTS’ ‘Golden Maknae’
It’s been months since BTS Jungkook, along with Jimin, RM and V enlisted in the military. Before doing so, the members of the group were able to pursue individual activities and solo albums. For the main vocalist and the ‘golden maknae’ of the group, he wants to live up to the expectations of the fans, especially the ever-supportive ARMY.
Through docufilm Jungkook: I Am Still, fans were able to take a glimpse of the K-pop idol’s hard work and sacrifices in order to make Golden a top-notch record that global music listeners will love and enjoy. When he decided to push through with an all-English track album, he started to get worried, yet as we all know, Jungkook is not the one to back down or give up especially when he is focused in achieving something.
Here are some of the highlights of Jungkook: I Am Still
The hectic global promotion of Golden made him worry
Fans who were able to watch previously released BTS documentaries would know that Jungkook is in a way, a perfectionist. His love for ARMY is undeniable that’s why he doesn’t want to disappoint the fans. Even if he encountered a number of health-problems and even the weather wasn’t cooperative at the early days of his New York promotions (Why does it always rain?!), like a true professional, these hiccups weren’t visible whenever he is onstage because he really tries his best to give a good show. Some of these moments were also captured in his travel series with Jimin titled Are You Sure?! on Disney+.
Right after his recordings or performances, he reviews it to see where he lacks and what he can improve on for the next one. He is also self-aware and reads comments on social media and he smiles and giggles like a little kid whenever he reads appreciative comments related to his performance.
His well-applauded Times Square performance was surreal to watch on the big screen too!
The recording process for Golden tracks
Pdogg, BTS’ producer since they were trainees compliments Jungkook’s growth not only as a recording artist, but as a person. He believes Jungkook is a "genius" and "a natural"—even if the man of the hour doesn’t believe so.
When Jungkook became a trainee under BigHit Entertainment, he already had this natural talent and good looks, but he was also painfully shy and introverted. Now, he is determined to prove that he can do it too as a soloist without forgetting his roots.
For Golden, Jungkook worked with international music producers. They’re all impressed with how he was able to reach high notes, record good adlibs to make the songs better, memorize the lyrics in a limited time, record a number of tracks in a day and even visualize how he will perform the song with choreography and all.
Among the tracks of the album, Standing Next To You is a stand out for me. I was in awe watching how excited he was after recording the song. When the music video was shot in Budapest, he couldn’t help but miss the BTS members. He misses being part of a team, but he also realized a lot of things promoting solo. Again, excelling and getting the approval of the people who matter is important for the global superstar. He wants to prove that despite BTS’ hiatus, they still have "IT."
As a viewer and listener of all the BTS solo albums, I am also impressed with how Jungkook’s vision to embrace Western Pop sound was clear. I also smiled when he mentioned BTS members from time to time and when he visited a place where their group and solo albums were on display. You can see the spark in his eyes and he is proud of what they’ve achieved as a group and as soloists.
GOLDEN Live On Stage concert performances
Before enlisting, Jungkook had a solo concert for the lucky fans. Though the performances were streamed on Weverse Live, watching the choreographies and live vocals inside the cinema was a euphoric experience. Full performances of Please Don’t Change, Somebody and Too Sad to Dance were also shown.
The ending of the docufilm was bittersweet. He accomplished a lot promoting solo and we can’t wait to see him and his brothers next year. Stay Gold!
Watch Jungkook: I Am Still in Philippines cinemas until September 22.