Global Citizen 2023: BTS Jung Kook the First South Korean Solo Headliner; Latto Makes Shocking Appearance

BTS Jungkook
South Korean K-pop boy band BTS member Jung Kook poses for a photo session during a press conference on BTS new album 'BE (Deluxe Edition)' in Seoul on November 20, 2020. JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images

On Saturday, Jung Kook made his solo debut at the Global Citizen Festival at New York's Central Park's Great Lawn.

There, he revealed a few surprises for the Army, such as performing "Seven" with surprise guest Latto, who sung her feature on their collaboration.

For the first time, a South Korean solo artist headlined the event.

With a plethora of dancers flanking him, Jung Kook sang his summer hit, "Days of the Week," while fan footage from the event was displayed.

When the song was almost through, Latto shocked the audience by walking onto the stage to deliver her verse.

The member of BTS also sang "Still With You," a solo song he previously shared three years ago, for the first time. He thanked the crowd for arriving in the rain, to which they erupted in approbation, and he began singing. "I cherish you all."

This year, the festival aimed to encourage action to reduce extreme poverty, emphasizing initiatives to eradicate gender inequality globally and poverty in the Global South. In an interview with Global Citizen, Jung Kook expressed gratitude for making the effort to attend this evening. "Thank you for taking action to be here tonight. Let's keep making an impact together to make sure everyone, everywhere has access to their basic rights," he said.

A medley of BTS songs, including their Number One singles "Permission to Dance," "Dynamite," and "Butter," was performed by Jung Kook as the show came to a close. With a teaser video for "3D," his upcoming solo album featuring Jack Harlow, he brought the evening to a close. On September 29, his new single will be released.

BIGHIT MUSIC confirmed the upcoming single in a statement, saying, "'3D' is an R&B pop track that employs a witty use of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd dimensions to express one's desire to be connected with someone." "The new song will highlight Jung Kook's development as a solo artist, following 'Seven.'"

The K-pop singer included on The Hollywood Reporter's first Platinum Player power list of 25 globally significant musicians is Jungkook of the boy band BTS.

The Hollywood Reporter selected 25 musicians earlier this week to honor their global musical accomplishments and influence. Beyoncé, Drake, Taylor Swift, and other global pop music icons are positioned beside Jungkook.

The Hollywood Reporter said that Jungkook made a seamless transition from group activities to launching his solo career with the July release of his first official single, "Seven."

The song, which features American rapper Latto, won Song of the Summer at the MTV Video Music Awards and immediately shot to the top of Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

"BTS may have hit the pause button as members [need to] complete military service, but Jungkook is having the most fun by topping the charts with the thumping hit 'Seven,'" The Hollywood Reporter wrote.

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Jung Kook, BTS
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