BTS's "Sold Out King" Jungkook Reveals How He Hopes That He Can Use His Influence For Good

BTS‘s Jungkook has quite the reputation for being the group’s “Sold Out King” as it seems he has a Midas touch– everything he touches turns to gold! He is the “Golden Maknae” too, after all.

BTS’s Jungkook during a live broadcast in which he accidentally encouraged fans to buy kombucha | BTS/VLIVE

In a new interview with Weverse Magazine, Jungkook revealed updates about his mixtape, the differences between singing in Korean and English, the vocal recording process, and how ARMYs influence him. He also reflected upon his own influence upon others and his personal growth through the years since his debut.

Interviewer Myungseok Kang asked him specifically how he feels he has changed. Despite members like J-Hope saying that he seems the same as when they first met him, Jungkook recognizes his differences from yesterday and today. For one thing, he knows that he is much more considerate towards others than before.

In some way I must be better or different on the outside, but I’m sure there’s still things about me that are the same as when I was 13. I learned how to be considerate towards the other members and how to understand them because I fought with them occasionally, but nobody’s going to stop me if I take candy. I take it like I always did. Like when Hobi and I fought over a single banana. (laughs)

— Jungkook

So, Myungseok asked what exactly has changed. He suggested, “Being a member of BTS must have had an effect on your view of the world.” He also brought up the instance in which Jungkook “sought understanding” from vegetarian ARMYs as he ate a salad that included meat during a recent live broadcast.

jungkook’s so considerate and thoughtful. this day on vlive he was eating his salad which had meat and thought about armys who are vegetarian asking them to excuse him and said with all his genuineness that he’s grateful for his meal. pic.twitter.com/vV41C0eVuC

— jk updates ★ (@jjklve) July 26, 2021

Jungkook explained that while he isn’t totally aware of every culture in the world, he does know that there are many vegetarians both internationally and in Korea. As a result, he wants to be as respectful and understanding as possible regarding things he is aware of.

I thought to ask because I know that many people abroad, and in Korea, too, are vegetarians. It’s one of the things you learn when you tour around many different countries. Obviously I don’t know about every single country’s culture or personal identities or choices, so even though I have a long way to go, I think it’s important to respect them based on what I do know.

— Jungkook

Myungseok also recalled Jungkook mentioning his inability to find any of his favorite kombucha from TEAZEN in another live broadcast. It became sold-out after he mentioned it in a previous live broadcast. He said, “I think you must know that you’ve had an influence on a lot of people.” While Jungkook had been disappointed initially that he couldn’t find the kombucha anymore, he was thankful that fans had supported a small business in the process.

Restaurants aren’t doing well and there’s a lot of closed-up shops in the markets now, as you know. So if I’ve had an effect on even one person, it’s been worthwhile.

— Jungkook

| BTS/VLIVE

Jungkook recognizes his influence and the power that comes with being the “Sold Out King.” Because of this, he hopes that people will be not only respectful but also make a difference in his name and help others.

And sometimes the people I’ve had an influence on go on to make donations, too. There could always be someone who takes advantage of the things I say or do, but I’m confident a lot of people will use them for good.

— Jungkook

“Donation on behalf of Jungkook to support ‘Amazon Conservation Association’ on the preservation of Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains and its wildlife.” | *@JK_Peru/Twitter*

As the Peter Parker principle says, “With great power comes great responsibility.” This seems to be something that Jungkook has a clear understanding of as he takes his powerful influence very seriously.

Read about how ARMYs influence Jungkook below: