The BTS member Jungkook faced questions about the explicit version of his hit solo song “Seven” during a new interview with Rolling Stone. The interview, published on April 13, 2026, also featured the group’s leader RM sharing how he stepped in to protect the original lyrics from being changed. The discussion gave fans a look at how the K-pop stars handle mature content in their music.
RM Defends Jungkook’s Explicit Lyrics to Label Executives
RM revealed that some higher-ups at HYBE, BTS’s record label, wanted to change a specific word in “Seven.” The song includes the line, “And that’s why night after night, I’ll be f-kin’ you right.” The label suggested changing the explicit word to “love” to make it cleaner.
But RM refused to let that happen. He told the label, “Please don’t change!” He argued that Jungkook is a grown adult who should have the freedom to sing what he wants. “Why not? He’s all grown up. He can sing an F-word,” RM said during the interview.
The song “Seven” came out in July 2023 as the first single from Jungkook’s solo album “GOLDEN.” It became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track also featured American rapper Latto.
Jungkook’s Own Reaction to the Controversial Lyrics
When Rolling Stone asked Jungkook about singing such direct lyrics, he did not show any embarrassment. “I wasn’t embarrassed,” he told the magazine. “I just felt, ‘So what?’”
This is not the first time Jungkook has responded to criticism about his more mature solo work. Back in 2023, after some fans questioned why he needed an explicit version of “Seven,” he answered directly on social media. He wrote on his Instagram story, “If you felt (it) like that… There’s nothing I can do… And if you think about it, how old am I?” At that time, he also told reporters, “There are multiple generations in our ARMY,” suggesting that older fans can handle more grown-up themes.
Fan Reactions to the Rolling Stone Interview
The interview quickly spread across social media, and fans had strong reactions. Many supported Jungkook and RM for standing their ground.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“He’s literally a grown man. Why are people acting shocked that an adult sings adult lyrics? Let him live.”
Another fan commented on RM’s role as the group’s leader:
“RM always looks out for the members. Even for solo work, he fights for them. That’s a real leader.”
Some fans brought up Jungkook’s age. He was born on September 1, 1997, making him 28 years old internationally. In South Korean age reckoning, he would be considered 30. One fan posted:
“He’s almost 30. He can say whatever word he wants. People need to move on.”
But not every reaction was positive. A small number of fans expressed discomfort with the direction of Jungkook’s solo music. One comment read:
“I miss the old BTS style. The explicit stuff feels unnecessary.”
Despite the mixed opinions, “Seven” remains one of the most successful solo songs by any BTS member. The track has billions of streams on Spotify and helped establish Jungkook as a strong solo artist.
How BTS Members Supported Each Other Behind the Scenes
RM explained during the Rolling Stone interview that the group has always had open discussions about their music, whether for group projects or solo work. He said the members respect each other’s choices and push back when they believe something is right.
Jungkook also spoke about how the other BTS members reacted when they first heard “Seven.” According to the interview, some members were surprised but ultimately supportive. They recognized that Jungkook is no longer the teenage “Golden Maknae” who debuted with the group in 2013. He has grown up, and his music reflects that growth.
The Rolling Stone cover story came out just weeks after BTS released their new album “ARIRANG.” That album marked the group’s first full-length project since 2020, following their mandatory military service in South Korea. “ARIRANG” spent three consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
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Jungkook’s Current Focus on Health and Routine
The Rolling Stone interview also covered Jungkook’s current lifestyle. He told the magazine that he is focusing more on his health as he prepares for BTS’s group activities. He said he eats only one meal a day and exercises regularly, including badminton, bowling, and jogging.
“I’m trying to focus more on my health,” Jungkook said. He also shared that he has stopped drinking alcohol and tries to avoid things that are bad for his body. His military service changed how he views time. “My perspective on time changed before and after my military service,” he explained. “I want to use my time more meaningfully and cherish it.”
Jungkook also told Rolling Stone that “Seven” remains a very important song for him. “Working on the song ‘Seven’ felt like the most important and special moment for me,” he said. “That song is what allowed me to continue working up to now.”
The February 2026 edition of Rolling Stone UK featured Jungkook on the cover, making him the first K-pop solo artist to achieve that honor. The magazine collaborated with Rolling Stone Japan and Rolling Stone Korea for the global feature.
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