Jung Kook
Jung Kook posed for the cameras during his surprise concert at TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023 in New York City.
The Golden Maknae of BTS just keeps on shining. On Thursday (Nov. 9), Jung Kook graced the TSX Entertainment stage in New York City for a surprise performance of several songs off his brand new debut solo album, Golden.
The first permanent stage in Times Square, the TSX stage saw electrifying renditions of Golden singles “Seven” (with Latto) and “3D” (with Jack Harlow), both of which hit the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, with the former peaking at No. 1. During his performance of “3D,” Jung Kook delivered his entire rap verse and interacted with the crowd as the track played Harlow’s guest verse. The BTS star performed full choreography for both “Seven” and “3D,” as well as “Standing Next to You,” which was recently treated to a Michael Jackson-inspired music video. While powering through “Standing Next to You,” Jung Kook took a moment to pause and listen to the crowd go wild for him.
Non-NYC fans were able to tune into the free event on Xbox‘s Twitch channel. “ARMY, please don’t change,” he urged the crowd, speaking to those in person and those tuning in online all over the world. Those same fans were a driving force in the massive success of Golden’s singles — particularly “Seven,” which recently became the fastest song to reach one billion streams in Spotify history. Golden also features production and writing contributions from Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes.
“We are honored to co-create this historic moment for Jung Kook and the entire BTS group. His solo journey has already made history with multiple chart-topping singles, and we’re fully confident that this album will continue the trend,” said Nick Holmsten, TSX Entertainment co-CEO, in a statement. “This marks a pivotal moment in music, particularly for K-pop fans, and holds great significance for both Times Square and New York City.”
Check out photos of Jung Kook’s surprise concert below.
Additional reporting by Rylee Johnston.
Jung Kook posed for the cameras during his surprise concert at TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023 in New York City.
Jung Kook heated up the TSX stage in Times Square during his surprise performance on Nov. 9, 2023, in New York City.
The “3D” singer hit all the right moves at his surprise concert at the TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023, in New York City.
Jung Kook basked in the presence of his crowd at his surprise concert at the TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023, in New York City.
The BTS breakout star completed his takeover of the TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023, in New York City.
The “Seven” singer took a water break and interacted with the crowd during his surprise performance in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023, in New York City.
Jung Kook took a brief rest and pointed the mic out to the crowd during his concert in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023.
Jung Kook brought on all the swagger during his surprise performance in Times Square on Nov. 9.
The Calvin Klein model painted the town red during his surprise concert at the TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023.
Jung Kook took in the crowd’s energy during his surprise TSX stage concert in Times Square on Nov. 9.
BTS’ Golden Maknae smiled big during his surprise concert in Times Square on Nov. 9.
Jung Kook flaunted his stage presence during his surprise TSX Stage performance in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023.
The “Standing Next to You” singer got the Times Square billboard treatment during his surprise concert on Nov. 9, 2023.
Jung Kook smiled at the crowd during his surprise concert at the TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023.
Jung Kook showed off his dance moves during his surprise TSX stage concert in New York City’s Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023.
Jung Kook commanded the stage during his surprise concert at TSX stage in Times Square on Nov. 9, 2023, in NYC.