What Is BTS's Jungkook's 'Genderless Concept'?
Matthew Cannon
What can’t he do? Sing, dance, be a bunny, be the center of the biggest boy band in the world, release solo songs, break all records, single-handedly dominate global charts, perform at the world cup, collaborate with US artists, get multiple brand endorsements, be absolutely handsome with tattoos and piercings, and look adorable in long hair, steal AMRYs hearts, and the list goes on…
Our “Golden Maknae” has achieved everything he wanted and even more with sheer determination, talent, and hard work.
“Seven” by Jungkook ft. Latto spends its 4th week at #28 (+2) on Billboard HOT 100 Chart 🇺🇸
— Jungkook is the first Korean Soloist to reach #1 on Billboard Hot 100 AND remains for the fourth week in the Top 30 of said Chart.
— Jungkook Charts (@KookCharts) August 15, 2023
While venturing into a solo career, Jungkook proved himself a formidable vocalist and an immensely talented artist. But even when he released his solo single Seven, ARMYs couldn’t help but notice the enigmatic charm exuding from Jungkook. Us Noonas wondered, “Was our little Jungkook always this uniquely handsome?”
But now, we are not just sure but also very proud to see Jungkook pioneering a significant discourse in Korean culture. For the first time, netizens are openly talking about gender norms and why it is okay to defy them.
Although there have been androgynous representations in Korean media, none of them managed to start a healthy discussion. But Jungkook, being a global artist and a member of the most influential band in the world, has yielded much-needed traction to this concept.
What Is BTS’s Jungkook’s ‘Genderless Concept’?
And it all started when a seemingly innocent Jungkook appeared in a bold ad by Calvin Klein. It’s bold not because the ad portrays sensuality. It is bold because Jungkook is donning a look that is hard to pull off…or let’s just say, only he can!
it’s just jeon jungkook being fully comfortable and confident vibing away with his genderless ck jacket and breaking the norms with him being his own person. literally nothing can get hotter than this
— nour ⁷ ᵇʸ ʲᵏ (ꪜ) (@jeonstar_jk) August 10, 2023
The special featurette, released on August 14, flipped the world upside down. Not just ARMYs, but even others took notice of the unique styling choices.
First off, the luscious long hair is every ARMY’s manifestation coming true. Then, he was wearing the “genderless denim jacket,” – as per Calvin Klein’s official website. From here on, people started the trend #Genderless, considering how confidently Jungkook pulled it off.
He was also seen sporting a metallic choker, which can be argued is a female-inclined accessory. But yet again, he is out there breaking norms like he breaks a pineapple with his bare hands.
I hate Jungkook so fricking much. Like, how can someone be so good at EVERYTHING THEY DO?! DIS BOY CAN SING, RAP, DANCE, DRAW, STEAL THE HEARTS OF ANYONE AND EVERYONE, BREAK A PINEAPPLE IN HALF, YOU NAME IT. How is that even possible?? Life is unfair 😤
— Mle⁷ ⟭⟬ BTS LOCKDOWN (@bts8thmemberOG) August 14, 2018
He was also styled in a crop top, showing his carved silhouette (ain’t nobody complaining!).
The black crop top T-shirt paired with a loose tie was a perfect fusion of all gender norms into one. Hence, the concept was labeled genderless, as Jungkook struts around elegantly and manly at the same time.
The term 'genderless' trended on the Korean side of Twitter with K-Netizens complimenting Jungkook’s ability to pull off Calvin Klein’s genderless concept in new campaign:
“Jungkook's long hair is paying off. It seems like this concept really suits him. He did it well”
“They…
— 𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀∞⁷🖤 (@_RapperJK) August 14, 2023
Fans are pouring praises for the bunny–
“.. it’s like my eyes don’t know where to focus cause it’s all sooooo. THIS IS A LOT for an early Monday morning. #JUNGKOOKxCALVINKLEIN”
“Love this concept! Beautifully done with the most fun model”
“It’s just one attack after another and I’m loving every minute of it. Coolest, sexiest brand ambassador ever! Congratulations again CK!”
“JEON JUNGKOOK. OH GOD- DUDE. MAN. SIR. BRO WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BEST FRIENDS I CAN’T BE FALLING FOR U RN! WAT ARE U DOING”
“GENDERLESS, GENDER-FLUID… #Taekook are stepping up the game. For years they showed us their true colors although it has been hard to be too transparent where the subject remains a taboo. are now embracing it and attracting well-deserved, and very positive attention.”
“jungkook is genderless but also full of gender. he’s a malewife. he’s a biblically accurate angel. he’s a pop idol. he’s the fourth incarnation of god. he’s a convicted criminal. he can never die.”
Although BTS has been actively advocating androgyny and the genderless concept for years.
so if you guys remember hoseok was the first out of the members to perform on tv when he featured on Jo Kwon's debut album with the song "animal" who btw is an ex member of the group 2P. But what some y'all don't know is that he is openly GENDERLESS and QUEER.
— Malia⁷ ⁽ᵉˣᵖˡⁱᶜⁱᵗ ᵛᵉʳˢⁱᵒⁿ⁾ (@slut4hoba) August 10, 2023
Namjoon's been wearing skirts since way back in 2013, and tbh, i like his style of partnering them with pants underneath
— KNJ devotee || lyra⁷ (@lyricaleviathan) May 19, 2019
What is your take on the ad campaign? Do you think a genderless representation is important in today’s era?
Which other K-Pop celebrity is known for androgynous concepts? Let us know in the comments section below.