If you know anything about K-pop fans, you’ve probably heard the word ‘Maknae.’ The word literally means ‘youngest.’ It’s a loving nickname for the youngest person in the group, even if they are tall or if the other members treat them like a baby.
However, when we use the phrase ‘Golden Maknae,’ there is really only one person we could possibly be talking about: Jungkook from BTS.
A name that was coined by RM himself, the nickname perfectly defines Jungkook’s incredible level of talent. He is not simply the youngest member of BTS, but rather the group’s hidden asset, who has mastered virtually everything involved with music-making: singing, rapping, dancing, producing, and being incredibly charismatic.
It’s a title reserved for those who are unfairly talented across the board, making it impossibly hard to stick to your bias when the Maknae is a literal genius. Ready to dive into what makes his specific title so iconic?
Who Is The Golden Maknae Of K-pop?
We all know the answer: the Golden Maknae is Jeon Jungkook of BTS. Honestly, RM didn’t give him that title for nothing! He’s basically K-pop’s cheat code – a main vocalist who could easily be a main dancer and probably rap circles around half the industry.
I mean, seriously, just watch him sing a song, and then immediately switch to a super hard dance! You’ll ask yourself if there is anything he isn’t good at. When one person is so unbelievably talented that they get a special name all to themselves, you know they are truly a legend.
It also makes you wonder how much income and revenue that level of skill actually generates! We broke it down here if you’re curious.
Why Is Jungkook Called Golden Maknae?
The title “Golden Maknae” is more than just a nickname; it’s an actual, self-fulfilling prophecy. Unlike many terms fans create, this one was officially bestowed upon him early on. Why? Because Jungkook was, and still is, an all-rounder.
He can literally do everything. This observation quickly became a K-pop fact. The “Golden” signifies he’s the best, the gold-medal winner, at seemingly everything he tries – a total cheat code for the entire industry!
Also read: Bias Meaning in K-Pop
The Golden Album
In November 2023, Jungkook officially released his first solo album called Golden. You can listen to it here. Although Jungkook has discussed how much pressure the Golden nickname placed on him, this album was a great way for him to fully embrace and own it.
It wasn’t just named after his nickname; instead, the album is sung completely in English to celebrate Jungkook’s global “golden moments”. The album proves without a doubt that Jungkook is the unparalleled solo artist he was meant to be.
Who Gave Jungkook The Nickname ‘Golden’?
Where did this famous title originate? Unlike ship names created by fans or inside joke names of the group, the Golden Maknae name originates from one of the BTS members, RM (Kim Namjoon), during the start of their chaotic rookie stage (2013).
There was no major press release or anything like that. RM simply welcomed Jeon Jungkook into the world as “The Golden Maknae JK” during a video log, and the name just seemed to match perfectly.
The rationale was simple, but profound: the kid was an undeniable all-rounder. He was already their main vocalist, could match the dance line, and had the ability to sub-rap and do everything else. Plus, he was the adorable Maknae!
The term stuck because it perfectly and efficiently described his raw, unbelievable talent. It quickly became the ultimate benchmark in K-pop, setting the gold standard for every young, ridiculously talented idol who has debuted since.
The ‘Golden’ Standard: What Makes A Maknae ‘Golden’?
What makes a K-pop star “Golden” is that they don’t follow the usual rules. Most groups have members who are experts in only one area, but the Golden one is skilled in everything. They can do it all!
If we look at Jungkook as the perfect example (which we totally should), the list of things they’re great at is unbelievably long. This is what it means to be “Golden.”
The Golden Maknae Talent Checklist
He’s K-pop’s version of a Swiss Army Knife, excelling far beyond the standard idol roles:
1. Music Ace
He sings the main parts, he’s a key dancer in their famous “3J” dance group, he also raps sometimes, and he writes/produces great songs (like “Still With You”).
2. Artistic Genius
He can draw, paint, and even direct/edit high-quality travel films through his personal series, Golden Closet Films (G.C.F.).
3. Elite Athlete
He’s a taekwondo black belt, incredibly skilled at archery and boxing, and dominates nearly every competitive challenge on Run BTS!
Who Is The Next Generation’s Golden Maknae?
Now for the big question: Who is the Next Generation’s Golden Maknae? This is where the fan debates get intense. Since Jungkook perfected the title, the unspoken criteria are impossibly high: you must be the youngest and a master of everything (vocal, dance, rap, variety, the works).
While fans are constantly trying to pass the torch to talented newcomers (you hear names like Sullyoon or Niki mentioned often), the general consensus is that the throne is still heavily protected. You can read to learn more about generations in K-pop.
It’s really hard for anyone else to become the new ‘golden’, which just shows how popular and important the first one is. Basically, any K-pop star who is great at everything (no matter when they debuted) is trying to reach this top-level ‘golden’ standard.
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Conclusion: Jungkook Of BTS Is K-pop’s Golden Maknae
So, after looking closely at the term, we know for sure: Jungkook is the Golden Maknae. This title is much more than just a nice way to refer to the youngest star – it is the best way to measure talent in the whole K-pop business.
From his jaw-dropping vocal range to his artistic eye in Golden Closet Films and the sheer power of his solo album Golden, he didn’t just meet the expectations set by the term; he defined them.
For the next generation, this title is the highest honor, but for us, the fans, the original Golden Maknae will always be the cheat code that started it all. Do you agree the title belongs to Jungkook, or is there another Golden Maknae on your bias list? Drop a comment below and let us know who you think fits the bill!
FAQs
Sehun from EXO is called the “Royal Maknae.” This title highlights his handsome looks, dignified stage presence, and his K-pop “royalty” vibe.
Most K-pop fans agree that Jungkook from BTS is the best example of a Golden Maknae. This is because he is talented in everything, and he actually inspired the term itself. He set the top standard.
On November 3, 2023, Jungkook put out his first solo album called “Golden.” The album is a tribute to his nickname and lets people around the world see his amazing skills as a solo star.
In Korean, it is 황금 막내 (Hwanggeum Maknae). “Hwanggeum” means “golden,” and “Maknae” means “youngest member.”
The top “Golden Maknae” is Jungkook from BTS. He is great at all the important idol skills: singing, dancing, and rapping. Because of his skills, he created the definition for the term in the whole K-pop industry.
