BTS’ latest album, ARIRANG, stands as a testament to the group’s collaborative spirit, with every member leaving their creative fingerprint on the tracklist. However, for Jung Kook, the process remains a source of lingering contemplation.

During a candid, wide-ranging interview with Rolling Stone published on April 20, the youngest member of the global superstars spoke openly about his role in co-writing four of the album’s 14 tracks. While he acknowledges a sense of accomplishment, he admits his feelings are somewhat bittersweet. “I’m not sure if ‘pride’ is the right word, but it was certainly a deeply satisfying experience,” he shared.

Reflecting on the timeline of the project, Jung Kook couldn’t help but wonder if he could have pushed himself further. “It has been quite a while since these songs were finalized, yet I still find myself questioning: Why didn’t I contribute more? Two months is a significant amount of time. Surely, I could have achieved more?” he admitted, adding, “I do harbor some regret regarding that.”

Despite his self-criticism, Jung Kook’s contributions were undeniably impactful. He served as a co-writer on “Alien,” “FYA,” “2.0,” and “Hooligan”—all of which resonated strongly with fans and secured spots on the Billboard Hot 100.

Regarding “Hooligan,” he recalled how the creative spark was instantaneous. Upon hearing the beat, he immediately began sketching out the flow and hook. He noted that the validation he felt when his bandmates unanimously voted to include the track on the final album was an incredible rush.

Currently, ARIRANG is celebrating its third consecutive week atop the Billboard 200. As the group’s first full-length project since 2020, the album serves as the cornerstone of their ambitious global stadium tour.

You can watch the complete, insightful conversation with Jung Kook in the video player above.