BTS’ Jung Kook has been on a roll with his solo career, building up anticipation for his soon-to-come first solo album. In his latest release, Jung Kook joined forces with Jack Harlow, BloodPop®, and David Stewart for “3D.” Released on September 29, the upbeat single fits seamlessly into Jung Kook’s catchy discography.
One, Two, 3D
“3D” opens with Jung Kook counting softly before the instrumental kicks in. The pop R&B track shines in its groovy percussion and smooth adlibs. Like Jung Kook’s previous singles, “3D” seems to draw inspiration from the music of the early 2000s. With a beat that fluctuates between consistent snares and moments of silence, the song’s danceable tempo lends itself to an effortless rally between Jung Kook and Jack Harlow.
The song is packed from start to finish — its somewhat unconventional construction and pacing create an addictive, fast-paced rhythm. In under three minutes, listeners hear three verses, three choruses, and three post-choruses, in addition to an outro. The instrumental composition of “3D” is minimalist in nature and highlights Jung Kook’s vocals. The singer jumps from his usual silky vocal tone to a husky chanting in the pre-chorus and falsetto adlibs. Meanwhile, Jack Harlow demonstrates that he is no stranger to pop-infused raps. The American rapper, who contributed to writing the song’s lyrics, naturally hops on the beat, making full use of fade-ins and fade-outs to complement his flow.
In the whimsical music video for “3D,” shots of Jung Kook singing on a set of suspended white stairs are interposed between shots of highly coordinated, sharp choreography. The digital effects complement the song’s message, which depicts the desire to connect with someone across all three dimensions.
Apparently, the video was shot in Jack Harlow’s home state of Kentucky. Fittingly, the rapper makes his appearance in the music video for his verses alongside Jung Kook.
Up Next for Jung Kook
The release of “3D” follows in the footsteps of “Seven,” Jung Kook’s explosive summer hit with American rapper Latto. Jung Kook’s impressive portfolio houses “Dreamers,” part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, and his feature on American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth’s “Left and Right.” With a growing list of chart-topping songs under his belt, Jung Kook is successfully leading up to his first solo album.
Besides music, Jung Kook has been steadily growing his global presence in the fashion industry. In March 2023, the vocalist was appointed global ambassador for Calvin Klein and has since starred in multiple campaigns for the brand. As the winter holiday season approaches, fans may have more campaign footage to look forward to.
The sky’s the limit for Jung Kook as he continues to develop his individual musical identity, and he’s only getting started.
Want to learn more about BTS members’ recent activities? Read about V’s solo debut album Layover here!