BTS‘s Jungkook is releasing his debut solo album, GOLDEN, this week, including the new song “Standing Next to You.”

In a new interview with PICKCON, Jungkook revealed his surprising initial reaction to the song. American record producer Andrew Watt played him “Standing Next to You” after they recorded “Seven,” and Jungkook was not drawn to it.

Let me tell you when I first heard this song. After Andrew and I finished recording ‘Seven,’ he played this song again. I wasn’t immediately drawn to the song, but there was a grandeur to it when I heard it.

— Jungkook

Jungkook explained that originally, no choreography or anything was planned for “Standing Next to You” at this point. Adding that aspect, the song grew into something greater that Jungkook believes perfectly fits the album GOLDEN.

There was no choreography or performance at that point. But then I realized that it would be really cool to do something onstage, and I just kind of came up with these drawings. So, I think it’s a very appropriate song for the title of this ‘Golden’ album.

— Jungkook

[about ‘standing next to you’]

let me tell you when i first heard this song. after andrew and i finished recording ‘seven’ he played this song again. i wasn’t immediatly drawn to the song, but there was a grandeur to it when i heard it.
there was no choreography or… pic.twitter.com/mCkcsDo1ZY

— jungkook vids (slow) (@jjklve) November 2, 2023

Watch the full interview below.

 He now thinks it’s perfect for the album!