In the three years since Jung Kook first appeared in a torso-baring Calvin Klein campaign, a lot has changed. In November 2023, the “golden maknae” of BTS dropped his debut solo album, Golden—which garnered the alluring number-one hit “Seven”—before enlisting to complete his mandatory South Korean military service a month later. Now, he and his bandmates are back and better than ever, currently supporting their smash-hit tenth album Arirang on the equally red-hot Arirang World Tour.

Throughout it all, the 28-year-old’s relationship with Calvin Klein has only deepened—first by way of another sexy, internet-breaking campaign last year, and now through a limited-edition capsule campaign that the singer helped design himself. Officially dubbed Jung Kook for Calvin Klein (or “CKJK” for short), the collection comprises 20 styles for both men and women, including a number of the storied label’s most iconic pieces—the ’90s trucker jacket, low-rise jeans, that classic CK underwear—all filtered through Jung Kook’s distinct perspective. The line’s logo, for instance, is inspired by his love of racing; elsewhere, design elements reference his passions for motorcycles and tattoos. More than most celebrity-backed clothing endeavours, the CKJK gear is packed with genuine personal touches meant to speak directly to the BTS star’s devoted fans. The entire line drops via Calvin Klein later today, May 19, at 6 p.m. ET.

In the days leading up to the collection’s official launch, CKJK was already making waves all over the world. Eagle-eyed ARMY were elated over the weekend to see Jung Kook and Calvin Klein working with Cafe Far Ben—the Seoul hotspot owned by BTS member RM’s younger sister—on a pop-up for the collection, featuring special CKJK items on the menu. (More immersive pop-ups are set to launch tomorrow across the globe, including a one-day event at Bike Shed Moto Co. in Los Angeles.)

Here, Jung Kook gives GQ an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the CKJK design process, diving deep on his favorite pieces from the collection and the hidden meaning behind some of the design elements.

GQ: This is very different from your past work with Calvin Klein in the sense that you are not just modeling clothes but now have an active hand in designing them. How has your relationship with the brand grown over the years?

Jung Kook: It’s exciting to work together in this very new way. The brand is so iconic and timeless, and it was a fun process putting my own design spin on that. Much like working on an album or a new song really. I liked working with the design team to find the perfect fit, colors, washes, and custom details. I wanted it to be right, so I shared my own references, and loved seeing them brought to life. Getting the opportunity to work with the brand in this way is a really special moment for sure.