BTS’ Jung Kook Channels Nat King Cole With ‘The Christmas Song’ Cover That’s Smooth Like Butter

Trending on Billboard Jung Kook might just be Nat King Cole undercover, because the BTS singer just released a rendition of “The Christmas Song” that’s buttery smooth. Released just a couple of days before Christmas, the festive cover finds Jung Kook delivering some of his sultriest vocals to date. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose/ Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos,” he croons over chill, ambient keyboards. “Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright/ Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight.” As the song picks up, the K-pop star fleshes out the performance with his own lush harmonies stacked on top of each other. Staying true to the original lyrics, he ends with a message to “kids” from ages 1 to 92: “Merry Christmas to you.” Cole’s “The Christmas Song” first charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. It reached its peak decades later, hitting No. 6 this year. Jung Kook’s cover of the Christmas classic serves as a year-end gift to ARMY, as the fanbase eagerly awaits spring 2026, when BTS will finally make its comeback after two-plus years apart to fulfill South Korean military obligations and work on solo projects. In addition to a new album, the septet also has a world tour in the works. “I think this spring will be more important than ever,” Jung Kook recently teased in an interview with Elle Korea . “So I sincerely hope you all have a safe and enjoyable spring.” Check out Jung Kook’s version of “The Christmas Song” below.

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