BTS member Jungkook and pop star Usher were initially set to collaborate on one of the world’s biggest stages, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, but the performance was canceled due to Jungkook’s military enlistment, leaving ARMY fans upset.
In an article published by The New Yorker on October 7th, it was revealed that Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, had worked on a remix of Jungkook’s solo album title track “Standing Next to You” with Usher. The report further mentioned that Jungkook had been invited to perform alongside Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, but the offer had to be declined due to his mandatory military service. Jungkook began his enlistment in December 2023, just two months before the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl Halftime Show, a massive event following the second quarter of the NFL Championship game, has featured iconic performers like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. No K-pop idol has ever performed at the event, so had Jungkook accepted, it would have been another groundbreaking achievement in his already illustrious career.
Fans were quick to express their frustration on social media, many blaming HYBE for not delaying Jungkook’s enlistment, which could have allowed him to perform. As a 1997-born artist, Jungkook was eligible for a military service deferment, which could have postponed his enlistment until the age of 30 with approval from the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
The hashtag “#Jungkook_leaveHYBE” trended on X (formerly Twitter) as fans voiced their discontent. Comments ranged from “HYBE has no right to keep sacrificing their artists” to “Jungkook deserves proper support for his talent” and “HYBE’s mishandling is borderline negligence.” Another trending hashtag was #SupportJungkooksSolo.
Despite the missed opportunity, Jungkook continues to prove his success as a solo artist. His solo album Golden, released in November 2023, stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for 22 consecutive weeks. He also became the first K-pop artist to simultaneously land four songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
>> BTS Members Go Big in Real Estate: Jungkook and J-Hope’s Million-Dollar Homes
Source (1)
Good luck Jungkook 🫶🏻💜
Saying,Jungkook should leave Hybe or Jungkook should only work solo,those so called army’s are no real armys.
Though all BTS members do solo projects from time to time after all they are like family and they look forward to makeusic together again next year.
Tbh im glad he declined, I really wouldn’t want him around bad boy records labels anyway. God is watching over our boys 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏