“HYBE STOP SABOTAGING JUNGKOOK”: Fans Criticize Label for Overlooking K-pop’s First Super Bowl Performance Opportunity

On October 7, New Yorker Magazine announced that Jungkook of BTS turned down an invitation to perform live during the halftime show of the 2024 Super Bowl. This decision was made due to his early enlistment in military service, which is set to begin in December 2023, just two months before the Super Bowl scheduled for February.

Usher reportedly extended an invitation to Jungkook to take the stage and perform “Standing Next To You”at the event, marking what would have been a historic moment as the first Super Bowl appearance by a K-pop artist. However, Jungkook chose to decline this opportunity.

The revelation of Jungkook’s missed chance at the Super Bowl left many fans feeling disappointed. His supporters took to social media platforms to express their frustration towards HYBE, Jungkook’s management agency, for not deferring his enlistment, leading to the loss of this significant milestone. Fans filled the internet with their thoughts, predominantly directing their outrage at HYBE, as noted on X:

“MOVE, STOP SABOTAGING JUNGKOOK”

Responses from fans varied widely online. While some criticized HYBE’s actions as greedy, others emphasized that the Super Bowl represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“As JK Stans, it tears us apart knowing the incredible opportunity that was missed due to his enlistment. I hope he’s doing alright and has no regrets; otherwise, this wound will never heal for us. I believe he will be rewarded well beyond measure.” – expressed a fan.

“What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that slipped away! Jungkook’s talent is phenomenal, and his debut album proves he will continue to shine and deliver impressive performances.” – noted another admirer.

“This is not about military service; it’s all about greedy HYBE.” – wrote an X user.

Some users raised questions about why this information emerged nearly a year later, while others referred to Jungkook as the ‘main pop boy.’

“I’m curious as to why we’re hearing this news now, almost a year after. Doesn’t timely information save more issues?” – commented another X user.

“It’s shocking that he had to turn this down; performing at the Super Bowl could have been a monumental moment in his career, particularly in the US. It’s hard to believe he had to let it go…” – remarked another fan.

“Who else gets the chance to perform at the Super Bowl right after debuting?! Jungkook truly embodies the essence of a pop star.” – expressed another user on X.

“It’s unfortunate that he had to decline due to enlistment. Yet, looking at the bright side, Jungkook’s upcoming year will bring him many more chances to shine. We shouldn’t place blame; he knows what’s best for him.” – shared a fan.

Jungkook’s Standing Next To You was released on November 3, 2023

The hit single “Standing Next To You”by the BTS member launched on November 3, 2023, as part of his debut solo album titled GOLDEN. He collaborated with Usher to remix this track.

On September 23, it was reported that “Standing Next To You”became the fastest solo release by an Asian artist to achieve over 900 million streams on Spotify. With this feat, Jungkook established himself as the first and only Asian and K-pop solo artist with three tracks surpassing 900 million streams, joining “Seven”and “L&R.”

Furthermore, on September 27, the song received BRIT-certified Silver status in the UK for exceeding 200,000 units in sales, making him the K-soloist with the highest number of UK Silver certifications. Jungkook also holds this certification for his tracks “Seven,””L&R,”and “Golden.”

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