“Korean Culture Critic Discusses HYBE’s Oversight of Stage Importance and BTS’ Jungkook’s Missed Super Bowl Chance”

On October 9, 2024, a Korean cultural critic expressed his thoughts regarding BTS member Jungkook’s missed chance to perform at the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl Halftime Show in an interview with Daily Sports. Before his mandatory enlistment, the popular K-pop star collaborated with American singer Usher to release a remix of his track, “Standing Next To You.”Reports indicated that Usher had extended an invitation for Jungkook to join him on stage for the 2023 Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, due to Jungkook’s upcoming military service, which begins on December 12, 2023, he was unable to participate in the Super Bowl performance. Notably, Jungkook had dropped his debut solo album, titled “GOLDEN,”on November 3, 2023, and the USHER remix of “Standing Next To You”followed on December 15, 2023, under BIGHIT MUSIC, now known as HYBE Labels.

If given the chance to perform, Jungkook would have made history by being the first K-pop artist and the first Asian performer at the Super Bowl. Korean critic Kim Heon-sik commented on this unfortunate situation, stating that it stemmed from HYBE not fully grasping the significance of such a performance.

“The cancellation of Jungkook’s Super Bowl halftime show is attributed to HYBE underestimating the value of this opportunity. I feel immense regret for the artist’s management.”

For those unfamiliar, the Super Bowl is the NFL’s annual championship game, contested between the winners of the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC).

This event ranks among the most-viewed international sporting occasions and is America’s top televised event every year. Notable performers in past Super Bowls have included superstars like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna.

Jungkook’s Solo Artist Accomplishments

In 2022, Jungkook achieved the milestone of being the first K-pop and Korean performer at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. Additionally, he became the first Korean artist to record the official FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dreamers,”released on November 20, 2022.

On November 3, 2023, he unveiled his debut solo album, featuring 11 English-language tracks, including the title single “Standing Next To You.”This track quickly reached the top of the Billboard Global 200 and became the third song from his album to visit the summit, following the previously released hits “SEVEN”and “3D.”As of now, “Standing Next To You”has garnered over 937 million streams on Spotify.

“SEVEN”enjoyed a remarkable debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the position for seven consecutive weeks, making Jungkook the first K-pop solo artist to achieve such a feat. This song also reached the milestone of 1 billion streams in just 108 days, breaking Miley Cyrus’ record of 112 days for her hit “Flowers.”Jungkook’s “SEVEN”is now recognized as the fastest song to reach this significant streaming milestone in Spotify history.

Currently, Jungkook is fulfilling his compulsory service in the South Korean military and is expected to return in June 2025 to continue his activities with BTS.

Source