K-pop star Jungkook of BTS almost made history by becoming the first K-pop artist to perform at the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show. However, due to scheduling conflicts, this potential collaboration with Usher never came to fruition. The news, which was confirmed recently, has left many fans both disappointed and reflective on what could have been a groundbreaking moment.

Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Plan

In February 2024, Usher headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The R&B star brought a star-studded lineup to the stage, including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, and others. However, a new report from The New Yorker, published on October 7, 2024, revealed that Jungkook was also invited to be a part of this major event. This revelation has since caused a wave of reactions among BTS ARMYs, as they learned Jungkook could have been performing for one of the largest television audiences in the world.

Jungkook, who has collaborated with Usher before on the remix of the song “Standing Next to You”, was one of the key performers Usher wanted to include in his Super Bowl show. Having released solo work entirely in English, Jungkook’s involvement would have been a significant step in representing the global reach of K-pop. However, this performance was never realized due to Jungkook’s prior commitments.

Jungkook’s Military Service Played a Role

One of the main reasons the collaboration didn’t happen was that Jungkook had already enlisted for his mandatory military service. Alongside fellow BTS member Jimin, Jungkook began his military duties in December 2023, a few months before the Super Bowl event. As required by South Korean law, all able-bodied male citizens must serve in the military, typically for about 18-21 months. The military commitment clashed with Usher’s Super Bowl schedule, making it impossible for Jungkook to join the performance.

The timing of Jungkook’s enlistment was crucial not just for him, but for BTS as a whole. Many of the group’s members are around the same age and will soon follow suit, making military service an unavoidable reality. Fans are hopeful for a full BTS reunion after their service is completed, and some speculate that this was a reason for Jungkook’s early enlistment.

Fans React to Missed Super Bowl Opportunity

The news of Jungkook’s missed opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl sparked a wide range of reactions from fans across social media. While many fans expressed their disappointment, others saw it as a necessary step for Jungkook to complete his military service and ultimately reunite with BTS sooner rather than later.

A significant portion of the BTS ARMY took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express frustration. Some fans felt that HYBE, BTS’ management company, should have done more to ensure Jungkook’s participation, believing that this was a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Many pointed out that performing at the Super Bowl would have solidified Jungkook’s presence on a global stage, especially considering the event typically draws over 100 million viewers worldwide.

Others pointed out that Jungkook’s contribution to the “Standing Next to You” remix with Usher made him a natural fit for the Super Bowl stage. One fan commented, “Standing Next to You is a masterpiece and deserves to be heard and seen in front of a large audience. Such a pity.” This sentiment was echoed by many who felt that missing this performance was a missed milestone in Jungkook’s solo career.

However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans expressed relief that Jungkook did not perform, pointing out controversies surrounding Usher‘s professional circle. Recently, Usher’s alleged ties to hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who faces legal issues including charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, became a focal point of discussion. Some fans believed that Jungkook’s decision not to perform, whether intentional or due to other commitments, saved him from potential association with these controversies.

Usher’s Performance Still Shines

Despite Jungkook’s absence, Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show was a success. The singer took the stage with a roster of guest stars, many of whom have collaborated with him over his decades-long career. Along with Alicia Keys, Usher was joined by artists such as H.E.R, Ludacris, and Lil Jon, delivering a memorable performance that featured hits spanning his career.

Although the news about Jungkook’s almost-participation left many BTS fans wondering what could have been, the moment has further highlighted the global appeal of both K-pop and Jungkook as an artist. His growing list of collaborations with Western artists, including Justin Timberlake and Jack Harlow on his recent solo album “Golden,” has established him as a major player in the global music scene.

For now, fans can only imagine what Jungkook’s Super Bowl performance might have looked like, but they remain optimistic for future collaborations once the BTS members complete their military service.

For more updates on BTS and Jungkook’s career, stay tuned to Vviptimes.

Source: Hindustan Times, Mid-day