The revelation that BTS member Jungkook was nearly slated to perform at the United States Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside R&B legend Usher has ignited a wave of controversy and criticism directed at HYBE, the parent company of Big Hit Music. During a recent comprehensive interview with Rolling Stone, BTS leader RM confirmed that the group’s youngest member had been in discussions for a guest appearance at what is widely considered the world’s most-watched musical stage. However, the opportunity was ultimately declined due to the timing of Jungkook’s mandatory military enlistment in South Korea. The news has sparked a heated debate among the global fanbase, known as ARMY, regarding the management of individual artist careers versus corporate-driven group timelines.
The Revelation: A Missed Milestone in Pop History
The disclosure came during a deep-dive interview with Rolling Stone, published in April 2026, where the members of BTS discussed their solo endeavors and the strategic planning behind their military hiatus. RM, speaking on the magnitude of the missed opportunity, stated that Jungkook was "almost set" to join Usher on stage. "It didn’t work out because he went to the military," RM explained during the interview. He further characterized the Super Bowl as "the best event and show stage in the whole world," acknowledging the gravity of the missed performance.
Usher headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in February 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The performance was a career-spanning celebration that featured guest appearances by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Will.i.am, Lil Jon, and Ludacris. The inclusion of Jungkook would have marked a historic moment for the K-pop industry, as he would have been the first Korean solo artist to perform during the prestigious halftime slot. The collaboration would have likely centered on the remix of Jungkook’s hit single "Standing Next to You," which featured Usher and was released in December 2023, just weeks before Jungkook’s enlistment.
Timeline of Events and Collaboration
To understand the source of fan frustration, it is necessary to examine the timeline of Jungkook’s solo career and the subsequent enlistment schedule. Jungkook officially debuted as a soloist with the single "Seven" in July 2023, followed by his full-length album Golden in November 2023. The album was a massive commercial success, breaking several records on the Billboard 200 and Spotify.
On December 1, 2023, Big Hit Music released "Standing Next to You (Usher Remix)," a collaboration that solidified the creative bond between the two artists. Shortly after the release, Usher took to social media to praise Jungkook’s talent, and the two even filmed a dance performance video together. At that time, rumors began to circulate within the industry that a Super Bowl appearance was being negotiated.
However, the momentum was abruptly shifted when HYBE announced that the remaining four members of BTS—RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—would begin their enlistment process simultaneously in December 2023. Jungkook officially entered the military on December 12, 2023, alongside Jimin. This date was exactly two months prior to Usher’s Super Bowl performance on February 11, 2024.
Fan Backlash and Administrative Contention
The primary grievance expressed by fans centers on the belief that Jungkook’s enlistment could have been delayed by a few months to accommodate the Super Bowl. In South Korea, male citizens are required to serve approximately 18 to 21 months in the military. While the law is strict, there are administrative provisions for deferment.
Fans pointed out that under the Military Service Act, individuals can apply for a postponement of their enlistment date for "personal reasons" or "outstanding professional opportunities" up to five days before their scheduled induction. Given Jungkook’s age at the time (26), he had not yet reached the maximum age limit for enlistment (which is 28 for most, and 30 for high-profile cultural icons under the "BTS Law" passed in 2020).
On social media platforms, supporters argued that HYBE prioritized a "cluster enlistment" strategy to ensure that all seven members would be discharged by mid-2025, allowing for a full group comeback. Critics argue that this corporate strategy came at the expense of Jungkook’s individual peak, sacrificing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on a stage that draws over 120 million viewers worldwide.
"It’s not that he couldn’t go because of the military; it’s that the company didn’t allow him to postpone," one fan wrote in a viral post. "He could have enlisted in early 2024 after the Super Bowl and still returned in time for the 2025 group plans. This was a massive oversight or a deliberate restriction of his solo growth."
The Strategic Logic of HYBE’s Decision
From a corporate and management perspective, HYBE’s decision-making likely revolved around the long-term viability of the BTS brand as a whole. In late 2022, HYBE and Big Hit Music announced their "2025 Project," a commitment to shareholders and fans that the group would resume full activities in 2025.
To achieve this, the "maknae line" (the younger members) had to enlist by the end of 2023. Had Jungkook delayed his enlistment until March 2024 to accommodate the Super Bowl, his discharge date would have been pushed to late 2025, potentially delaying the group’s comeback tour and album cycle.
Furthermore, the South Korean government’s stance on military service is a sensitive national issue. While BTS was granted the ability to defer service until age 30, the members themselves repeatedly stated their desire to serve. There is also the matter of public perception; any further delays for high-profile events might have invited domestic criticism regarding "special treatment," a narrative the group and their agency have consistently sought to avoid.
Statistical Context: The Magnitude of the Super Bowl Stage
The frustration of the fans is underscored by the sheer scale of the Super Bowl’s reach. The 2024 Halftime Show featuring Usher was the most-watched halftime show in history, garnering an average of 129.3 million viewers. For a solo artist, this platform provides a level of exposure that is unmatched by any other televised event.
For Jungkook, who was already successfully crossing over into the mainstream Western market, a Super Bowl performance would have likely:
- Exponentially increased his "General Public" recognition in the United States beyond the dedicated K-pop demographic.
- Solidified his status as a "Pop King" in the lineage of Michael Jackson and Usher, an image his Golden album was curated to project.
- Boosted long-term streaming numbers and chart longevity for "Standing Next to You."
The "Super Bowl Bump" is a documented phenomenon where headliners and guests see a massive surge in sales and streams following the broadcast. By missing this window, fans feel Jungkook was denied a definitive moment of cultural "coronation" in the global music industry.
Official Responses and Industry Implications
As of the publication of the Rolling Stone interview, neither HYBE nor Big Hit Music has issued a formal statement specifically addressing the fan outcry regarding the Super Bowl. The company has historically maintained a policy of not commenting on specific internal scheduling conflicts or confidential negotiations with third-party event organizers.
However, industry analysts suggest that this incident highlights a growing tension within the "K-pop idol" model. As individual members of mega-groups like BTS achieve global solo superstardom, the traditional "group-first" management style is being challenged. Management companies are now forced to balance the immense individual opportunities of their stars with the collective brand schedules that drive the majority of corporate revenue.
The Jungkook-Usher situation serves as a case study for future talent management in the industry. It raises questions about how much autonomy a global superstar should have over their enlistment timing when faced with historic career milestones.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Reunion
Despite the disappointment surrounding the missed Super Bowl stage, Jungkook’s military service is proceeding as scheduled. He is expected to be discharged in June 2025, alongside Jimin. The other members—Jin, J-Hope, Suga, RM, and V—will also have completed their service by that time, paving the way for the highly anticipated BTS reunion.
While the "what if" of the Super Bowl will likely remain a point of contention among fans for years to come, the focus of the music industry is now shifting toward the impact of BTS’s return. Analysts predict that the 2025 comeback will be one of the largest cultural events in music history, potentially involving a world tour that could break all previous attendance and revenue records.
In the Rolling Stone interview, RM emphasized that the members are looking forward to the future, even as they acknowledge the sacrifices made during this period. For Jungkook, the "Standing Next to You" collaboration with Usher remains a highlight of his solo discography, even without the televised stadium performance. Whether the group or Jungkook as a soloist will eventually grace the Super Bowl stage in the future remains a possibility that fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely.
Ultimately, the controversy underscores the unique pressures faced by South Korean artists who must navigate the peak of global fame while fulfilling national duties. It also reflects the intense advocacy of the ARMY, whose scrutiny of HYBE’s management continues to influence how the company navigates the careers of the world’s most famous musical act.
