BTS is widely known for its global fanbase and, in particular, for having a long list of prominent domestic and international celebrities who are devoted fans of the group. Their appeal knows no boundaries and is extraordinarily powerful. The fact that A-list stars openly and unapologetically express their admiration for BTS further reinforces the group’s “top of the top” status as the “21st-century pop icon.”

Recently, fans discovered that renowned actor Kim Ji Hoon is also among the celebrities who openly acknowledge and love BTS. Over the past six months, Kim Ji Hoon has attracted significant attention from K-drama enthusiasts after appearing in two highly anticipated projects, Dear X and The Haunted Palace. When au∂ιєnces think of him, they often picture his refined, romantic image—long hair, deep-set eyes, and a calm yet intense demeanor.

With more than 20 years of acting experience, Kim Ji Hoon has left a strong impression through numerous memorable roles, including The Goddess of Marriage (2013), Jang Bo-ri Is Here! (2014), Death’s Game (2023), Ballerina (2023), and most notably his role as Baek Hee Sung in Flower of Evil (2020), a character widely regarded as a symbol of pure evil in кσяєαn television history. Born in 1981, the actor was once dubbed the “Crown Prince of weekend dramas”.

What many fans may not know is that before becoming an actor, he was once a trainee at SM Entertainment. He also endured a long and difficult decade carving out his place in the industry. Given these similarities to BTS’s own “from zero to hero” journey, it is easy to understand why he feels particularly drawn to and supportive of the group.

When invited by TXT’s Soobin to appear on Pixid’s program Your Favorite’s Favorites to talk about K-pop in general, Kim Ji Hoon could not contain his pαѕѕionate fan side. He repeatedly brought up BTS, describing them as a pivotal milestone in the K-pop industry.

During the conversation about BTS, Soobin asked Kim Ji Hoon which member was his favorite. Somewhat surprisingly, he immediately named Jungkook. Not only that, he went on to share several candid thoughts about the youngest member’s solo career.

Specifically, he expressed regret over the timing of the releases of GOLDEN and Standing Next to You. He explained that these were mαѕѕively successful songs and that Jungkook could have performed at the Super Bowl if not for his mandatory military service.

"For me, 100% Jungkook, he's just so good. Personally, what I find so frustrating is Standing Next To You. He teamed up with Usher and absolutely crushed it, but he enlisted in the military then. If he hadn't gone to the military, then I swear, he could've done the Super Bowl halftime show", he said.

He continued, "That's what I really regret, seriously. when that song dropped "Woah, ∂αми, from the very first solo stage it was so sleek, so good and the choreo was bam-bam-bam, нιт after нιт.. this song is just mαѕѕive".

When these remarks surfaced online, fans were deeply impressed by the veteran actor’s warmth toward BTS as a whole and his recognition of Jungkook’s talent in particular, especially the generous praise he offered. Many shared his sense of regret that Jungkook did not have more opportunities to showcase himself on solo stages due to military obligations.

However, starting in 2026, that will no longer be an obstacle. A wide-open musical path lies ahead for both him and BTS. Fans discussed: 

- for real jungkook wasnt fully able to promote his first full album. he was robbed of big opportunities and was constantly rushing bcos of the enlistment

- Everyone and their mamas know how big of an opportunity was wasted because of his early enlistment

- Oh he loves him because only true jk lover would say soмєтнing like this

- It's one of my biggest regrets too, it was so big opportunity for him and standing next to you is truly another level . More than seven, all are great but snty is greatest of all from every aspect

- Bro, everyone who loves jungkook shares the same sentiment with you. So, thank you for speaking on behalf of us

- Don't remind me of this please. This whole superbowl thing is sooo нєαятвяєαкιиg

- Any normal person would feel this way but you got some mfs here talking about how super bowl doesn't matter

- Jihoon said truth yeah JK and usher in super bowl would be Historic. But because of this military service he couldn't. I hope JK get more and much bigger opportunities like this, Manifestation

- Seeing respected industry veterans openly praise BTS and Jungkook like this just proves their impact goes far beyond fandoms. Talent recognizes talent

- Everything has pαѕѕed, so don’t worry. From 2026 onward—and forever after—the stage will shine for BTS and Jungkook