ARMYs are undoubtedly familiar with Nam Joo Hyuk, one of the most prominent South кσяєαn actors of the 1990s generation. Beginning his career as a model, he made a remarkable transition into acting and built an impressive filmography with нιт projects such as Who Are You: School 2015, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016), Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), The Great Battle (2018), Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022), and Vigilante (2023). Throughout his career, he has also earned numerous prestigious accolades, including honors from the Blue Dragon Film Awards, the кσяєαn Association of Film Critics Awards, as well as the MBC and KBS Drama Awards.

Recently, after spending an extended period away from the entertainment industry to fulfill his mandatory military service, Nam Joo Hyuk has made an impressive return. The actor has been receiving positive attention for his portrayal of a layered spirit hunter in Netflix's newly released The East Palace, while also making headlines after confirming his appearance in Disney+'s upcoming series Code, which is scheduled to premiere next year.

As for Jungkook, he has previously shared that he is not the type of person to have a large social circle or easily become close with everyone he meets. Aside from his BTS members, fans are only aware of a handful of his publicly known friendships, including the famous 97-line group featuring SEVENTEEN's Mingyu, ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo, and GOT7's Yugyeom.

Among actors, the friendship fans have known most about is his close bond with Yeo Jin Goo. However, when it came to Nam Joo Hyuk, fans had never seen the two interact publicly. That is, until recently, when Jungkook υиєχρє¢тє∂ly dropped what many believe to be a clue about their friendship, leaving ARMYs genuinely surprised!

On the 25th, ARMYs excitedly spread the news across social media after discovering that Jungkook had reposted several photos from Nam Joo Hyuk's latest Instagram post, despite the images having absolutely nothing to do with BTS. One of the reposted photos featured the actor taking a mirror selfie after a gym session, dressed in a black short-sleeved workout shirt that highlighted his veiny forearms and muscular biceps. Another captured him riding a motorcycle on the road, photographed from behind while wearing a full-face helmet, effortlessly radiating a cool and charismatic aura.

Jungkook's latest move immediately activated ARMYs' "Sherlock Holmes mode," as fans began connecting the dots between the two stars. Both Jungkook and Nam Joo Hyuk were born in Busan. Jungkook is also well known for his pαѕѕion for working out and his love of motorcycles—he even owns an enviable collection of expensive superbikes from several world-renowned brands. Their shared hometown, similar interests, and Jungkook's υиєχρє¢тє∂ repost quickly convinced many fans that the two have likely been close friends all along, simply choosing to keep their friendship private.

The discovery also reminded fans of an incident back in 2022, when Jungkook openly revealed that he was a huge fan of Twenty-Five Twenty-One, the нιт drama starring Nam Joo Hyuk alongside Kim Tae Ri. At the time, Jungkook shared a clip from the series on his Instagram Stories, where he could be heard giggling while watching a scene. He later discussed the drama's ending with fans, writing, "Ah... actually I don't like sad ending? So Director-nim, you heard us? We put our hope on you." When one fan commented, "Our relationship is like a rainbow," Jungkook playfully replied, "Actually not, this is love, we don't need a rainbow" - a line from this K-drama. 

Meanwhile, fans also believe Jungkook's decision to publicly repost Nam Joo Hyuk's Instagram photos was his own way of showing support for a close friend as the actor makes his long-awaited return to the entertainment industry following his military service. The detail has only fueled ARMYs' excitement even further after discovering what they believe is the long-hidden friendship between the two stars, with many reacting:

- I just started to watch The East Palace then i saw JK liked his post. my two worlds colliding

- The fact that they both have that calm but cool vibe makes this even better

- He rarely does that, so they must be really close. I love discovering these υиєχρє¢тє∂ friendships!

- I expect my bias and fave actor of all time. D*mn this is insane. Their visuals are insane too, ugh already

- Looking back, Jungkook being obsessed with Twenty-Five Twenty-One makes so much more sense now. Jungkook is the supportive friend

- JUNGKOOK reposted Nam Joohyuk’s IG post!! And there was no BTS reference! I knew Jungkook was a fan/friend!! 2 gym addict, motorcycle hottie besties

- I can't get over how well they match as friends. And even Jungkook publicly supports Nam Joo Hyuk's comeback. This friendship is everything!

- when someone asked him to pick between the 2 female leads from a kdrama this dude starred in and he picked him instead

- My obsession just keep growing nam joo hyunk is literally my fav actor i need that season two of vigilante rn .!!

- Jungkook and Nam Joo Hyuk being friends was definitely not on my 2026 bingo card, but it makes so much sense! Busan boys, gym lovers, and motorcycle enthusiasts? This friendship is so cool!