At the end of October, Jungkook went viral on social media after making a surprise appearance at the VIP premiere of the movie First Ride, held at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa, Seoul. The film marks the latest big-screen project of Jungkook’s close friend, ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo — and it’s also the first time the singer-actor has taken on a leading role in a theatrical release.

Jungkook is known as someone who rarely makes public appearances at events like this. Adding to the surprise, Cha Eunwoo had enlisted in the military on July 28 and is currently serving in the кσяєαn military band, meaning he couldn’t attend the premiere himself. Despite that, Jungkook showed up alone to support his best friend, which deeply impressed fans and the media alike for the incredible friendship between two of кσяєα’s top idols.

In front of reporters, Jungkook shared warmly, “Cha Eunwoo and I have been close friends since our early twenties. He told me he filmed this movie with memories from that time, so I’ll also try to enjoy it with those same emotions.” He also sent an affectionate message to his enlisted friend: “I hope you stay healthy and complete your service safely. Fighting!”

Nearly two weeks have pαѕѕed since Jungkook’s memorable appearance, yet the buzz around it continues. Recently, the First Ride production team revealed the story behind the BTS star’s attendance — and it turns out it was actually a “mission” entrusted to him by Cha Eunwoo himself.

A representative from the First Ride production team disclosed, “Cha Eunwoo felt disappointed that he couldn’t attend the premiere, so he said he would send a friend in his place. But we had no idea that friend would be Jungkook.”

Not only did Jungkook show up on behalf of his friend, but he also flawlessly fulfilled his “mission” by delivering a special promotion: he brought along a life-sized doll of Cha Eunwoo to the event, posed playfully for photos by saluting like a sol∂ιєr or holding the doll princess-style — making it feel as if Cha Eunwoo was truly present.

The revelation from the production team made fans even more emotional, deepening admiration for the strong bond between the two idols. It’s worth emphasizing that Jungkook isn’t the type to easily agree to public appearances — not even for major events like Calvin Klein, where he serves as a global ambαѕѕador. Yet he took his friend’s request to heart, attending the premiere and going above and beyond to promote the movie.

Even the event’s MC was impressed by Jungkook’s sincere show of support. She later shared in a post, “My crew and I were discussing whether to use the doll instead of Cha Eunwoo, since he couldn’t be there, but Jungkook asked, ‘Should I carry the doll?’ Our staff said, ‘Unni, the doll is so heavy that it’s even hard for a grown man to hold it.’ It was so heavy that the staff had to help hold it up during the press conference. But Jungkook, who attended the VIP premiere, took the doll onstage. Being an event where even holding a small panel could be uncomfortable, he carried that heavy doll like it was nothing on stage and made a perfect exit.”

On social media, fans flooded platforms with comments expressing admiration and affection for the heartwarming friendship between the two stars:

- Solid Jungkook friendship So much beautiful about Jungkook in what we see and much more in his private world. I love you JUNGKOOK Praying all your plans succeed in your pursuit of the best JUNGKOOK YOU want to be

- Handsome guy's Handsom friend Both jungkook and eunwoo such good looking duo and supportive best friends

- And Jungkook’s appearance sparked explosive buzz since he rarely appears at movie premieres. He really did it for his bestie

- I love their friendship. It is so heartwarming to witness this in a world (K-pop) where everyday is not always easy! They support each other and that means the world to me

- So sweet. Imagine the staff's reaction when JK just casually showed up... carrying a doll of CEW, too!

- JUNGKOOK is so supportive and loyal friend. I love their friendship 

- Such genuine friendships in their circle, it’s so heartwarming

- eunwoo sent jungkook to attend the premiere in his place bc he couldn't make it due to military service omg I love their friendship sm

- Their friendship is honestly one of the most genuine ones in the industry. So much respect and love between them

- Jungkook showing up for Eunwoo like that, even carrying the doll — that’s real friendship right there

- The fact that Eunwoo trusted Jungkook with soмєтнing so meaningful says everything about their bond. True besties.

- I love how they always support each other quietly but wholeheartedly, their friendship feels so pure and sincere