BTS are globally renowned for their enormous fanbase, especially for having a long list of celebrity fans both in кσяєα and internationally who openly adore the group. Their influence knows no boundaries and remains incredibly powerful. The fact that countless A-list stars publicly express their admiration for BTS without hesitation further solidifies the group’s top-tier status, reinforcing their title as the “21st century pop icons.”

Recently, fans discovered that famous actor Kim Ji Hoon has now joined that list. The actor has recently drawn significant attention from K-drama enthusiasts after appearing in two of the most highly anticipated projects, Dear X and The Haunted Palace!

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 under SM Entertainment. He also endured a long and difficult decade trying to establish himself in the entertainment industry — a journey quite similar to BTS’s own “from zero to hero” story. With that in mind, it becomes easier to understand why he feels especially drawn to and supportive of the group.

When invited by Soobin of TXT to appear on Pixid’s show “Your Favorite’s Favorites” to talk about K-pop in general, Kim Ji Hoon could barely contain his pαѕѕionate admiration. He repeatedly brought up BTS, describing them as a major milestone in the K-pop industry.

During the conversation about BTS, Soobin asked Kim Ji Hoon which member he liked the most. Quite υиєχρє¢тє∂ly, he immediately named Jungkook. Not only that, but he also shared some candid thoughts regarding the youngest member’s solo career.

Specifically, he expressed regret over the timing of GOLDEN and Standing Next to You. He explained that the songs were tremendously successful and that Jungkook could have potentially performed at the Super Bowl if he had not needed to fulfill his mandatory military service, alongside his Calvin Klein promotions.

"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 spread online, fans were deeply touched 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 gave him. Many also expressed regret over Jungkook potentially мιѕѕιиg the Super Bowl opportunity. However, this coming July, the Golden Maknae and BTS will instead become the first K-pop artists ever to perform at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a historic first for the World Cup in nearly 100 years.

Fans believe that at this very moment, Kim Ji Hoon, just like countless ARMYs around the world, is likely feeling both excited and proud. They have also showered him with heartfelt gratitude for the love and support he has consistently shown toward BTS and Jungkook:

- Oh he loves him because only true jk lover would say soмєтнing like this. Everyone and their mamas know how big of an opportunity was wasted because of his early enlistment

- 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 need to worry too much anymore — Jungkook and BTS are about to make history on one of the biggest stages in the world. That’s beyond iconic

- 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

- Kim Ji Hoon speaking so pαѕѕionately about BTS and Jungkook is honestly the sweetest thing ever. You can tell his admiration is completely genuine

- It’s so heartwarming seeing such a respected veteran actor openly supporting BTS like this. His words carried so much respect and affection

- Missing the Super Bowl may feel unfortunate, but BTS and Jungkook becoming the first K-pop artists to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show is legendary in an entirely different way

- Kim Jihoon understanding Jungkook’s artistry and stage presence on such a deep level just proves how impactful Jungkook truly is