In South кσяєα, variety shows are almost a “specialty” and play a crucial role for most K-pop idols as they help boost public recognition and attract fan interest. In fact, appearing on variety shows is considered an almost “mandatory” form of promotion whenever an idol releases a new album or song.

For instance, there was a time when Weekly Idol was practically a rite of pαѕѕage for every K-pop group during debut promotions. Some groups even appeared on the show every single time they made a comeback. Similarly, Running Man served as a major springboard for many idols to gain mainstream popularity.

During their debut era (2013–2016), BTS appeared more frequently on programs such as Weekly Idol, After School Club, Idol Room, and Star Show 360 to promote their music. However, starting around 2017, BTS began limiting their appearances on outside variety shows. Instead, they created and produced their own shows, including Run BTS!, Bon Voyage, and In The Soop.

Although in the past two years, with each member focusing on solo activities, there have been more individual variety show appearances, not all of them have chosen this route — especially Jungkook!

Throughout the entire promotional period for Golden, he mainly participated in interviews, music show stages, and fan engagements. The only variety-style program he appeared on was SUGA’s talk show Suchwita, produced by BigHit Music.

When fans expressed curiosity about why he doesn’t use the traditional PR мєтнods other idols (or even some BTS members) often rely on, Jungkook didn’t hesitate to share his honest reasoning.

"Come out on a variety show? But for me, I like doing stages/performances. But interviews I'm scared - no rather than scared I feel awkward. That's how I feel about variety shows too...Variety shows should be fun but I feel like I won't be good at it..!", he confessed.

He also explained why Suchwita was the only show he agreed to do: “I don’t know if I’ll ever think about doing that! The only reason I did Suchwita was because a member was the one hosting it, so I felt more comfortable. Still, I might think about it in the future!”

This statement led fans to believe Jungkook might consider joining a reality or variety program again — but only if one or more BTS members were part of it as well.

Fans were also reminded of Jungkook’s unpleasant past experiences with variety shows. In 2016, Jungkook appeared solo on a program called Flower Crew to celebrate his coming of age (20 years old in кσяєαn age). Out of kindness, he bought hamburgers for the cast and crew, only to be met with disrespect from Jo Se Ho, who commented, “I think this is leftovers”. The rest of the cast then refused to eat Jungkook’s burgers, leaving him visibly confused and saddened.

At that time, BTS were not yet global superstars and came from a relatively small company, so they were often overlooked in variety programs featuring many idols.

ARMYs believe these early negative experiences may have made Jungkook more cautious and hesitant about returning to such shows, as he likely doesn’t want to experience that awkwardness again.

Additionally, variety shows often require heavy interaction with other celebrities, but Jungkook is quite introverted and shy around unfamiliar people, which can make it hard for him to enjoy the experience.

Instead, he feels much more comfortable participating in a show hosted by a BTS member like Suchwita, or spending hours talking directly with ARMY — soмєтнing that never seems to be enough for him.

After hearing Jungkook’s thoughts, fans expressed their support and understanding. They encouraged him to only choose things that make him feel truly comfortable and happy to do — just as they do for the rest of the BTS members:

- do whatever you like jungkook

- awww I hope he does whatever makes him comfortable! we enjoy everything!!

- do whatever you want and what makes you happy we will support you jungkook

- The Boys will do whatever is comfortable for them n yes they do n will get suggestions from their Label and others on different types of things to do but the final decision is always up to them each or the Boy are different and want different things that's a normal thing

- The introvert in him I can understand

- at the end of the day, i hope you only do the things you feel most comfortable with

- I agree.. He's a born performer and does great in stages. He'll be shy to do a variety show without the members..

- This is why I love him. He knows what he likes and good at and stays true to it

- Hearing JK say this makes me appreciate Suchwita and Yoongi even more, knowing that Yoongi created Suchwita so his brothers could promote their solo albums in a space where they feel safe and with somebody they trust

- Let him do what he prefers , for us they'll do well in anything but from their own perspectives they might think 'this' is better for me than 'that' , rather than pushing for som̾e̾t̾h ̾ing, chapter 2 is about accepting their uniqueness

- it's okay hun, you can promote or do anything that makes you comfortable. we literally will always support u