BTS is one of the biggest musical acts in the world, meaning the band often comes up in conversations about who should headline the next Super Bowl Halftime Show. But according to the group, one of its members already received an invite — it just didn’t work out at the time.
In the Monday (April 13) video component of BTS’ cover story interview with Rolling Stone, the bandmates talked about whether they’d like to play the career-defining gig, and the interviewer pointed out that he’d noticed Jung Kook “grimace” at the mention of the Super Bowl. RM then explained, “Jung Kook was almost there, because Usher invited him before the military.”
“But it didn’t work out because he went to military,” the band leader added.
Usher performed at Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, just a few months after Jung Kook would have enlisted in the South Korean military in late 2023 to perform his mandatory service. Though the K-pop superstar wasn’t available, the R&B icon did bring out Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon and will.i.am as special guests.
In response to the question about headlining the halftime show in the future, Jung Kook said, “Of course I want to, but it’s not up to us.”
“I think it’s the best event and show stage in the whole world,” RM added. “Bad Bunny, he was amazing.”
Benito was this year’s headliner, becoming the Super Bowl’s first-ever predominantly Spanish-speaking halftime performer. The showcase earned critical acclaim, but it was also widely protested by many conservatives who felt it was inappropriate to have a non-English set.
On that topic, BTS — who would likely perform in part in Korean if the bandmates ever headlined the Big Game — acknowledged to RS that they might face similar backlash if chosen. “Maybe if time goes by, and the thoughts in the people change,” RM said. “All of the people in the world are watching Parasite, all these great things in Korean culture. So if there’s a chance, we definitely want to someday.”
Watch BTS’ video interview with Rolling Stone above.
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