The question of where, and when, BTS will stage its next major performance has sparked a surprisingly intense debate among fans, following comments made by member J-Hope. During a recent appearance on choreographer Kany Diabaté’s YouTube show, Finding Kany, J-Hope identified the Super Bowl halftime show as a “dream stage” for the group. While the sentiment was met with enthusiasm by Diabaté, the suggestion quickly ignited a wave of criticism online, largely centered around a past opportunity involving member Jungkook and questions of prioritization within the group and its label, HYBE.
J-Hope’s comments, made while discussing BTS’s latest release, ARIRANG, were optimistic in tone. He expressed excitement at the prospect of performing on such a large platform, a sentiment echoed by Diabaté, who urged those with influence to “make it happen” for BTS in 2027. However, the conversation quickly shifted online, with many ARMYs – BTS’s dedicated fanbase – revisiting a 2024 invitation extended to Jungkook to perform alongside Usher at Super Bowl LVIII.
As reported by About Music in September 2025, Jungkook received an invitation to join Usher on stage during the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show for a performance of “Standing Next to You.” However, HYBE ultimately declined the offer, citing Jungkook’s impending mandatory military service as the reason. This decision has now become a focal point of the current controversy, with many fans accusing the company of prioritizing the group’s collective image over individual opportunities. Numerous posts on X (formerly Twitter) allege that HYBE deliberately prevented Jungkook from taking the stage, fearing it would overshadow the group as a whole.
Jungkook was previously invited to join Usher on stage at the Super Bowl for a performance of Standing Next to You, but couldn’t attend due to his military service. pic.twitter.com/yNfM0EiU50
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) September 23, 2025
The situation has ignited a debate within the ARMY community, with some expressing frustration and disappointment over what they perceive as a missed opportunity for Jungkook. Others have voiced concerns about the potential backlash BTS might face if they were to perform at the Super Bowl, given the event’s largely conservative audience. Posts circulating on social media reflect these anxieties, with fans bracing for potential negative reactions to the group’s music and message.
The Super Bowl halftime show has become a significant cultural platform in recent years, with performances by artists like Rihanna and The Weeknd drawing massive viewership. Lousy Bunny’s 2024 performance, for example, was widely celebrated as a landmark moment for Latin music. However, the event also carries the potential for controversy, and BTS, known for their socially conscious lyrics and inclusive messaging, could face scrutiny from more conservative segments of the American audience.
Despite the concerns, many fans remain optimistic about the possibility of BTS gracing the Super Bowl stage. The group’s global popularity and dedicated fanbase could translate into a massive viewership and a significant cultural impact. Whether HYBE will pursue this opportunity, and how they will navigate the potential challenges, remains to be seen.
As of March 26, 2026, HYBE has not issued a formal statement addressing the recent backlash or confirming any plans to pursue a Super Bowl performance. The next scheduled update regarding BTS’s future activities is expected during the company’s quarterly earnings call in May. Fans and industry observers will be closely watching for any indication of HYBE’s intentions.
What are your thoughts on BTS potentially performing at the Super Bowl? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow ARMYs!
