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On May 21, 2025, Jungkook fans took to social media after Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji revealed that the country had plans to invite BTS for a concert.
However, he stated that the event couldn’t proceed as Jungkook, the group’s main vocalist, was enlisted in the military at the time. The statement was made during the 5th Qatar Economic Forum and quickly caught fans’ attention across social media platforms.
Fans were quick to call it “another lost opportunity.” They pointed out how this followed the Dreamers singer's missed chance to appear at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show. It had also been reportedly canceled due to his enlistment.
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Many emphasized how such moments could have furthered his impact and BTS’s global legacy. As per the South Korean media outlet, Yonhap News, Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji said,
"We tried to invite BTS last year as well, but it didn't happen because the main vocalist was serving in the military."
Some fans expressed disappointment and frustration. They stated that if enlistment had been postponed by some time, the BTS star could have joined these global stages. An X user, @Koo_tatts, wrote,
"Another lost opportunity . Jungkook will come back stronger,no more restrictions."
Others lamented at the timing and importance of these opportunities. They also celebrated the impact the singer has had, even while not being in the spotlight since 2023.
"Even world stages wait for Jung kook ,that’s his unmatched presence . From Dreamers to global admiration, his impact is beyond music. Proud of our main vocalist, always. We’ll be right here, waiting," an X user added.
"FIFAKOOK IS LEGENDARY! He is so in demand. His impact is insane,"a fan mentioned.
"Jungkook’s impact isn’t just local ,it’s global. Even one absence is felt worldwide. From Dreamers in Qatar to hearts across the planet, our Main Vocalist leaves a legacy wherever he goes. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it," another user wrote.
"you're telling me Qatar Tourism Chairman Alkarji attempted to invite BTS last year, but it wasn't possible because the main vocalist was serving in the military.. JUNGKOOK WAS IN MILITARY?? ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY?? fck hybe, fck big sht QATARKOOK was so close to happening again," a person added.
Despite the disappointment, many fans remained positive. They highlighted that he will soon complete his service and return even stronger. Several posts celebrated his upcoming discharge. They called it a new beginning as they now await his comeback.
"F rom opening the World Cup to almost headlining the Economic Forum—his global impact is no joke. Can’t wait for the king’s return!," a fan remarked.
"The opportunities he lost due to military but I know everyone has eye on him, he will get more opportunities in future and his come back gonna end kpop once again," a netizen added.
"We can be sad about those things but he's out in 19 days & ms will never hang over his head again. Let's look forward not back. I bet he's got a bunch of things already booked & planned which is why he probably needed to enlist when he did," an X user commented.
More on Jungkook’s enlistment, “Dreamers” legacy, and BTS’s approaching reunion
Jungkook enlisted in December 2023, voluntarily choosing to join early so that he could return alongside the other BTS members. His discharge is now scheduled for June 11, 2025. His decision meant turning down several high-profile opportunities, including the Super Bowl and this planned concert in Qatar.
Jungkook’s popularity in Qatar soared after his performance of “Dreamers” at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. It marked the first time a Korean soloist headlined the global stage. The live performance earned him widespread acclaim.
Chairman Al Kharji recalled how impactful that performance was and noted that the interest in hosting BTS stemmed largely from Jungkook’s previous appearance. His comments about Korean culture's influence, even on his young son, reflected just how deeply BTS continues to resonate in Qatar.
Despite these missed chances, the singer has remained a central figure in pop culture. His debut solo album Golden broke global sales records, while singles like Seven and 3D topped charts worldwide. In 2025, he was honored with several awards and recognitions, including a spot in GQ Korea’s “Model of National Prestige” feature and a place on Madame Tussauds’ Hot 100.
As fans count down the days to BTS’s full reunion, anticipation is building. Jin and j-hope have resumed activities, and RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook will follow suit in June. SUGA is expected to complete his service on June 21, bringing all seven members back together for the group’s 12th anniversary celebrations.
