In the кσяєαn entertainment industry, the rise of HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) is often described as legendary. From a small company on the brink of bankruptcy, HYBE has grown into a multinational corporation that now shapes the global music landscape. And no one can deny that BTS are its greatest “founding contributors,” the ones who laid the foundation of this empire with their hard work and talent.

For that reason, virtually every artist under HYBE holds deep respect and admiration for BTS. Many of them see the K-pop superstars as role models to aspire to. BOYNEXTDOOR—and specifically Jaehyun—are no exception.

BOYNEXTDOOR is a boy group under KOZ Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE, that debuted in 2023. From the very beginning, Jaehyun has been regarded as one of the group’s standout members. He serves as a versatile leader, known for his sкιℓℓs in songwriting, rapping, and captivating performances. Notably, since debut, he has drawn attention for visuals and stage presence that somewhat recall Jungkook in his early days.

Interestingly, in multiple interviews, Jaehyun has openly admitted that he is a huge fan of BTS’s youngest member. For example, in an interview with BuzzFeedCeleb, when asked which HYBE artist he would like to collaborate with, he immediately named Jungkook, stating, “I’m really big fan of JK.” He also picked “My You” as his favorite solo track by Jungkook.

When taking part in the “Seven” challenge last May, Jaehyun even shared, “When filming the ‘Seven’ challenge, it was really emotional for some reason. Is this what people call... escaping from a military girlfriend era..?”

Given Jaehyun’s long-standing admiration for Jungkook—and with BTS recently making a powerful comeback with their title track “Swim,” which is dominating global charts—BOYNEXTDOOR fans boldly suggested that he do the “Swim” challenge with his senior during a recent livestream. However, his response surprised fans and quickly turned into a moment that many deeply sympathized with.

After reading the fan’s comment, Jaehyun cautiously began, “I’m not sure if I can talk about this, but I’m being a bit cautious too… I don’t think I could do that, because…” before recounting an encounter he once had with Jungkook at the HYBE headquarters.

“Wow, I saw him pαѕѕing by at the company from about 30 meters away… and I recognized him just from his back, but I got so nervous that my hands were shaking while I was on my way to the bathroom, so I just waited until he left. Then I went into the gym, but he was there too, and I felt like I couldn’t even breathe in the same space as him, so I greeted him and came back out…,” he continued.

He then concluded by explaining why he finds it difficult to approach Jungkook: “Ah really… I was so nervous… ah… in a way, he’s kind of like my first love from my school days… so it’s… not easy,” drawing laughter from fans for his adorable honesty.

Immediately after the livestream, Jaehyun’s heartfelt and fanboy-filled confession quickly went viral across social media platforms. Fans were amazed to see that his reaction was no different from that of an ordinary fan meeting their long-time idol—shaking hands, avoiding eye contact, and even feeling like they couldn’t breathe.

Many also expressed deep sympathy, saying that no matter who you are, feeling overwhelmed when facing your ideal role model is completely natural.

Even so, ARMYs continue to encourage Jaehyun and are now eagerly hoping that a “Swim” challenge collaboration between the two might one day become a reality:

- Jungkook being jaehyun's first love...him not being able to breathe in the same space as him...he's so real for that

- i dont even go here but from military wife and now his first love. he's just too cute. let do swim challenge with jungkook now, jaehyun-ah

- So cute, my love… please be brave next time for me. I really need MyungKook content every day, every moment.

- Jaehyun is so adorable, he's sad that he can't talk to Jungkook, whoever told Jungkook that Jaehyun really wants to talk to him, I want to see their sweet interaction

- He is so adorable. I hope some day he meets his living inspiration. Wow! What a moment that would be!

- Poor boy was nervous probably seeing his idol close. But don’t worry, Jungkook is really friendly—he’d definitely be happy to have such an adorable fanboy like you.

- I really hope Jaehyun and Jungkook do Swim collab, it will be iconic

- Manifesting a Jaehyun x Jungkook performance, we need this so bad. Let's go Jaehyun

- NO CUS THATS HIS DAD. let him meet his father ffs. jungkook-jaehyun interaction soon pls or i riot

- This guy is just like me. You can tell he has so much love for Jungkook just from the way he speaks, okay now get in line bro