Many Jungkook fans know that he isn't someone with a large circle of celebrity friends. Among the few close friendships he has in the entertainment industry, SEVENTEEN's Mingyu is undoubtedly one of the most special. The two have been close ever since their trainee days. More notably, they're both longtime members of the famous '97-liner friend group—arguably one of the most well-known celebrity circles in the кσяєαn entertainment industry. The group includes several popular male idols born in 1997, such as ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo, NCT's Jaehyun, GOT7's Yugyeom, and more.

Among the members of the '97-liner group, Jungkook and Mingyu are arguably the duo who hang out together the most, frequently film dance challenges together, and interact most comfortably on social media. They've gone live together several times, and Jungkook once even used Mingyu's Weverse account to leave a comment on Seungkwan's livestream and greet CARATs. More recently, when Mingyu uploaded the "Singasong" challenge, Jungkook playfully commented, "What's this what's this," to which Mingyu jokingly replied, "What do you mean what's this~."

On another occasion, when Mingyu had work schedules in the United States at the same time Jungkook was there, he openly expressed his disappointment that they weren't able to meet. When Mingyu held a concert, Jungkook attended to show his support. Likewise, when BTS held a concert in кσяєα, Mingyu flew back after finishing his own concert overseas just to attend. Their friendship has become so well known that even Calvin Klein recruited both of them for its campaigns, sending fans into a frenzy whenever they appear at the same event or in the same frame.

By now, no one doubts just how close these two '97-liners are! But what stands out even more than their public displays of friendship is the way they protect one another whenever someone crosses the line. Mingyu's reaction during a livestream, when someone attempted to invade Jungkook's privacy, once again left fans in αωє of their friendship.

Specifically, during a livestream following S.Coups x Mingyu — CxM [DOUBLE UP] LIVE PARTY in נαραи, Mingyu took some time to chat with fans while heading back to his hotel. However, the cheerful atmosphere was quickly ruined by a flood of inappropriate comments. Instead of asking about his day or talking about the performance, several viewers repeatedly spammed the chat, demanding that Mingyu reveal Jungkook's personal phone number.

Faced with such an outrageous request, Mingyu refused to stay silent. Although he didn't raise his voice or use harsh language, the expression on his face changed noticeably, clearly showing disbelief and annoyance. He immediately responded bluntly: “What this person is doing?”, “Really a funny person,” and firmly, “Please get out.” His immediate response made it clear that Mingyu had completely run out of patience with people trying to blatantly violate his close friend's privacy.

The incident quickly sparked widespread criticism throughout the K-pop community then. Mentioning another artist during someone else's personal livestream is generally considered disrespectful—but in this case, fans pointed out that it was even worse because the comments were demanding another person's private information.

Moreover, nearly everyone knows that Mingyu and Jungkook have been best friends for years, meaning he would never betray Jungkook's trust or do anything that could potentially harm him. In other words, there was never any chance they were going to get any "inside information" about Jungkook from Mingyu. Yet they continued flooding the chat with those comments, ultimately ruining the conversation between Mingyu and his own fans.

Fans also pointed out that, as a public figure, Mingyu couldn't afford to respond too aggressively but he must have felt deeply offended and genuinely angry. Others praised the way he shut down those inappropriate comments and fiercely protects one of his closest friends, Jungkook:

- Some people have really ℓσѕт their minds. Why would anyone ask for Jungkook’s phone number during his friend’s live? Where’s the boundary or even basic respect ?

- It is completely natural for him to defend his friend in front of everyone, especially when he sees the harαѕѕment his friend is facing and the invasion of his privacy Some fans suffer from what can be called “mad cow syndrome.” He is not seeking attention; he is defending his friend They have been friends for more than ten years

- If it is a Carat then Mingyu did the right thing bcs SVT don’t accept bs. And as a friend of JK he will talk to defend him. Instead of telling that he shouldn’t have read it maybe this will be a wake up call for armys to act and protect JK.

- Second hand embarsssment oh my GODDD. Please control your crazy mind and respect idol's privacy

- Mingyu would never do that… what a ridiculous person. The two of them are really close friends! Mingyu was actually trying to warn everyone about how clueless and disrespectful some people are. Kudos to him for reading that comment. I love my idol JK, and we should pray to God to protect Jungkook, since that d*mn company is useless

- Appreciating that his friend deliberately spoke up to tell the sasaengs this behavior is wrong and to stay away from Jungkook

- Glad he told the person straight in the face to get out that’s a true friend

- Him saying “get out” icon we love them and their friendship

- This is beyond psychotic. He should have taken a the info and press charges for stalking!!!

- Really appreciate him for telling them straight 'get out'.. these fans are really sick heads.. please free jungkook.. and glad that jungkook has such good friends like him

- They cant be treated like normal human at all atp. I genuinely feel bad for having to say this but feel even worse for Jungkook who have to go through this on daily basis.

- Shameless!!! I am extremely embarrαѕѕed in behalf of all fans with brains