While fandoms may sometimes engage in “battles,” idols from different groups can actually be close friends. In fact, many respectful fans are delighted whenever their favorite stars mention famous friends outside of their own group.

Among countless celebrity friendships, BTS’s Jungkook and SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu stand out as the “golden duo.” Not only are they talented, handsome, successful, and kind-hearted idols, but their friendship has also remained strong for many years—dating back to their trainee days.

Their bond is closely tied to the well-known “’97 line,” a squad of idols born in 1997 that includes ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo, GOT7’s Yugyeom, and NCT’s Jaehyun. Fans have often seen this friend group taking photos together, but it’s rare for Mingyu to directly mention Jungkook.

That changed in a recent live broadcast, where Mingyu answered a fan’s question about Jungkook while sharing details about his schedule.

It’s known that Jungkook is currently in Los Angeles with BTS, working on a songwriting camp in preparation for the group’s spring 2026 album. Coincidentally, Mingyu was also in LA around the same time for his own project. Many fans speculated it was related to Calvin Klein, as he serves as the main model for their Fall 2025 campaign, which launched on August 19.

The fact that both stars were in Los Angeles at the same time had fans eagerly anticipating a surprise meetup between the two. One fan asked: “Did you meet Jungkook in LA?”

Mingyu regretfully shared that, despite both wanting to, they were unable to see each other. He explained: “I did contact kookie in LA but my jetlag was so bad that after our shoots, I couldn’t leave after coming home because I had no energy so I worked and slept, worked and slept so I couldn’t meet up with him”.

His response left fans both disappointed and understanding. The overlapping schedules were already a rare coincidence—Mingyu tied up with Calvin Klein photoshoots and Jungkook focusing on music creation. On top of that, Mingyu’s struggle with jet lag made it impossible for the two to find time to meet.

Still, fans believe that even if they couldn’t meet in LA, the two idols remain in close contact and will surely have plenty of chances to hang out in кσяєα, as they always do. Some fans also noticed Mingyu’s sweet habit of calling Jungkook “Kookie,” which further highlights the closeness of their friendship.

Alongside this bittersweet story, Mingyu also hinted at another heartwarming moment. Without giving names, he shared that a “friend in LA” sent him a picture of his Calvin Klein billboard, making him feel awesome. Fans are about 97% sure that this thoughtful “friend” was none other than Jungkook.

- he always calls jungkook kookie. their friendship is so cute

- They are bestie indeed. Hope that they will have time to hang out soon

- his friends in LA. i think its his "kookie". they are cute hehhe

- HE ALWAYS CALLS HIM KOOKIE IM GNNA CRYY BROO

- at the end of the i’m still the winner . . my gyukook . .

- Aww Mingyu calling him Kookie is the cutest thing ever

- Their friendship is so precious, even if they couldn’t meet this time

- 97-line bonds нιт different, they’re like family too

- I can literally hear Mingyu’s soft voice when he said ‘Kookie’

- It’s sad they missed each other in LA, but at least they tried. Wish they could arrange soon

- Mingyu working non-stop and Jungkook in the studio… both kings are so dedicated

- Can’t wait for the day we get actual Mingyu x Jungkook hangout pics again!