Among the current fourth-generation boy groups, Stray Kids stands out as one of the most successful, boasting impressive achievements both domestically and internationally. With such a strong position in the industry, comparisons between Stray Kids and today’s top K-pop superstars — BTS — are inevitable, both in the media and among different groups of fans.

While discussions surrounding BTS and Stray Kids can sometimes become heated and even lead to fan wars, the reality is that the two groups have a very good relationship and hold mutual respect for each other. Recently, Stray Kids’ leader Bang Chan surprised fans by revealing that a BTS member was one of the first to wish him a happy birthday on his 29th birthday.

Specifically, during his birthday livestream on October 3 (KST), Bang Chan mentioned Jungkook while talking about the birthday wishes he received. According to the Stray Kids leader, Jungkook was one of the very first people to send him a birthday message early in the morning.

“Jungkook-ie sent me a birthday message, so I was very grateful. Even though the time zones don't match up, he still wished me,” Bang Chan shared.

At the time, Jungkook was in Bogotá, Colombia, with BTS for the first concert kicking off the South αмєяι¢αn leg of BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’. Despite being in the middle of a busy tour schedule and the roughly 14-hour time difference between Bogotá and South кσяєα, Jungkook still remembered Bang Chan’s birthday and even sent his wishes early.

This touched Bang Chan and reminded him of Jungkook’s birthday as he said, “What I feel bad about is I couldn't properly celebrate Jungkook's birthday. I felt really sorry”. He then added, “Yet he still wished me a happy birthday, so it feels like 1-1? Anyway, thank you so much.”

Interestingly, many ARMYs consider Bang Chan part of the fandom because he has repeatedly expressed his admiration for BTS and their music over the years.

For example, during a 2022 livestream, he received countless purple heart emojis in the comments after playing BTS’ “Mikrokosmos.” He then commented, "Yeah, I mean, the members of BTS are legends. They paved the way. You have to admit that they paved the way. Anyway, mad respect to BTS. They're amazing."

Fans also know that Bang Chan and Jungkook are the same age, with Jungkook being his bias in BTS. Bang Chan has openly expressed his admiration for the BTS star, once saying, "Senior Jungkook's voice is truly incredible. I'm a genuine fan of him."

It was not until the first half of this year that fans discovered Jungkook and Bang Chan had developed a friendship in real life. In April, Bang Chan attended BTS’ concert in Goyang as the group kicked off their ARIRANG tour. Then in July, Jungkook was spotted at Stray Kids’ ‘RUN IT SEOUL’ concert at KSPO DOME following his busy European schedule. During a later broadcast, he also confirmed that he attended at Bang Chan’s invitation, showing how close the two had become.

From being a junior of BTS and a longtime Jungkook fanboy to now becoming one of his few close friends, Bang Chan has certainly come a long way. Fans humorously called Bang Chan the “most successful fanboy” while also praising Jungkook for being such a thoughtful friend:

- Oh to have a friend like Jungkook. Jungkook is the sweetest

- Jk omg he never fails to make my eyes tear up. He is the sweetest

- Chan probably didn’t wish JK a happy birthday because he thought they weren’t close enough to do that, but Jungkook still wished him a happy birthday even though they were in different time zones. I’m going to di3. Their friendship is so adorable

- Always the sweetest and he's really a good person for real. Congrats Bang Chan

- May your friendship last forever, and let your fans be the ones to fιgнт each other

- ungkookie already considers Chan a friend, so be more confident, boy. Congratulations, you’re the most successful fanboy!

- Everyone needs someone so caring and attentive like jungkook in their life

- Glad to see the ’97 liners getting along so well. Their frienship is truly admirable

- The sweetest :( Honestly, having a friend wish you a happy birthday right on time means a lot, especially when you’re in different countries… Just knowing they remembered you on your special day already means so much. Aaaa, it’s so emotional knowing my friend actually remembered me like that