BTS's Jungkook Earns A New Nickname From Locals Following His Legendary World Cup Performance

BTS‘s Jungkook has earned many nicknames since debuting in 2013. Whether it’s “Golden maknae,” “Triple Threat,” “Bunny,” and many more, ARMYs love giving Jungkook fitting names to match his talent, visuals, and charisma.

BTS’s Jungkook | *@jungkook.97/Instagram*

Well, it seems like Jungkook might have earned a new nickname after his historic performance at the World Cup opening ceremony.

On November 20, Jungkook made headlines when he performed the song “Dreamers” at the event, gaining attention for his truly legendary performance.

| FIFA/YouTube

During the performance, both ARMYs and the members of BTS couldn’t stop cheering on the group’s youngest member.

BTS Jimin’s supporting message for Jungkook, calling him cool | *Weverse*

BTS’s Suga posting about Jungkook’s performance | *@agustd/Instagram*

After landing in Korea, V and Yeontan watched the performance | *@thv/Instagram*

Of course, ARMYs and the members of BTS supported Jungkook, but it seems that he also captured the hearts of locals (non-K-Pop fans). On social media, those watching the World Cup couldn’t stop praising the idol’s performance, cheering him on for such an impactful stage.

NOT THE ARAB LOCALS THANKING JUNGKOOK SAYING HE SAVED THE FIFA SONG SITUATION WITH DREAMERS 😭😭😭😭😭

— jungkook protector 🍓⁷ (@0UTR0EG0) November 20, 2022

In particular, many ARMYs noticed that Jungkook seemingly earned a new nickname during his performance.

In tweets found by ARMYs, many locals couldn’t stop comparing Jungkook to legendary performer Michael Jackson. Not only was the phrase “Michael Jackson” trending during the event…

But those who were watching the event couldn’t stop talking about the aura Jungkook had and compared him to the iconic singer.

locals thinking jungkook looks like Michael jackson i get it cus this picture#%&%* pic.twitter.com/9ei7XNTLvp

— ʚɞ (@gothjeongk) November 20, 2022

Jung Kook is Michael Jackson in the making🥰

— Hesborn Etyang (@ItsEtyang) November 20, 2022

Trouxeram o Michael Jackson pra copa, muito foda seloko pic.twitter.com/SvyQ2zZpvp

— Ludinho(Inverted Necrofucker from the Black Abyss) (@olhode_thundera) November 20, 2022

por deus entrou o menino do bts minha mãe perguntou MICHAEL JACKSON??

— Nalu 🫶🏻 (@naIubs) November 20, 2022

Even ARMYs watching the performance revealed that their own family members had compared Jungkook to Michael Jackson.

It isn’t the first time Jungkook has been compared to Michael Jackson.

In 2021, music critic Kim Young Dae recently wrote an article for Rolling Stones Korea reviewing the group’s track “Butter.” In the article, he praised Jungkook for his presence on stage and compared him to two legendary performers in the business: Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars!

Jungkook is so outstanding in creating a sense of rhythm & groove through his staccato & syncopation that he reminds me of Michael Jackson or Bruno Mars.

— Kim Young Dae

As expected, Jungkook captured not only the hearts of ARMYs with his performance but even those who might not be BTS fans. It isn’t surprising that the idol gained over two million followers after the performance ended, and it showcases his influence.

You can read more about reactions to the performance below.