Young Royals Star Omar Rudberg Declares Love for BTS Jungkook in MTV Interview

Jungkook, Omar Rudberg: Courtesy of Instagram

Swedish actor and singer Omar Rudberg has captured international attention after expressing his profound admiration for BTS member Jungkook during a recent MTV UK interview. The interview, released on YouTube on July 2, 2025, featured Omar speaking candidly and specifically about the K-pop idol, adding his voice to a growing list of Western celebrities who have publicly praised the global superstar.

When asked about his interest in K-pop during the MTV UK session, Rudberg's enthusiastic response left no doubt about his feelings toward the BTS member. The 25-year-old actor, best known for his role as Simon in Netflix's hit series "Young Royals," hummed one of Jungkook's songs before delivering an impassioned declaration of appreciation.

"I love Jungkook so much! He's incredible! His dancing, singing, songs, incredible machine. I love that dude, like he's incredible," Rudberg stated with clear enthusiasm. He then issued a direct appeal to the K-pop star, saying, "Jungkook, call me."

Hollywood's Growing Fascination with K-Pop Sensation

Rudberg's public endorsement places him among numerous Western celebrities who have expressed admiration for Jungkook's artistry. The BTS member has garnered praise from several high-profile figures in the entertainment industry, demonstrating the global reach of K-pop's influence.

Fast & Furious franchise star Tyrese Gibson previously showed his appreciation for Jungkook with social media posts acknowledging the artist's talent, voice, and musical textures. Similarly, A.J. McLean of the legendary boy band Backstreet Boys has described himself as a "big big fan" of Jungkook in interviews.

The list of celebrity admirers extends to include American actor O'Shea Jackson Jr., who discovered Jungkook's music and praised his "bangers" on social media. Comedy star Andy Samberg and legendary diva Diana Ross have both cited Jungkook's solo track "Standing Next to You" as a favorite song.

From Boy Band Member to Solo Artist

Rudberg's journey in the entertainment industry began as a member of the Swedish pop group FO&O from 2013 to 2017. Following the group's disbandment, he launched his solo career in 2018 with the single "Que Pasa." His acting breakthrough came with his portrayal of Simon in "Young Royals," which premiered in 2021 and became a global phenomenon for Netflix.

The timing of Rudberg's praise comes as Jungkook continues to establish himself as a solo artist while maintaining his position as a member of BTS. The South Korean performer has achieved significant success with his individual projects, earning recognition from both fans and industry professionals worldwide.

Tony Award-winning actress Betty Buckley has shared videos of Jungkook's performances on her social media platforms, while American singer Kehlani has expressed her love for the artist with posts featuring his music. These endorsements from diverse corners of the entertainment industry underscore Jungkook's broad appeal across different demographics and artistic communities.

Cross-Cultural Musical Appreciation

The phenomenon of Western celebrities publicly praising K-pop artists represents a significant shift in global musical appreciation. Rudberg's comments reflect a broader trend of cross-cultural artistic recognition that has emerged alongside the international success of Korean popular music.

As K-pop continues to break barriers and reach new audiences worldwide, endorsements from established Western entertainers like Rudberg serve to further legitimize the genre's artistic merit and commercial viability. These celebrity testimonials often introduce K-pop to new fan bases and contribute to the ongoing globalization of Korean entertainment culture.

The MTV UK interview featuring Rudberg's praise for Jungkook has garnered significant attention across social media platforms, with fans of both artists celebrating the unexpected connection between the Swedish actor and the K-pop sensation. This type of celebrity-to-celebrity appreciation continues to fuel interest in Korean music and culture among international audiences.