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On October 26, 2024, BTS' j-hope thrilled fans by sharing photos with popular Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi on Instagram. The idol sparked excitement across social media by posting two pictures on his Instagram story, with the caption,
"This hyung is getting younger and younger (이형 자꾸 어려짐)."
The unexpected interaction between the K-pop star and the acclaimed actor instantly captured fans’ attention. Subsequently, social media buzzed with reactions, as fans expressed their excitement over seeing them together. One fan wrote on X,
Trending
"My worlds colliding."
"Ah yes my favorite idol and my new husband," commented one fan.
"This what i was talking abouttt i knew they'd meet up coz kentaro's still in korea for promotions," wrote one X user.
"I swear at this point everyone is obsessed over how Kentaro is not aging at all. Lee Youngji was right, seems like he was everyone's crush hehe back then and even now hehe," posted another user.
Some ARMYs could not believe that j-hope, fresh out of military service as of October 18, was enjoying time with friends.
"I really still cant believe hes out and about!!!!! my social butterfly princess," posted one ARMY.
"I'm glad he's meeting up with friends and fam and relaxing," said another fan.
"WAIT A DAAAAMN MIN THEY ARE FRIENDSSSS OMGGGGGG" wrote this X user.
Another fan reminisced about the previous occasion when the idol met the Japanese actor.
"Aww it’s cute they’re still friends! for younger army’s who don’t know, “don’t leave me” was the theme song to the japanese remake of “signal” where sakaguchi kentaro starred back in 2018," remembered this ARMY.
More about the friendship between BTS’ j-hope and Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi
Japanese actor and model Kentaro Sakaguchi has a long-standing bond with BTS, that dates back several years. In 2018, Sakaguchi starred in the Japanese adaptation of the popular Korean drama Signal. For the show, BTS provided the theme song Don’t Leave Me. Sakaguchi even attended BTS’ fan meeting in Japan during that time, strengthening his connection with the group.
On a July 2018 broadcast of MBC’s Section TV, while in Korea to promote his film Tonight, at the Movies, Sakaguchi spoke highly of the boyband.
"I think they are a great team. Now that I have developed a friendship with the boys, I want to be able to work with them in the future," he said.
Having watched the group live in Japan, Sakaguchi further praised their talent, calling their performance "really impactful," and expressing admiration for BTS' dancing and singing abilities.
Sakaguchi’s friendship with j-hope, in particular, stood out in 2018. The two were seen enjoying a meal together, during one of the actor's visits to Korea. Further, Sakaguchi continued showing his support for BTS, while he attended the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) on December 4.
He presented BTS with the 'Best Dance Performance Male Group' award at the event. Additionally, fans noticed that j-hope seemed especially happy to see Sakaguchi on stage.
Their bond was highlighted again in December 2022. On December 3, Kentaro Sakaguchi shared a photo with j-hope at that year's MAMA event on his Instagram. Further, on December 14, the idol shared a photo on Instagram of a flower gift he received from Sakaguchi. j-hope added a heartfelt message in Japanese, expressing gratitude to his “best friend.”
Kentaro Sakaguchi gained fame for his roles in the TV series Tokyo Tarareba Musume (2017) and Signal (2018). He has also starred in films like The 100th Love with You (2017) and Color Me True (2018).
Recently, Sakaguchi appeared in the K-drama What Comes After Love (2024). This romance melodrama explores a cross-national love story between a Korean woman and a Japanese man, featuring Lee Se-young alongside Sakaguchi.
What Comes After Love premiered on Coupang Play from September 27 to October 25, 2024. It is available for streaming on Viu and Viki in select regions.
