'Culinary Class Wars' chef’s BTS photo sparks buzz ahead of group comeback
Chef Hou Deok-juk, center, with members of BTS / Captured from Hou's social media
Just weeks ahead of their highly anticipated full-group comeback, BTS quietly turned a casual restaurant visit into a viral moment.
Chef Hou Deok-juk shared a photo Tuesday showing himself posing with BTS members RM, Jung Kook, Jin and V. Posting the image on social media, the chef wrote, "With global stars. I’m a fan too," instantly drawing attention across platforms.
In the photo, Hou stands at the center in his chef’s uniform, flanked by the four BTS members who had visited his restaurant. The unexpected meeting quickly spread across online communities, with fans reacting to the low-key yet star-studded encounter ahead of the group’s return.
Hou rose to broader public recognition after appearing as a “white spoon” contestant on Netflix’s reality series “Culinary Class Wars” Season 2, finishing in the top three. He currently oversees Haobin, a Michelin Guide one-star Chinese restaurant located inside the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel.
The timing of the sighting has only added to fan excitement. BTS are set to release a new album in March, marking their long-awaited return as a complete group after nearly four years. On March 21, the group will also hold a large-scale comeback live performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, an event that will be livestreamed via Netflix to more than 190 countries and regions.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.