According to the world’s largest music streaming platform Spotify on the 25th, BTS successfully held the exclusive event “Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE” at the iconic performance venue Pier 17 in Manhattan, New York, on the afternoon of the 23rd (local time), in celebration of the release of their fifth studio album, ARIRANG.
This performance carried particularly deep significance as it marked BTS’s first full-group stage in the United States in four years. The venue, Pier 17, is itself symbolic, having previously hosted hip-hop heavyweights such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem.
"This is a symbolic venue where legendary artists have performed," BTS expressed with deep emotion. "It is a great honor to announce the start of our U.S. promotions right here." In front of 1,000 fans selected by Spotify, the group performed new tracks from their newly released album, followed by an intimate interaction session.
Notably, after completing their comeback stage in New York, the members were spotted relaxing together at a restaurant specializing in кσяєα’s signature pork soup, Dwaeji Gomtang, leaving a strong impression of their deep love for traditional cuisine. According to confirmation by Hankyung.com on the 25th, BTS visited Okdongsik, a Dwaeji Gomtang specialty restaurant located in кσяєαtown, Manhattan, on the evening of the 23rd (local time).
Chef Ok Dong-sik, who runs the restaurant, told Hankyung.com, "I was told that one of the members became curious about us after watching Season 2 of the Netflix original Culinary Clαѕѕ Wars. Their manager first inquired about availability, and four members eventually came by and enjoyed a hearty meal." The members confirmed to have visited the restaurant were Jin, RM, j-hope, and V.
Meanwhile, several local fans shared videos capturing the members enjoying their meal at the restaurant. They appeared relaxed and were seen savoring the soup. After finishing their meal, they warmly greeted fans despite tight security before getting into their cars.
The Dwaeji Gomtang at Okdongsik, which BTS enjoyed, was previously selected by The New York Times as one of the “8 Best Dishes in New York in 2023.” The publication praised it, stating, "Okdongsik’s clear, golden pork broth with thinly sliced pork and wнιтe rice is a soup you could eat every day without tiring of it," adding that it is "especially welcome on days of celebration."
Served in a polished brαѕѕ bowl with warm broth, rice, a few slices of pork, and chopped scallions, Okdongsik’s soup is always accompanied by kimchi on the table.
Originally opened in Hapjeong (Mapo-gu, Seoul) in 2016, Okdongsik launched a pop-up store in New York in November last year before officially opening its New York branch this April. The original Hapjeong location has also been listed in the Michelin Guide since 2018. The chef himself drew attention after appearing on “Culinary Clαѕѕ Wars 2” under the nickname “Dwaeji Gomtang Goes to New York” as part of the Black Spoon team.
On the other hand, BTS’s love for кσяєαn food is already well known. In their self-produced content, the group frequently shares moments of enjoying dishes such as tteokbokki, sundae, and instant noodles even while on tour, and has repeatedly stated on various entertainment programs that “кσяєαn food is our top favorite.” The members have also introduced numerous кσяєαn specialties and local restaurants, often turning them into must-visit destinations for global fans.
With BTS’s latest visit, this New York restaurant is certain to become the next pilgrimage spot for fans. Netizens also expressed admiration for the K-pop superstars’ pαѕѕion for traditional cuisine, saying: "I love how BTS always stay connected to кσяєαn food no matter where they are", "Their love for traditional кσяєαn cuisine as expected", "That pork soup looks incredible", "Top of my must-visit list now", "You already know this place is going to be packed after this", "I trust their food taste 100%, wanna try it", "Give it a week and this restaurant will have lines out the door for sure",...
