BTS’s V shines as global icon with ceremonial pitch at Dodgers game, shares viral moment with Shohei Ohtani

BTS member V once again proved his global superstar status with a memorable appearance at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on August 25 (local time), where he threw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds.

Anticipation had been building ever since the announcement of V’s appearance. The official MLB website even experienced temporary server issues due to overwhelming traffic from eager fans attempting to access the live broadcast link. Interest was further amplified by the upcoming appearance of Korean national soccer team captain Son Heung Min, who is also scheduled to throw the first pitch at the same stadium two days later—marking a rare back-to-back showcase of major Korean stars on the MLB stage.

What truly sent fans into a frenzy, however, was the unexpected interaction between V and MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Photos and videos of the two sharing a frame ahead of the game quickly went viral across global social media platforms. Fans gushed over the surreal moment, with comments like “Can’t believe we’re seeing this duo,” and “It looks like a scene out of a youth movie.” Many admired the aesthetics of the meeting, stating, “V in the white uniform looks like a photoshoot,” and “Their presence together is unreal.”

The side-by-side image of V and Ohtani wasn’t just a celebrity snapshot—it became a cultural symbol of the intersection between K-pop and international sports. With both stars known for their commanding visuals and top-tier performances in their respective fields, fans marveled at their synergy, stating, “V stands shoulder to shoulder with Ohtani,” and “A meeting of titans.”

This ceremonial pitch served not only as a personal highlight for V, but also as a symbolic moment of cultural crossover, underlining how K-pop continues to resonate on the global stage, and how BTS remains a cultural force beyond music.