BTS visits Korean restaurant in New York after comeback event, chef Ok Dong Sik shares behind-the-scenes story

BTS members were spotted enjoying a relaxed meal at a Korean restaurant in New York following their comeback schedule in the United States.

According to a report by Hankyung.com on March 25, the group visited OKDONGSIK, a pork gomtang specialty restaurant located in Koreatown, Manhattan, on the evening of March 23 (local time). After meeting local fans at the “Spotify X BTS: Swimside” event held at Pier 17 in Manhattan, some of the members reportedly headed to the restaurant.

Chef Ok Dong Sik, who runs the establishment, shared, “We were contacted in advance through their manager to check if dining would be possible, and four members visited and enjoyed their meal.” He added, “I also heard that one of the members became interested in the restaurant after watching Culinary Class Wars Season 2.”

The members confirmed to have visited the restaurant were Jin, RM, J-Hope, and V.

Meanwhile, OKDONGSIK first opened in Hapjeong, Mapo District, Seoul in 2016 as a pork gomtang specialty restaurant. It gained recognition after being listed in the Michelin Guide starting in 2018. After debuting in New York as a pop-up in November last year, the restaurant is set to officially open a permanent location in April this year, expanding its presence locally.

Chef Ok Dong Sik also drew attention for appearing on Netflix’s variety show 'Culinary Class Wars Season 2' with the concept “pork gomtang in New York.”