On August 25, 2025, Kim Taehyung, known as V from the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, delivered the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Dressed in a Dodgers jersey emblazoned with the number 7—a nod to BTS's seven members—V took the mound before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. His pitch, a left-handed throw to catcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, was met with enthusiastic cheers from fans in attendance. (apnews.com)
The announcement of V's participation led to a significant surge in ticket sales. StubHub, a major ticketing platform, reported a fivefold increase in sales following the news, temporarily causing server issues due to the overwhelming demand. (allkpop.com)
Adding to the excitement, V met with MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani before the game. The interaction between the two icons quickly went viral, symbolizing a cultural crossover between K-pop and international sports. (allkpop.com)
This event marks one of V's first public appearances since completing his mandatory military service in June. BTS is currently in Los Angeles working on new music, with plans to release a full-group album in spring 2026, followed by a world tour. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
In a separate development, South Korean authorities have made progress in the identity theft case involving BTS member Jungkook. A 34-year-old Chinese national, identified as Jeon, has been arrested and partially admitted to charges of hacking and financial fraud. Jeon allegedly used Jungkook's identity to open a securities account and conduct unauthorized stock transactions. The total confirmed damages amount to approximately 38 billion KRW (about 27.7 million USD). (allkpop.com)