BTS stans the LA Dodgers? See photos of the band “at” the game
BTS and the Los Angeles Dodgers have kept a long-running connection that started with the group's support for Korean pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu. Even after Ryu moved on from the Dodgers and later returned to the KBO League with the Hanwha Eagles following his 2023 MLB stint, the band continued to show up for the team in creative ways. The Dodgers went on to claim World Series titles in 2020, 2024, and 2025, so the old narrative of a decades-long drought no longer applies, yet the fandom link stayed strong.
BTS at the World Series
The 2020 World Series appearance happened in cardboard form when the band could not travel to Globe Life Field for Game 1. Their cutouts sat in prime outfield seats and received a special dugout visit from Choi Ji-man after he became the first Korean-born player to record a hit in the World Series. The Dodgers went on to win that series and added two more titles in the years that followed.
Other appearances
Suga attended a 2019 regular-season game after BTS shows at the Rose Bowl. He watched Hyun-jin Ryu throw a nine-inning shutout against the Braves, then met the pitcher on the field. Some online comments turned negative and dismissive, but BTS fans quickly pushed back with facts about the group's U.S. success and ticket sales. The exchange showed how protective ARMY can be when members face unfair remarks.
V's 2025 First Pitch at Dodger Stadium
V threw the ceremonial first pitch on August 25, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. He wore a No. 7 Dodgers jersey and delivered a strike to Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In the dugout he met Shohei Ohtani for a hug, bowed to Yamamoto, and chatted with Clayton Kershaw. The moment marked the first major in-person BTS appearance at the stadium since 2019.
BTS and MLB Crossover in 2026
MLB used a BTS track for its 2026 Opening Day promotions, and coverage explicitly referenced V's 2025 first-pitch appearance as part of the ongoing connection. The placement showed the league treating the relationship as established rather than one-off.
Evolution of BTS-Dodgers Fan Engagement
Reactions shifted noticeably between 2019 and 2025. Ticket demand rose sharply once V's appearance was announced, and stadium footage captured loud cheers and friendly fan interactions. The earlier mix of curiosity and occasional hostility gave way to broader acceptance and visible excitement from both longtime Dodgers supporters and ARMY members who traveled for the event.
Korean Players and BTS Ties Beyond 2020
Interest in Korean talent has continued even as roster faces changed. Ryu's return to the KBO did not end the conversation; newer players and scouting reports keep the topic alive. BTS members have stayed aware of these developments, maintaining the same support that began with Ryu years earlier.
The thread running through every visit, cutout, and soundtrack placement is straightforward: BTS members treat the Dodgers as their team, and the Dodgers have welcomed the attention. From a 2019 regular-season game to a 2025 first pitch and a 2026 music placement, the crossover keeps finding new chapters without losing its original spark.
