Shohei Ohtani Meets BTS’ V as Epic Baseball×ARMY Moment Sends Social Media Wild: ‘K-pop/MLB Collab?’

BTS fever is about to hit the MLB. That was the headline for the Dodgers-Reds series! The ceremonial first pitch has become a tradition at Dodger Stadium. And this time, it’s the BTS ARMY’s turn to celebrate. On Monday, fans of the K-pop band packed the stadium, many of them attending their very first baseball game, just to see V take the mound for the opening pitch. The night got even bigger when two global icons crossed paths!

Shohei Ohtani, Japan’s most celebrated baseball star, and V, one of Korea’s most beloved musicians, met up before the Dodgers faced off against the Reds. “V from BTS meets Shohei Ohtani ahead of his Dodgers first pitch!” MLB’s official X handle shared a glimpse of two superstars shaking hands in the Dodgers’ dugout.

The moment that really lit up fans. V met Shohei Ohtani in the dugout, and the two global stars shared a handshake, a hug, and plenty of smiles before Ohtani headed off to play. Clips and images from the meeting show V in a Dodgers uniform, standing confidently beside the towering Ohtani, who, at 6’4” and over 220 pounds, still couldn’t overshadow V’s striking presence!

Expectedly, their warm exchange, capped with another handshake, quickly became a fan-favorite moment. The excitement spilled over into the stands, too. According to ticket platform StubHub, sales for the game skyrocketed, five times higher than usual, once word got out that V would be throwing the first pitch. And the K-wave at Dodger Stadium isn’t stopping there. Reportedly, on the 27th of August, soccer star Son Heung-min will take the mound, giving Korean sports fans yet another reason to cheer.

However, for now, fans can’t get enough of the unlikely partnership of BTS and Ohtani!

Fans are left stunned seeing the Ohtani-V moment

MLB is no stranger to collaborations, whether it’s with big brands, pop culture icons, or global events. But with BTS fever hitting Dodger Stadium, fans can’t help but wonder if a partnership with the world’s biggest K-pop group could be next. “V meeting Ohtani before his Dodgers pitch is epic! Will this spark a K-pop/MLB collab?” One fan said. A move like that wouldn’t just create buzz, it could be a game-changer. “That’s an epic crossover! Both are icons in their fields. Exciting times ahead!” Another user added.

The MLB’s post was flooded with comments from fans gushing over V. “OUR KIM TAEHYUNG! CANT wait to see you!” one user chimed in. Before the Dodgers took on Cincinnati, Kim Taehyung, better known as V, shared a quick hug with Shohei Ohtani in the dugout. Dressed in a No. 7 Dodgers jersey tucked into faded jeans, he also spent a few moments chatting with pitcher Tyler Glasnow as cameras clicked away. The crowd went wild when V stepped into the dugout. And he gave fans a wave in return, sending the fans into a complete frenzy. “I don’t think I have ever seen a baseball jersey tucked into some jeans.” One fan mused on V’s fashion sense!

“Oh nice, Shohei is gonna show off tonight for V since he’s there, can’t play bad in front of a BTS Bro,” another user wrote hilariously. The result? The Dodgers are in sole possession of 1st in the NL West.