Netflix Star Chef Hu Deok-juk Shares Surprise Photos With Four BTS Members
A surprise social media post has fans buzzing after "Culinary Class Wars" chef Hu Deok-juk revealed he met four BTS members just weeks before the group's comeback. The 57-year veteran of Korean Chinese cuisine posted photos with RM, Jin, Jungkook, and V on February 3, captioning them "With global stars. I'm a fan too."
The photos show the four BTS members in relaxed, casual clothing. Jungkook gave a thumbs-up, while Jin flashed his signature smile and V-sign. The meeting between Korea's legendary Michelin-starred chef and the world's biggest boy band quickly went viral among global fans.
Who Is Chef Hu Deok-juk?
Chef Hu oversees Haobin, a Michelin one-star Chinese restaurant at Seoul's Ambassador Pullman Hotel. The restaurant earned its star in 2024 and retained it in 2025, making it one of only three Korean Chinese restaurants with Michelin recognition.
His five-decade career includes introducing Buddha Jumps Over the Wall to Korea in 1987 and becoming the first Korean chef to reach executive level at a major corporation in 1994. He received the 2024 Michelin Mentor Chef Award for training the next generation of Korean chefs.
Chef Hu shocked the culinary world by appearing as a contestant rather than judge on Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars: Season 2," where his warm personality and exceptional skills won over viewers.
BTS's March Comeback
BTS returns March 20 with their fifth studio album "ARIRANG," their first group release since 2022's "Proof." The 14-track album drops one day before their March 21 live performance at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, which Netflix will stream globally.
All seven members completed South Korea's mandatory military service in 2025. SUGA was the last to finish, discharged June 21. The group spent late 2025 recording together in Los Angeles.
The Arirang World Tour launches April 9 in Goyang, covering 82 shows across 34 cities through early 2027. All 41 North American and European shows sold out within hours of going on sale in late January.
Netflix will release documentary "BTS: THE RETURN" on March 27, showing behind-the-scenes footage of the album's creation.
The unexpected crossover between culinary excellence and K-pop stardom highlights both entities' massive cultural reach in their fields.
