K-POP x SPORTS: NBA & K-POP MOMENTS (PART I)
SPORTS COVERAGE
From music artists being able to go back on tour and perform live in front of their fans, to professional sports teams being able to play in front of their home crowds, 2021 was the year where we gained some type of normalcy back, and it also gave us a beacon of hope that things can eventually get better over time. And even though it was still a difficult year for people all over the world because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were a lot of events this past year that gave K-Pop fans moments of happiness, during these trying times. So let’s take a closer look at these unforgettable NBA moments that got K-Pop fans jumping for joy.
Let’s first start off by focusing on BTS’ impact within the NBA. Since 2018, there have been a handful of BTS songs that were added to a sports arena’s playlist for NBA games, such as “MIC DROP (Steve Aoki Remix)”, “Dynamite” and “Butter". But as time passed on, BTS’ presence within the NBA world has become more apparent, as specific players and teams started giving them shoutouts on their official Twitter accounts.
DWAYNE WADE’S DAUGHTER & CHIMMY
Through their various social media accounts, former NBA player and 3x NBA Champion, Dwayne Wade, and his wife, Gabrielle Union-Wade, have shared on multiple occasions how much their daughter, Kaavia, loves BT21’s Chimmy.
Now, we can’t deny that BTS’ Jimin (in collaboration with LINE FRIENDS) has probably made one of the cutest characters of all-time, so we completely understand why Chimmy is so popular, both in the Wade's household and all over the world. Speaking of pure cuteness, Kaavia's reaction to getting Chimmy merch is so relatable as well!
BTS’ SUGA x 2020-2021 NBA FINALS
Video Courtesy: Zach Sang Show.
Even though this content is not a direct interaction between a specific NBA player or team, it was still a great 8 seconds of SUGA just talking about how he watched the NBA playoffs, when he wasn't making music. Even though the 74th season has already passed, I am pretty sure we are all still wondering which team he was rooting for.
BTS’ SUGA x LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Even though BTS was mainly in Los Angeles for their Permission To Dance On Stage 4-day concert, they also had the pleasure of having time to themselves. Luckily, the LA Clippers hosted a game against the Detroit Pistons the night before BTS’ first concert date, which SUGA spent some of his free time at Staples Center to watch the NBA game in-person.
The Clippers’ mascot, Chuck the Condor, paid his respects to Yoongi during the game, and even tweeted about his attendance the day after the Clippers got their win! LA was lucky to have their “victory fairy” that night, and Chuck the Condor made sure that he didn’t go unnoticed.
BTS’ SUGA x DAMIEN LILLARD
This shoutout from 6x NBA All-Star, Damien Lillard, is everything! From Lillard talking about the meaning of an underdog’s story, to explaining how grateful he is for SUGA’s support, this genuine thank you video was nothing but full of respect and appreciation. With SUGA being a highly respectable rapper, and a world-renowned music producer, and Dame D.O.L.L.A. (Lillard’s stage name) being a rapper who hails from Oakland, CA, could we maybe expect a collaboration in the future??? I mean, SUGA producing a song with any popular Bay Area Hip-hop artist would be a game changer! (The article that Lillard is referring to is from Vogue Korea).
TO BE CONTINUED
Not only was it exciting to see ARMYs capturing the moments where "Dynamite" and "Butter" were being played at NBA games throughout this past year, but it has also been amazing to see BTS gain recognition within the NBA, and how they have also positively impacted families, such as Chimmy bringing happiness to Dwayne Wade and his family.
After seeing BTS' impact within the NBA, we hope that it will correlate with other K-Pop artists in the future, especially when they are dedicated fans of specific players and their respective teams. It's always nice to see professional athletes interact with fans from all over the world.
Now, in part two of this article series, we will focus on the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry, and how they have changed the relationship between K-Pop artists, NBA players, and their fans.
