In a delightful intersection of fine dining and global pop culture, celebrated chef Hou Deok-juk from the hit Netflix series Culinary Class War 2 recently shared a memorable encounter with members of the world-renowned group BTS .
On February 3, 2026, the culinary master took to social media to post a photograph that quickly went viral, capturing a moment of mutual admiration between a legend of the kitchen and the stars of the stage. The post, captioned simply,
“With global stars. I’m a fan too,” highlights the broad appeal of both the chef and the idols as they prepare for a massive year ahead.
The Chef: A “White Spoon” Legend
Hou Deok-juk has recently been in the spotlight following his impressive run on the second season of Culinary Class War.
Appearing as a prestigious “white spoon” contestant—a title reserved for established, elite chefs—he showcased extraordinary skill and creativity, eventually securing a spot in the Top 3.
Beyond his reality TV success, Chef Hou is a pillar of the Korean culinary scene. He currently oversees operations at Hobin, a Michelin Guide one-star Chinese restaurant located within the Ambassador Pullman Hotel in Seoul.
Known for his technical precision and sophisticated palate, Hou Deok-juk’s appearance on Culinary Class War 2 helped bring high-end Chinese cuisine to a broader television audience.
The Photo: A Rare Glimpse of BTS Members
The shared image features Chef Hou smiling brightly at the center, flanked by BTS members Jin, RM, V, and Jungkook.
Culinary Icon Hou Deok-juk and BTS (Credit: YouTube)
The meeting has sparked excitement among fans (ARMY), as it provides a rare casual update on the members during a period of intense preparation for their musical activities.
The members appeared relaxed and appreciative of the chef, further cementing the “fan-boy” energy that Hou Deok-juk expressed in his caption.
BTS: Gearing Up for the “ARIRANG” Comeback
This meeting comes at a pivotal time for BTS, as the group is on the verge of their highly anticipated full-group comeback.
The band is set to release their new album, titled ARIRANG , on March 20, 2026.
This album is expected to be a monumental release, marking a return to full activities following the members’ mandatory military service periods.
To celebrate the release, BTS has planned an unprecedented comeback event:
- Date: March 21, 2026.
- Location: Gwanghwamun Square, one of Seoul’s most iconic and historic landmarks.
- Broadcast: The live performance will be streamed worldwide via Netflix, reflecting the group’s massive international reach.
City-Wide Preparations: Safety and Scale
The scale of the upcoming Gwanghwamun show is so significant that the Seoul Metropolitan Government has already launched a major safety plan to manage the expected crowds.
Given that the square is a central hub for the city, the logistics of a full BTS concert require immense coordination.
The intersection of a Netflix-backed culinary star and a Netflix-broadcasted musical event further illustrates the streaming giant’s deep integration into the Korean entertainment landscape in 2026.
This encounter between Chef Hou Deok-juk and BTS serves as a perfect precursor to the cultural explosion expected in March, blending the best of Korean gastronomy with the world’s biggest musical phenomenon.
Acclaimed actor and INFINITE member Kim Myung Soo (L) has officially been confirmed to star in the upcoming drama tentatively titled “Empathy Cell” (신이랑 법률사무소).
The news, announced on February 4, 2026, has sparked significant excitement among K-drama enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting the versatile actor’s next project.
This series promises a unique exploration of human emotions, blending psychological intrigue with a deep, character-driven romance that seeks to “awaken the empathy cells” of its audience.
A Deep Dive into the Concept: Emotional Transference
“Empathy Cell” is described as an “emotional-transference romance.”
The plot centers on a fascinating psychological premise: the intertwining lives of a woman who has intentionally rejected empathy and a man who is overwhelmed and burdened by it.
As the story unfolds, the two characters find themselves in a supernatural or psychological predicament where they begin to share and experience each other’s raw emotions.
This “shared feeling” mechanic serves as the core conflict and catalyst for the romance.
The drama aims to explore the vulnerabilities of the human psyche, asking whether understanding someone else’s pain and joy so intimately can lead to healing or if it simply adds to the chaos of the heart.
Kim Myung Soo’s Character: The Burden of Feeling
In the series, Kim Myung Soo takes on the role of Cha Eun Hwan, a high-profile psychological counseling expert.
Eun Hwan has built a stellar reputation and massive popularity due to his unconventional and highly effective counseling methods.
However, his professional success hides a heavy personal burden: he possesses a heightened sensitivity that allows him to take on the emotions of those around him.
The calm balance of Eun Hwan’s life is shattered following an “unexpected incident” that breaks down his emotional barriers.
Falling into a state of despair, he encounters a figure from his past, an event that triggers a profound transformation in his life.
Kim Myung Soo is expected to deliver a nuanced performance, portraying the internal struggle of a man who spent his life managing others’ emotions only to lose control over his own.
Production Goals and Anticipation
The production team behind “Empathy Cell” has high hopes for the project, emphasizing its distinctive storytelling.
They stated that the drama’s “unique subject matter and character setup” combined with “detailed psychological and emotional storytelling” will provide a fresh experience for viewers.
The focus on “empathy” as a tangible, almost biological force adds a layer of depth to the traditional romance genre.
Kim Myung Soo’s casting is seen as a perfect fit, given his history of playing emotionally complex characters in projects like Angel’s Last Mission: Love, Royal Secret Agent, and Perfect Family.
His ability to convey intense emotion through subtle expressions makes him an ideal choice for a role defined by internal sensitivity.
Broadcast Schedule and Future Updates
“Empathy Cell” has officially entered production and is currently aiming for a broadcast date in the second half of 2026.
While the female lead and supporting cast are still being finalized, the confirmation of Kim Myung Soo as the central figure has already set a strong foundation for the series.
Fans of the actor can look forward to a performance that highlights both his charisma and his dramatic range as he tackles the complexities of the “Empathy Cell.”
