Table of Contents
During a traditional Korean meal, nothing makes a diner happier than seeing banchan glide onto the table, because it signals the main course is on the way. The same can be said about a BTS concert: the moment ARMYs spot each member appearing on stage, they know the best is yet to come. Korean foodies and ARMY around the world are in for a treat as the worlds of banchan and Bangtan collide.
RM (Kim Namjoon), Kimchi
Kimchi is the classic side dish that shows up with almost every Korean meal. You can always count on kimchi to be on the dinner table, and in the same way the BTS members can always count on RM to be there for them. Whether he is answering interview questions, giving speeches, or sharing thought-provoking ideas, his fellow members never doubt that RM will show up.
As the leader of the group, RM takes on the responsibility of making sure every member's thoughts and feelings are heard. It can be a daunting task, but nothing that RM cannot handle. Like kimchi, he is dependable, foundational, and the flavor that ties the whole table together.
Jin (Kim Seokjin), Cubed Radish Kimchi
Just like regular kimchi, you can be sure to find cubed radish kimchi, or kkakdugi, on the dinner table. Even though both give off the same spicy kick, kkakdugi's solid, crunchy cube delivers a completely different texture experience. RM may be the spokesperson of the group, but there is another person the rest of BTS can always rely on, and that person is Jin.
As the oldest member, Jin has always felt the need to look out for his fellow members. During the earlier BTS days, he would cook for them and make sure their needs were met. Many fans consider him the caretaker of the group, a fitting role for such an endearing person, and the perfect match for the reliably crunchy kkakdugi.
Suga (Min Yoongi), Sweet Soy Braised Lotus Roots
The unique shape of a lotus root can cause anyone to look at it with confusion. However, once a person gets to the root of it all, they discover that the delicious sweet-savory taste overtakes any sense of uncertainty. The crunchy slices coated in glossy soy syrup turn into one of the most addictive banchan on the table.
Similar to a lotus root, Suga is someone who is often misunderstood because of his somewhat serious demeanor. People sometimes label him as cold or harsh, but that is far from true. When you really get to know him, Suga is laid-back, thoughtful, and down to earth, just like yeongeun jorim revealing its sweetness once you take a bite.
J-Hope (Jung Hoseok), Yellow Pickled Radish
Yellow pickled radish, or danmuji, catches your eye the moment it is set on the table. Its vibrant color can light up a room almost as much as J-Hope's smile. Known as the sunshine of the group, J-Hope is consistently cheerful and warm, and his sweet-sour crunch on stage and on the table is impossible to miss.
Not only does his bright personality stand out, his dance moves do too. People watching BTS performances are captivated by his footwork and can rarely take their eyes off him. He also has a distinctive fashion sense that makes him pop among the members, the same way a small dish of pickled radish brightens up a full Korean spread.
Jimin (Park Jimin), Stir-fried Zucchini
Unlike the bolder banchan we've covered so far, stir-fried zucchini, or hobak-bokkeum, is a little less overbearing. It is a much lighter, gentler, and refreshing side dish that almost anyone can enjoy. What better member to compare this dish to than the most comforting member of all, Jimin.
Jimin can be found comforting his fellow members anytime they need a shoulder to lean on. He does not hesitate to run toward or hug any member who needs consolation or a listening ear, which is a source of refreshment for the whole group. Like a soft, savory plate of stir-fried zucchini, Jimin brings warmth without ever overwhelming.
V (Kim Taehyung), Seasoned Bean Sprouts
This crunchy, refreshing treat shows up in abundance the moment it is set on the dinner table. No matter how much you munch on kongnamul muchim, the little pile somehow never seems to disappear. Does that mean you should never serve bean sprouts? Of course not. No one can ever have too many bean sprouts, and no one can ever have too much V.
His bold and outgoing personality can feel as full as a heaping plate of seasoned sprouts, and that is what makes him one of a kind. V is never one to shy away from being himself. He has been spotted countless times singing his heart out at award shows or dancing as if no one is watching, and his fellow members enjoy having him around because they know they will have a good time.
Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook), Jeon
Jeon is a pancake-style dish that can be made with almost anything: meat, beans, seafood, vegetables, and more. Not only is the name fitting for Jungkook, the characteristics fit too. Jeon can be anything the cook wants it to be, which makes it the perfect match for the Golden Maknae himself.
Jungkook is famously someone who can do it all: sing, dance, rap, and even effortlessly pull off internet challenges. Nothing can stop him from doing whatever he sets his mind to. Like jeon, he is adaptable, satisfying, and somehow makes everything he touches taste a little better.
A Table Set for Seven
From kimchi to jeon, every banchan brings its own personality to the table, and the same is true of every BTS member. The magic of a Korean meal is that the side dishes work together to balance and elevate the main course, just like the seven members balance and elevate one another. Can you think of other Korean side dishes that would suit a member of BTS? The world of banchan is vast, just like the world of Bangtan.
Explore Korean Snacks with Daebak
Love Korean food? Get authentic Korean snacks and ramen delivered straight to your door with the SnackFever Box by Daebak.
