BTS and Beer: Craft Connections in an Unexpected Pairing
When you think of beer, the Korean pop sensation BTS might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this globally acclaimed boy band is bridging the gap between pop culture and the craft beer world in unexpected ways. BTS, known for introducing fans, or “ARMY,” to diverse cultural phenomena, has now brought attention to a different kind of art: the craft of brewing. In their variety show, Suchwita, hosted by BTS member Suga, guests are invited to bring their favorite drinks, creating a cultural dialogue through shared sips.
Suchwita is more than just a platform for celebrity chitchat—it’s a window into personal drink preferences and the stories they inspire. While whiskies and other spirits often make appearances, the introduction of beer into the show’s spotlight highlights the growing global influence of craft beer. Guests share their drink selections, including beers, in candid conversations that fuse pop culture with beverage appreciation, illustrating the universal appeal of beer.
The Beer Evolution in South Korea
South Korea’s beer journey began nearly a century ago, when Japanese immigrants introduced the beverage to the peninsula. Initially perceived as a luxury, beer struggled for widespread acceptance due to socio-political challenges in the 20th century. However, the turn of the millennium saw a vibrant explosion of microbreweries, leading to beer’s significant rise within the nation’s drinking culture.
Today, beer is a beloved staple in South Korea, complemented perfectly by the country’s renowned fried chicken. With South Koreans now consuming an average of 83 bottles of beer annually, according to recent statistics, the cultural acceptance and appreciation for beer have undeniably soared, resonating even amongst the upper echelons of society and the arts.
Beer Meets Korean Pop Culture
In Suchwita, beer’s evolving role was notably highlighted when comedian Jo Se-ho introduced Kelly malt beer from the esteemed HiteJinro brewery. He paired this with the Terra Tower, a novel beer dispenser designed to craft somaek—a popular Korean beer cocktail blending beer and soju. This innovation illustrates beer’s adaptability and its fusion into Korean drinking customs.
Subsequent episodes continued to explore global beer culture, featuring Belgian white ales, renowned stouts like Guinness, and even fruit-infused soju seltzers. Each choice sparks discussions that illuminate the connective power of beer—whether sharing stories or forming new friendships over a frosted glass.
Beer and the BTS Effect
The inclusion of beer in Suchwita reflects not only personal tastes but also a growing trend that intertwines music, culture, and craft beverages. Such platforms showcase the broad reach and growing appreciation for beer across diverse contexts, aligning perfectly with BreweriesNearMe.us’s mission to celebrate local beer scenes and encourage exploration of unique brewpub experiences.
To discover more about craft beer and uncover the essence of regional brewing traditions, BreweriesNearMe.us offers enthusiasts a reliable guide to tap into America’s finest breweries. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the beer world, there’s always something fresh and exciting to sip on your journey.
#CraftBeerCulture #BeerTourism #BTSandBrews #KoreanCraftBeer #BreweriesNearMe
