Four years ago, Chenle, a popular member of the boy band NCT Dream specifically learned English to make a special request. He wanted to meet Stephen Curry. To his surprise, the Chef noticed the tweet, even inviting him to a Warriors game once the pandemic would pass. While it never happened, the franchise might have given the young sensation an even better experience. They let him share the same court as his idol.

The Korean boy band singer joined by another member Mark was invited to the Warriors’ training facility. They got customized jerseys, a detailed tour, and of course, a chance to shoot at the hoop. Naturally, given his admiration of Stephen Curry, Chenle got a number 30 jersey with his name while Mark boasted number 2.

The boy band itself has quickly gained enormous popularity through their music. Only two days prior, they performed at the Oakland Arena as part of the Dream Show 3. Their impeccable choreography, dance moves, and vocals often have the packed-out crowds bouncing till the ground shakes. But during the performance, Chenle had an unusual blue dye on his hair. It was later during the concert that he revealed he had specifically done it to honor his favorite team – the Warriors.

Chenle lucked out in the process, getting a chance to visit the facility of his favorite NBA star. Previously, during a Twitter interaction, the 22-year-old called Stephen Curry the ‘GOAT’. Hopefully, he can get the opportunity to meet the four-time champion soon. Ironically, at the moment Curry is in his hometown of Shanghai for his band’s China tour. However, in hindsight, it will as well happen given the Warriors’ recent tie-ups with the K-Pop world.

The NBA and Golden State Warriors recognize the K-Pop wave

During the 2022-23 preseason, BTS star Suga, an ardent NBA fan got an invite to watch one of the Tokyo Games between the Warriors and the Wizards. Similar to Chenle, he shares an affinity toward Stephen Curry and even sent a special video for his kind. Out of kindness, Curry sent over his sneakers as a thank you. Later, they even met in Tokyo during one of the Warriors’ practices. That’s where Curry revealed his and his family’s interest in the K-Pop industry.

Recognizing his global popularity, the NBA decided to leverage it and announced him as their ambassador for the season. “Music and basketball have been shared passions of mine since my youth, and it’s a dream to be named an NBA Ambassador,” he said at the time.

Around this same time, GOT7 member BamBam also visited the Warriors facility, interacting with Andrew Wiggins and other Warriors starlets. He had spoken about his “respect” for Curry as he managed to change the game of basketball with his charismatic shooting. His immense passion for basketball, Stephen Curry in particular landed him the role of the team’s Global Ambassador for the season with him even performing at their regular season finale.

It’s clear that there is a significant connection between K-pop and the NBA. And it seems it is only likely to keep growing.