Traveling 6,527 Miles to ‘Michael Jordan’s City’, 21YO K-Pop Star’s Bulls Legend Tribute on Proud Display

K-Pop stans know that you can’t separate basketball from the idols. From NCT Dream’s Mark Lee and Zhong Chenle constantly sending out social media shoutouts to Steph Curry to BTS’ Suga serving as the NBA ambassador, the love between the Hallyu Wave and NBA is mutual. With several bands entering the American market, these artists don’t skip the chance to show their obsession with NBA legends. Similarly, one Korean-American artist’s tribute to the Windy City has charmed his local fanbase with some Michael Jordan memorabilia.

Enhypen is currently enjoying a record-breaking World Tour. At its latest stop, one of its basketball-obsessed members displayed his love for the Black Cat.

Enhypen shows love to Bulls Nation and Michael Jordan

Seven-member boy group, Enhypen is currently on the US leg of their exciting world tour, FATE. After kicking off the tour in their home ground in Seoul in July, they arrived in the US this month. Starting with a Los Angeles concert on October 6. October 22 marked the final stop of their US leg at a historic venue, 6,527 miles away from their home base.

Enhypen’s closing concert is at Chicago’s United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan who won the city six championships, iconized this arena and the supergroup had to acknowledge.

One of its members, Jay, performed a segment of the concert wearing a vintage replica of His Airness’ No. 23 Bulls jersey. Apart from his general charisma, this style statement floored Chicago K-Pop fans in attendance and become a sensation on social media.

This special touch comes after the tour ran into some issues. Enhypen treats some of the ‘Engenes’ in sections closer to the stage with a send-off event. But as the US tour progressed, security issues escalated too and this event had to be toned down. That was obviously a downer on the special feature of the tour.

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Jay was also recently the subject of praise when he noticed a fan fainted at the Newark concert and directed security to help them. He’s also largely handled the English communication with fans at concerts. His nod to the United Center history was a fitting treat to local fans who won’t get to enjoy the send-off event due to safety concerns.

NBA and K-Pop enjoy a symbiotic relationship

Born Park Jeongseong in 2002, Jay didn’t grow up in the MJ era. He is a native of Seattle which hasn’t had an NBA team since the Supersonics moved to Oklahoma in 2008.

While it’s Heesung who the group touts as their basketball ace and Jake who puts his hoops skills on display in vlogs, Jay’s clearly shining at the closing concert. Regardless, Enhypen and other artists became grade-A K-Pop stan-level excited when it comes to the NBA.

Their obsession with NBA stars has become an international draw to the league. The league made the most of it by appointing BTS’ resident basketball fan, Suga, as its ambassador.

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With so many K-Pop stars obsessed with basketball, fans are going to see a lot more of the Hallyu-NBA crossover. What do you think about Enhypen’s nod to the NBA?