“Who Is This Man?” — BTS’s V Catches the Attention of One of Japan’s Most Influential Drama Writers

V of BTS is once again proving his global star power this time by catching the attention of one of Japan’s most influential drama writers.

A Viral Question From a Japanese Drama Icon

Eriko Kitagawa, widely regarded as a pioneer of Japan’s “trendy drama” era, recently sparked online buzz after posting a single question on her X (formerly Twitter) account:

“Who is this person? If anyone knows, please tell me.”

The post included a striking image of V from a campaign video for Paradise City, where he currently serves as a brand ambassador. The moment quickly drew attention from fans across Asia.

The Ad That Stopped Tokyo Commuters

The campaign video featuring V has been airing on massive digital billboards at major Tokyo subway stations, including Ginza and Omotesando. In the ad, V appears as a resort cleaner—an unconventional role that contrasts sharply with his refined visuals.

The concept didn’t just intrigue fans. According to Kitagawa, the image was so overwhelming that she felt compelled to ask about the man behind it.

“I Knew BTS, But I Didn’t Recognize Him”

After learning that the mysterious figure was V, Kitagawa followed up with another post expressing her amazement.
She admitted that while she knew BTS as a group, she hadn’t realized the person in the ad was one of its members.

She added that the posters were displayed prominently across station platforms and described the visuals as “overwhelming,” praising the presence and impact V delivered in a single frame.

Why Kitagawa’s Reaction Matters

Kitagawa is no ordinary viewer. She is the acclaimed writer behind legendary Japanese dramas such as Long Vacation, Beautiful Life, and Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi. Her work helped define an era of Japanese television and played a major role in elevating actors like Takuya Kimura to national stardom.

For a figure of her stature to publicly single out V underscores just how far his influence extends beyond music, beyond fandoms, and into the cultural consciousness of other entertainment industries.

BTS Gears Up for a Historic Comeback

Meanwhile, BTS is preparing for a major return. The group will release their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, on March 20. The following evening, they are set to hold a large-scale comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

It will mark the first time a single artist headlines a standalone performance at the iconic location. Given BTS’s global fanbase and the free, outdoor nature of the event, attendance is expected to reach unprecedented levels.

From Tokyo subway platforms to Seoul’s historic squares, V’s presence continues to resonate sometimes loudly, and sometimes quietly enough to make even a drama legend stop and ask, “Who is this man?”