One of the most remarkable things about BTS isn’t just their music—it’s the way they connect with fans and the public. Whether appearing on talk shows or through countless episodes of Run BTS!, the group has won over their fandom, known as ARMY, with their humor, charm, and ability to laugh at themselves. As they embark on their first world tour in over four years, BTS made a special appearance on Hot Ones, taking on one of the show’s most infamous challenges: enduring increasingly spicy hot wings.
The big question for fans was simple—who among the seven members would tap out first (a fairly obvious guess for ARMY), and who would make it all the way to the final wing?
What is Hot Ones?
Hot Ones is a popular YouTube talk show hosted by Sean Evans, where celebrities are interviewed while eating chicken wings coated in sauces of escalating heat. The format is both entertaining and revealing, as the spice often breaks down even the most composed guests. Recent participants have included Oscar Isaac, Hilary Duff, and Luke Combs.
How Spicy Are the Sauces?
In this episode of Hot Ones, the sauces ranged from relatively mild to extremely intense. The lineup started with Garlic Delight by Piko Peppers at around 1,900 Scoville units, and escalated to Thermageddon by The Dab, rated an extreme “11/10” in heat. While its exact Scoville rating is unconfirmed, some estimates place it above 3 million—far beyond everyday sauces like Sriracha, which typically ranges between 1,000 and 2,500 Scoville.
Who Gave Up First?
As many ARMYs expected, V (Kim Taehyung) was the first to bow out. Known for his low tolerance for spicy food, he tapped out after just the first wing and spent the rest of the episode relying on milk to cope. At one point, after barely managing a bite or two, he even asked for another bottle of milk—prompting Jin to jokingly ask if he was eating cereal instead.
Who Lasted the Longest?
The real endurance battle came down to Jimin and Jungkook. While all members (except V) attempted the final wing with the infamous Thermageddon sauce, most were visibly struggling—sweating, wincing, and reaching for milk or ice cream. In contrast, Jimin and Jungkook handled the heat remarkably well. Jimin, in particular, seemed slightly more composed, rarely reaching for relief, while Jungkook matched him closely. Both continued eating even after the challenge ended, almost as if they were genuinely enjoying the fiery experience.
In the end, the episode perfectly captured what makes BTS so beloved—not just their talent, but their authenticity, humor, and ability to turn even a spicy challenge into pure entertainment.
