Over the past 10 years, it is undeniable that Kpop's recognition has increased dramatically on the world map. But the decline seems to be present! According to data from Google, since BTS enlisted in the army, international fans' interest in Kpop has also gradually decreased.
Asia's leading music industry can create hundreds of new groups every year and wants to find groups with the potential to replace BTS in the future. However, creating a second BTS seems clearly impossible!
This is also the affirmation of BTS's father, Bang Shi Hyuk, when he was asked about this. But in his mind, he still has a belief that HYBE artists can continue the success BTS has done:
Starting with the нιт series Spring Day - Fire in 2016, BTS's career took off and developed rapidly. In just three years, BTS has gone beyond the borders of кσяєα and become a successful global group that has transformed Big Hit from a company on the verge of bankruptcy to the top entertainment group in кσяєα, HYBE.
Among them, the close relationship between Bang PD and BTS is undeniable. Bang Shi Hyuk is the one who gathered the 7 talented members of the group and is the one who guides and accompanies them in their music. Based on this, the Billboard reporter asked him a historic question: "Can you replicate the global success of BTS, given that no other K-pop act has come close so far?"
And Bang PD didn't take long to answer loudly: "If your question is about the possibility of creating an artist like BTS again, the answer is no. However, if you were to ask whether there would be a K-pop artist from HYBE that tops the Billboard Hot 100 chart, my answer would be yes. [Jimin became the first BTS member to achieve this as a solo act on April 3 when his single “Like Crazy” debuted at No. 1.] The experience of managing BTS and operating different labels gave us access to powerful networks, infrastructures and experiences. With these, HYBE can repeat its remarkable results with the help of talented artists."
That's a perfect conclusion! It is undeniable that BTS’s achievements in the international market are the door for K-pop artists and HYBE to have an advantage to break into the US charts. Bang PD has the confidence to create the next successful K-pop generation, but creating “a second BTS breaking all records and achieving global influence” is difficult and even impossible.
Billboard also stated again that Bang Shi Hyuk made history with just one group - BTS, the boy group that has conquered aud̾i̾e ̾nces around the world with talking numbers. So, other artists under his management, can create the same success as BTS once had, but no group can be the second BTS.
Of course, these statements are completely grounded when looking at the recognition and achievements of K-pop in recent years, especially since BTS enlisted. Data from Google shows that international fans' interest in K-pop has been on the decline since 2022. Remember, this period also coincides with the time when BTS began their military service.
Bang Shi Hyuk admitted that: "The fact that BTS is currently not active has an impact. When you look at the surveys regarding awareness, when you compare K-pop’s penetration and BTS’ penetration in the global market, BTS tends to have more penetration than K-pop itself".
The same goes for international awards! When BTS began to go on hiatus, their achievements at international awards ceremonies were no longer maintained, and the number of songs that entered the Billboard Hot 100 decreased significantly. This year, K-pop groups and solo artists also had songs that entered the charts but did not make it to the top. However, BTS's solo members, typically Jimin or Jungkook, still have songs that are on the Billboard Hot 100, even ranking #1 for many consecutive weeks.
Meanwhile, looking back at a decade of activity, BTS has brought home a series of "unprecedented" international records. BTS owns 6 songs that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 including Life Goes On, Dynamite, Butter, Permission to Dance, My Universe (in collaboration with Coldplay) and Savage Love (remix). BTS is also the first Kpop group to receive two Grammy nominations in 2020 and 2022 with the same category of Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
BTS's Grammy performance stage has also become a milestone in the group's career. In addition to the Grammys, BTS has also received consecutive international nominations and awards such as VMAs, AMAs, Billboard Music Awards, etc. This proves that BTS's music is not only popular but also recognized by experts.
Finally, Bang Shi Hyuk's αѕѕertion that it is impossible to create a second BTS is enthusiastically agreed by fans:
- Definitely. BTS....at the perfect time at the perfect place, with the perfect members and perfect talents. Plus love, respect and care with one another.
- I love him so much he’s so good to them
- I m sry but I don't even see anyone rn topping charts except BTS n bts members in nearby years
- "another k-pop artist from hybe that tops the Billboard chart" and said artist is jimin who is a member of BTS so where do we go from here
- there is no next bts.
- yess this what not like bts ever... bt that doesnt mean he would not make successful artist... i can trust him with my eyes close.. honestly.
- so proud of HYBE family, they are so talented
- LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
- i knew bang pd would come through!
- You can’t pave a way that’s already paved
- Absolutely no next the great Bangtan Sonyeondan
