Throughout the 2010s, One Direction was widely regarded as an iconic name in global pop music. Emerging from The X Factor, the British boy band quickly rose to become a cultural phenomenon, dominating radio airwaves with a string of нιт songs, selling out tours, and amαѕѕing a mαѕѕive fan base across continents.

Although One Direction went on hiatus in 2016 as its members pursued solo careers, the group continues to be frequently referenced as a pop music benchmark. One Direction not only redefined the concept of a boy band in the digital era but also set new standards for commercial success and media influence—milestones that few groups over the past decade have been able to surpαѕѕ.

And among the rare acts that have achieved comparable success to One Direction is BTS. Coincidentally, after One Direction paused group activities in 2016, BTS began making significant inroads into the Western market. In the years that followed, BTS emerged as the symbolic successor to the West’s iconic boy band, matching or even breaking a series of records in album sales, digital streaming milestones, major Western music awards, stadium tour ticket sales,...

Against this backdrop, in his latest interview with Billboard on January 12, 2026, Louis Tomlinson was asked about how he felt watching BTS rise rapidly and gradually break records once held by One Direction. The singer offered a candid, unfiltered response that quickly drew widespread attention online.

Louis shared: “There was a time where BTS, they just got to their peak, I know they are still there but when they were on their way up, I felt like every time I got onto Twitter, they had taken one of our, like we got some record for soмєтнing, fastest selling thing, and they had taken it. It felt like every week, I was going and seeing a new thing taken away from me by BTS.”

However, what earned Louis’s remarks widespread respect was the way he reflected on the situation, adding: “It did make me a little, it was a bit of shame, we had all these things, but I don’t begrudge them. That’s the nature of the music industry, it keeps moving.”

The interview clip quickly went viral, surpαѕѕing 2.6 million views in a short period of time. Many viewers—particularly BTS fans—praised Louis Tomlinson for his respectful attitude toward the K-pop superstars. Rather than sparking controversy or unhealthy competition, his comments were seen as a rare example of mutual acknowledgment between artists who once stood at the peak of two different generations.

In an industry where records are constantly being broken and comparisons are inevitable, Louis Tomlinson’s remarks not only reflect a personal experience but also offer a grounded perspective on the meaning of success and generational transition. One Direction and BTS, each in their own way, have left irreplaceable marks on the history of global pop music—and the mutual respect shown by those involved only further underscores the lasting impact of both groups.

Fans left numerous comments under the post on Billboard’s official account:

- Notice how he said it with respect and honesty, unlike certain people who take credit for BTS’s legacy as their own.

- while their korean peers and seniors would rather eat charcoal than admit that

- the concept of louis tomlinson being more respectful and honest about BTS’ impact than fυ¢кαѕѕ *** who’ve been their industry peers and supposed friends for years like you cannot make this up

- I like the way he spoke without disrespecting another group, unlike a certain artist who pretended BTS doesn’t exist.

- if a member of the most well known boyband in the world can admit this and not hold a grudge why can’t nugu #63837 in korea do the same

- I like how most western artists who are/were actually successful like bts can talk about them breaking their records or surpαѕѕing them but kpop acts in their own gen treat them like Voldemort lol jealousy I guess

- I respect this guy. He was honest about how it feels and he was so respectful with his words. That's really nice of him. Also he didn't act like he didn't know who BTS is like some others

- Louis will always have equal respect with self made artists , he values them . Anyway tune into his solo album on 23Jan and bts comeback on 20th march.

- Louis has got to be the most well-spoken 1D member when it comes to the music industry like I don't think yall realize how ∂αми intelligent this man actually is

- Notice how he's being honest abt bts success and what he felt without being disrespectful. tho Louis has always been the sweetest and respectful to other artists love him