PSY is one of the most influential artists in K-pop history. Debuting in 2001, the South кσяєαn singer, songwriter, and music producer became a global phenomenon with his 2012 mega-нιт "Gangnam Style." The track not only made history as the first video to surpαѕѕ 1 billion views on YouTube but also cemented PSY as an international icon of the Hallyu wave. Following the monumental success of "Gangnam Style," he continued to release a string of нιтs, including "Gentleman," "Daddy," and "New Face," and later founded the entertainment agency P NATION, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting numerous prominent кσяєαn artists.
When it comes to BTS, PSY shares a close bond with several members, including SUGA, V, and j-hope. He and SUGA even collaborated on the 2022 нιт track "That That"—a song that SUGA not only featured on but also directly composed, produced, and appeared in the music video for. Both PSY and BTS have frequently expressed mutual admiration and publicly supported each other's careers over the years.
SUGA once shared, "He paved the way for K-pop in αмєяι¢α, which allowed BTS to follow that path more freely.” Conversely, PSY αѕѕerted that BTS, in particular, "achieved unfulfilled dreams” of his and "Gangnam Style", such as reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 2020's "Dynamite." ("Gangnam Style" only peaked at No. 2 on the chart).
However, PSY’s most notable remark about BTS came during a 2022 interview with CNN. At the time, PSY stated: “When the song is a нιт, then your songs need to continue to be нιтs. When the person is a нιт, the success is more sustainable. In this case, I’m the former and BTS is the latter.”
The post quickly garnered widespread praise, as PSY’s words—despite being spoken years ago—remain undeniably true. It is a fact that PSY skyrocketed to global stardom on the back of a single viral нιт, "Gangnam Style." Yet, the pressure to replicate that success was immense, and in reality, recapturing the monumental status brought by his 2012 Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 нιт proved to be an uphill battle.
BTS, on the other hand, stands out as the ultimate testament to "sustainable success." The group has consistently topped the Billboard charts with multiple smash нιтs, and even the individual members have clinched the No. 1 spot on Billboard through their solo endeavors. Furthermore, they made history as the first K-pop group to earn a GRAMMY nomination—securing nods for multiple consecutive years, totaling five nominations. BTS commands immense fan loyalty, drives album sales, shapes cultural trends, sells out stadium tours, and sways the market—even during extended periods without releasing new music.
This was proven yet again when BTS returned with their album ARIRANG after a three-year-and-nine-month hiatus from group activities, effortlessly reclaiming the No. 1 spot on Billboard. The album's title track, "Swim," became BTS’s seventh No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Meanwhile, ARIRANG also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the group’s seventh chart-topping album.
When PSY mentioned "the person is a нιт," it can be understood as a reference to Intellectual Property (IP). BTS itself has evolved into a global mega-IP. Their value lies not in a single song, but in their entire brand, image, narrative, and the profound impact they have built over more than a decade. BTS exemplifies "sustainable success"—the rare ability to consistently generate top-tier нιтs, a league that no other K-pop group has been able to match.
PSY's perspective was brought back into the spotlight late last year, sparking intense debate when BLACKPINK’s Rosé made headlines with her comments regarding her Grammy nomination during an interview with Billboard News. Rosé stated, “History of first кσяєαn K-pop artist. That means a lot to me because I don't think I ever saw on television somebody that looks like me… Never in a million years would I have thought that this would happen, to be nominated for a Grammy.” She added that having a song so deeply rooted in her culture receive a Grammy nomination proved to her that culture is appreciated and that different cultures are being accepted.
In light of PSY’s philosophy, many netizens categorized Rosé and her нιт single "APT." as a breakout phenomenon of 2025. While fans do not diminish her achievements, they point out how challenging it will be for her to find a second "APT.", particularly a milestone achieved entirely under her own standalone name. This is not to mention that Sumi Jo was the first кσяєαn soloist to win a Grammy, while BTS were the first K-pop act to be nominated and to perform. BTS even reached that milestone back in 2021—four years before her.
PSY's statement about BTS received overwhelming support from fans on social media, including:
- I said the same thing... I love psy's song... But his song was a нιт not him.. we didnt know who he was, we jst enjoyed the song.. didn't even know it was korean.. but for BTS.. the group became the backbone for spreading their music & k-culture.. also increasing tourism..
- That was 100. I will listen to anything BTS puts out . Even if they record themselves coughing and sneezing and tells it is music, I will buy.
- He clocked EVERYONE. Speak the facts. Legend recognising another legends
- PSY's success is well-deserved. He managed to stay humble, funny and true to himself even after achieving worldwide recognition. That taxi-chaser should take lessons from him.
- This!!! It's a fact and Wise words. “Rosé wouldn’t have even gotten a Billboard No.1 without Bruno Mars, PSY’s one нιт is worth more
- He can’t be more right than this. It shows incredible greatness to say soмєтнing like that.
- First kpop artist? You think BTS are ιи∂ιαn then? Haha. Jump all you want, it's all temporary. I'd not be so confident if BTS wasn't as hardworking and as talented, but since they are, I bet my *ss, 2026 will make EVRYTHING clear. Let's see who's the FIRST KPOP ARTIST then.
- PSY was always a real one. I won’t forget how he supported Yoongi
