Recently, BLACKPINK’s Rosé sparked major discussion within the K-pop fandom after making a comment about her Grammy nominations during an interview with Billboard News. Specifically, Rosé said: “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 continued: “Most importantly, I feel like the song that is being celebrated and being nominated for the Grammy contains so much of my culture in it. That proves to myself so much. It proves to me also that culture is loved. Different cultures are being accepted.”
Her referring to herself as “the first кσяєαn K-pop artist in history” and saying that she “never saw anyone who looks like me in a million years” quickly drew heavy criticism. Some netizens pointed out 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.
Many people expressed dissatisfaction, saying Rosé talks about culture and recognition while taking credit for achievements that aren’t hers. Others disliked what they saw as her lack of humility, even accusing her of overstating her success — especially when “APT.” is a collaborative track with Bruno Mars. Some also noted that the nomination belongs to both artists, yet her comments about “my culture in it” made it sound as if the song belonged solely to her.
While heated debates continued over whether Rosé was disrespecting BTS or over which idols are more successful, one post gained traction for offering a notably different perspective. The fan account quoted a remark from PSY in a 2022 CNN interview: “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 received praise, as PSY’s words — though spoken years ago — remain undeniably true. PSY himself cannot deny that he skyrocketed to global fame with a single mega-нιт, “Gangnam Style,” but the pressure to recreate that success has been immense, and in reality, it has been extremely difficult for him to regain the level of prominence that his 2012 Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 нιт once brought.
Following PSY’s sentiment, many netizens placed Rosé and “APT.” in a similar category — rising as a breakout phenomenon in 2025. Fans don’t deny her achievements, but they point out that it will be very challenging for her to find another “APT,” especially one achieved solely under her own name.
Meanwhile, BTS clearly stand apart as the definition of “sustainable success.” The group has consistently topped Billboard charts with numerous mαѕѕive нιтs, and even the members individually have reached No. 1 on Billboard while promoting solo. Not to mention being the first K-pop act ever to receive a GRAMMY nomination — they were nominated multiple years in a row, five times in total. BTS draw fans, sell albums, create cultural impact, sell out tours, and influence markets… even during long periods without releasing new music.
When PSY said “The person is a нιт,” it can be understood simply as referring to intellectual property. BTS themselves are a mega-IP on a global scale. Their value doesn’t lie in a single song, but in their entire brand, image, story, and influence built over more than a decade. BTS represent “sustainable success” — meaning the ability to consistently generate top-tier нιтs, a level no other K-pop act has been able to match.
As the post spread across social media, netizens flooded the comments section with their reactions:
- 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
