For the past 13 years since their debut, BTS have continuously etched their names into South кσяєαn history by achieving numerous unprecedented milestones. These include earning five Grammy nominations, delivering speeches at the United Nations General Assembly, and becoming the first Asian artist to win Artist of the Year at the αмєяι¢αn Music Awards (AMAs) in 2021.
Even after returning from a three-year-and-nine-month hiatus from group activities, BTS have proven that their global influence remains as strong as ever. Their comeback album Arirang, featuring 14 tracks and led by the title single "Swim," earned the group their seventh No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100, while Arirang also debuted atop the Billboard 200, becoming BTS' seventh chart-topping album on the prestigious ranking.
The achievements did not stop there. Kicking off in April, the Arirang World Tour quickly became the largest concert tour in K-pop history. Just one month later, BTS further extended their remarkable legacy by winning Artist of the Year at the 2026 αмєяι¢αn Music Awards for the second time, further cementing their status as one of the world's most influential artists.
The ever-growing ARMY fandom is another testament to BTS' extraordinary appeal. Their fanbase spans everyone from ordinary listeners to international celebrities, athletes, influential public figures, and even politicians. Most recently, that impressive list welcomed another υиєχρє¢тє∂ name that delighted fans online: IShowSpeed.
IShowSpeed is currently one of the world's biggest content creators, boasting more than 57 million YouTube subscribers, over 9.2 billion lifetime YouTube views, and more than 51 million Instagram followers...Known for his energetic personality and hilarious reactions, his IRL livestreams—whether centered around travel, football, or everyday adventures—regularly attract hundreds of thousands of concurrent viewers, helping him build an enormous global fanbase and establish himself as one of the most recognizable creators of his generation.
Returning to the main story, Speed's confession of his love for BTS took place during his IRL livestream from the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between fяαи¢є and Morocco on July 9 at Gillette Stadium in the United States. While interacting with fans, the streamer was asked which K-pop group was his favorite. Without the slightest hesitation, he confidently answered, "BTS." His short but decisive response quickly spread across social media, delighting countless ARMYs around the world.
In reality, this was far from the first time IShowSpeed had shown his admiration for the global superstars. In the past, the streamer has reacted to BTS' biggest нιтs on livestream multiple times, enthusiastically dancing along to their music and praising both their songs and performances. However, this latest statement has been widely viewed as his clearest confirmation yet that he is a major fan of the K-pop superstars.
Following the livestream, the moment Speed declared his love for BTS was clipped and shared across his official social media accounts. The X account @SpeedyHQ uploaded the video with the caption: "WATCH: Speed reveals his favorite K-pop group is BTS", attracting more than 1.2M views.
What has made fans even more excited is FIFA's close partnership with IShowSpeed this year, with the streamer serving as both a content creator and brand ambαѕѕador throughout the tournament. He is expected to continue appearing at World Cup matches to produce livestreams and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, with a strong possibility that he will also attend the World Cup Final on July 19. Coincidentally, BTS are also scheduled to appear at MetLife Stadium that same day as one of the headline performers for the World Cup halftime show.
With both global phenomena expected to attend the same event, fans are eagerly hoping that IShowSpeed and BTS will finally have the chance to meet backstage, creating what many believe would be an unforgettable and entertaining crossover moment. Fans also flooded social media with enthusiastic reactions, leaving a wave of amusing comments:
- Knew he had taste. and the best part is he will be seeing bts soon
- Even here we have a skz fan still going “What about us??”
- likely thing for the 8th member of bts to say. MY BTS X SPEED CRUMBS ARE COMING TRUE
- Speed saying that one of his favorite kpop groups is bts makes so much sense
- Now I need FIFA to make a backstage meeting between Speed and BTS happen
- Imagine Speed meeting Jungkook backstage... the internet would literally explode
- Speed has great taste. BTS' music really reaches everyone
- This is the crossover I never knew I needed: FIFA × IShowSpeed × BTS
- I knew he liked BTS from his reactions, but hearing him say 'BTS' so confidently was adorable
- Manifesting a Speed × BTS backstage interaction at MetLife Stadium. Please make it happen!
