The title “GOAT” – Greatest of All Time is not merely a badge of honor; it is a judgment of history. In any field, calling someone the GOAT means placing them at the pinnacle of an entire legacy. For that reason, the title is rarely declared without debate — and K-pop is no exception.
In the K-pop context, the GOAT title extends far beyond music or popularity. It represents a synergy of artistry, cultural influence, global reach, innovation, and the artist’s own identity.
Discussions about who the true GOAT of K-pop is have persisted for years, and in recent times, BTS has emerged as a defining contender. The K-pop superstars are widely regarded as the most complete and influential act — the ones who set the standard and positioned K-pop on the global stage.
If there were ever any doubt about BTS’s pivotal role in K-pop, TWICE’s Tzuyu, speaking as someone within the industry, helped make it crystal clear.
In an interview with Forbes celebrating TWICE’s 10th anniversary, when the members were asked who they believed to be the greatest K-pop artist of all time, Jeongyeon hesitated in front of such a controversial question — but Tzuyu boldly named BTS.
She acknowledged their role in expanding K-pop’s global presence, saying: “There are so many K-pop artists who worked so hard so that K-pop can take the center stage. Many artists worked hard to contribute, and BTS played a big role in that”.
Tzuyu’s candid and courageous comment quickly ignited social media, earning widespread praise for her sincerity. Many fans and the general public agreed, saying that BTS being the GOAT of K-pop is simply undeniable.
Before Tzuyu, numerous celebrities both in and outside кσяєα had expressed similar sentiments about BTS. Jimmy Fallon once called BTS “the Beatles of this generation,” while Coldplay, the legendary British band, described them as “21st-century pop icons.” Even at the 2022 Grammy Awards, BTS were introduced with that very title.
Halsey, who collaborated with the group on “Boy With Luv,” also stated plainly: “No one has done what they have done. BTS isn’t just a famous кσяєαn group—they’re global legends.”
Many other K-pop artists also see BTS as pioneers who paved the way for the industry’s worldwide expansion. G-Dragon, a first-generation K-pop icon, expressed his respect for BTS, acknowledging them as the ones who carried forward and amplified K-pop’s global influence.
Bang Chan of Stray Kids once said: “BTS is the group that paved the way for us. What they’ve accomplished is soмєтнing everyone dreams of.”
Similarly, Yeonjun of TXT has often expressed admiration, saying: “You can’t help but see them as legends – they’re the reason I wanted to become an idol.” Meanwhile, Taeyong of NCT, one of SM Entertainment’s leading figures, admitted: “I deeply respect the path BTS has opened for the global rise of K-pop.”
Now, with Tzuyu echoing these sentiments once again, she reinforces BTS’s status as the GOATs of K-pop. ARMYs expressed heartfelt gratitude for Tzuyu’s recognition, proud to see BTS acknowledged not only by fans but by fellow artists across the world:
- Thank u queen for being brave and humble to talk about this I know so many idol cant do this cause of their ego
- Respect to Tzuyu for keeping it diplomatic because we all know without BTS, K-pop wouldn’t be on any global stage.
- Tzuyu always found speaking facts. Tzuyu the queen you are !
- I'm listening to these princesses album, they've always been talented and kind to BTS. Good job, and thank you Tzuyu!
- Actually, they’re just very down to earth & honest people. They give credit where credit is due, without any bitter arrogance. They are confident enough in their achievements not to steal others!
- i genuinely have so much respect for these girls because they’ve never been bitter about bts and they’ve always acknowledged their hard work and what they’ve done for the kpop industry
- loved how they always respected and acknowledged bts
- She’s literally one of the big figures in the industry and credited bts yet kpop stans in Qts think they know better
- this woman just never misses.. we love an educated, young, beautiful and talented artist like her
- Notice how talented women have no problem crediting BTS for paving the way in K-pop, unlike others who treat them like the Voldemort of the industry.
