Psy Points Out an Undeniable Truth About BTS, Earning Widespread Praise From Fans

 

PSY is one of the most influential artists in K-pop history. Debuting in 2021, the South Korean singer, songwriter, and music producer became a global phenomenon with his 2012 mega-hit, "Gangnam Style." The track not only made history as the first video to surpass one billion views on YouTube but also cemented Psy's status as an international icon of the Hallyu wave. Following the monumental success of "Gangnam Style," he went on to release a string of hits, including "Gentleman," "Daddy," and "New Face." He later founded the entertainment agency P Nation, where he has played a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting numerous prominent Korean 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 hit "That That"—a song that SUGA even collaborated, produced, and appeared in the music video for. Over the years, both Psy and BTS have frequently expressed mutual admiration and publicly supported each other's careers.

SUGA once shared, "He paved the way for K-pop in America, which allowed BTS to follow that path more freely." Conversely, Psy stated that BTS, in particular, fulfilled the dreams that he and "Gangnam Style" had left unaccomplished, such as reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 2020's "Dynamite" ("Gangnam Style" 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, he said, "When the song is a hit, then your songs need to continue to be hits. When the person is a hit, the success is more sustainable. In this case, I'm the former, and BTS is the latter."

The quote quickly garnered Widespread praise, as Psy's words—despite being spoken years ago—remain undeniably relevant today. It is undeniable that Psy skyrocketed to global stardom on the back of a single viral hit, "Gangnam Style." However, the pressure to replicate that unprecedented success was immense, and in reality, matching the monumental impact of his 2012 Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 hit proved to be an uphill battle.

BTS, on the other hand, stands as the ultimate example of "sustainable success." The group has consistently topped the Billboard charts with multiple smash hits, while the individual members have also reached No. 1 on Billboard through their solo projects. Furthermore, BTS made history as the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy nomination, earning nominations across multiple consecutive years for a total of five nominations. The group commands extraordinary fan loyalty, drives album sales, shapes cultural trends, sells out stadium tours, and influences the global entertainment market—even during extended period without released new music.

This was demonstrated once again when BTS returned with their album ARIRANG after three year and nine months 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, while ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the group's seventh chart topping album.

When Psy said, "the person is a hit," it can be interpreted as a reference to intellectual property (IP). BTS has evolved into a global mega-IP whose value extends far beyond any single song. Their strength lies in their brand, image, storytelling, and the profound cultural impact they have built over more than a decade. BTS exemplifies "sustainable success"—the rare ability to consistently produce top-tier hits over the long term, a level of longevity that no other K-pop group has yet matched.

Psy's perspective was brought back into the spotlight late last year, sparking intense debate after Blackpink's Rosé made headlines with her comments about her Grammys nomination during an interview with Billboard news. Rosé stated, "History of first Korean K-pop artist. That means a lot to me because I didn'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 deeply rooted in her culture receive a Grammy nomination proved to her that different cultures are appreciated and increasingly embraced.

In light of Psy's philosophy, many netizens categorized Rosé and her hit single "Apt." as once of 2025's biggest breakout phenomena. While fans do not diminish her achievements, they argue that it will be extremely difficult for her

find another "Apt.," particularly one achieved entirely under her own standalone name. They also pointed out that soprano Sumi Jo was the first Korean solo artist to win a Grammy, while BTS reached that milestone back in 2021—four years before Rosé's nomination.

Psy"s statement about BTS received overwhelming support from fans on social media.

ARMYs' Comments:

1. I said the same thing. I love Psy's songs, but his song was the hit. We didn't even know who he was—we just enjoyed the song. We didn't even know it was Korean. But with BTS, the group itself became the backbone for spreading their music and Korean culture while also increasing tourism.

2. That was 100% true. I'll listen to anything BTS puts out. Even if they recorded themselves coughing and sneezing and told me it was music, I'd buy it.

3. He clocked EVERYONE. Speaking nothing but facts. A legend recognizing another legend.

4. Psy's success is well deserved. He has remained humble, funny, and true to himself even after achieving worldwide recognition. That taxi chaser should take lesson from him.

5. This! It's fact and very wise words, Rosé wouldn't have even gotten a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 without Bruno Mars, yet Psy's one hit us worth far more.

6. He couldn't be more right. It takes incredible greatness to say something like that.

7. First K-pop artist? Do you think BTS are Indian then? Laugh all you want—it's all temporary. If BTS weren't as hardworking and talented as they are, I wouldn't be so confident. But they are, and I bet 2026 will make EVERYTHING clear. Let's see who is the first K-pop artist is then.

8. Psy has always been a real one. I'll never forget how he supported Yoongi.

9. I really can't deny that Psy is just that huge. But BTS, with all their humility and utmost respect, acknowledged Psy's fame. I'm so proud of them.

10. It's still vividly clear in my mind when the Grammys announced their nominations for this year, and a few days later an interview came out where Rosé bragged, claiming she was the "first K-pop artist to get a Grammy nomination." At the time, I was hanging out with my school friends from various fandom (ARMY, Blink, Carat, Belieber, and also some NCTzens and Bunnies), and we were all laughing at that interview. Even they knew that BTS was the first, not Rosé. Like idol, like fans. So damn lazy to check Google, even though it's free. Why is their hobby spreading fake news?