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BTS’ RM recently dropped his latest song Neva Play with American singer Megan Thee Stallion acknowledging the success of his group through the lyrics. In light of RM's latest song, netizens highlighted some of the big artists in the K-pop industry who agreed with his verse in the song, even before its release.
This includes the first-generation boy group Shinhwa's Dongwan, TWICE's Jihyo, Stray Kids’ Bangchan, Former Wonder Girls member and soloist Sunmi, and many more.
On September 6, Megan Thee Stallion released Neva Play featuring RM where his verse stated:
“Man we paved the way.”
Trending
The BTS leader's verse went viral on social media as fans could not stop talking about it, and it continued to trend on social media platforms like X. The phrase “paved the way”, is often used by ARMYs while speaking about the influence of the group over the K-pop industry and the global audience. Fans also use the same phrase to address anti-fans of the K-pop group dismissing the success of the group.
From Stray Kids' Bangchan to TWICE's Jihyo — All Korean artists credit BTS for K-pop's success in the West
Stray Kids’ Bangchan
In January 2022, Bangchan, the leader of JYP Entertainment boy group Stray Kids, played BTS’ Mikrokosmos in his live video session. He showed his respect for the group and called them legends for their achievements.
He said,
“They are legends. They paved the way, you have to admit. They paved the way. Mad respect to BTS, they're amazing.”
Shinhwa's Dongwan
In July 2018, Shinhwa member Dongwan voiced his thoughts on K-pop and its global popularity on tvN's Worldwide Correspondence. He revealed his views on the industry changed after BTS’ success.
He stated,
“I believe the group who broke all these stereotypes are BTS. I changed my way of thinking. (as a senior).”
TWICE's Jihyo
The Ellen Show held an exclusive interview of TWICE at the KCON LA in 2018, where the girl group leader Jihyo extended her gratitude towards the Butter singers for their success as it allowed them to promote their music in the West.
She said,
“We never thought K-pop would become so popular in America. BTS gave us an opportunity to be known more.”
Aliee
BTS became the first K-pop band to reach number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with their album Love Yourself: Tear. In August 2018, American-born Korean solo artist Ailee shared her thoughts on the group's achievement in a conversation with Reuters.
She said,
“The fact that they opened up those doors and cleared the way for us, it's a huge hope for us.”
GOT7's Jackson
Chinese singer and rapper Jackson Wang who debuted in the K-pop group GOT7 also shared his take on the Dynamite singers’ global popularity. In September 2019, during the Mac Eat segment of China Mac TV, Jackson stated,
“They definitely opened up the gate for everybody, especially for kpop I’d say.”
SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi
In February 2023, Hoshi of SEVENTEEN appeared on Suga's talk show Suchwita. Suga complimented SEVENTEEN for their music and rising popularity, stating that their talent was the reason behind their success. However, Hoshi responded that it was because of BTS that many artists are known in the United States and it was the same for SEVENTEEN.
Suga then stated that they may have opened the door a little, but he believed it was each artist's own skills and talents that made them popular.
Hoshi replied,
“You did a lot more than just opening the door.”
KARD
The four members of the co-ed K-pop group KARD, including J.Seph, BM, Somin, and Jiwoo, revealed in an interview with Newsen in 2018 that the love they received globally was because of BTS.
They said,
“Thanks to our seniors who paved the way.”
BM also shared receiving inspiration from RM as a rapper.
He said,
“First of all, they are seniors I really like. I've liked them since our debut. The sound is really sophisticated, so I want to learn from that part. I also respect senior RM's genius lyrics.”
Sunmi
Sunmi debuted in the JYP Entertainment girl group Wonder Girls in 2007. The girl group performed as an opening act for The Jonas Brothers in 2009. Following the group's disbandment Sunmi has continued releasing music as a soloist.
In 2019, in an interview with Billboard, she was asked about K-pop's evolution over the years, partially because of Wonder Girls.
She said,
“No, BTS”.
(G)I-DLE's Soyeon
(G)I-DLE's leader Soyeon shared her thoughts on the girl group covering the song Fake Love in 2018 in a Billboard interview. She shared her respect for the BIGHIT MUSIC group revealing that she received inspiration from them.
She said,
“We really respect them as artists. Since BTS did help and introduce so many people to so many artists, we’re influenced by them too. We would like to also strive for a similar path.”
Meanwhile, currently, RM, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are fulfilling their national duties in the military. The eldest member Jin became the first from the group to be discharged from his military duties in June 2024. Meanwhile, j-hope is expected to be discharged in October 2024.
