"There's NO next BTS!!!"- ARMYs outraged by Billboard Korea publisher's comment on discovering the next BTS

BTS fans, known as ARMYs, are furious over the Billboard Korea publisher's statement made during the announcement of the 'Billboard K Power 100' event, scheduled for August 27, 2024. It sparked controversy among fans, following a press release tied to the debut of Billboard Korea's first magazine issue.

In the press release, the magazine's publisher, Kim Yu-na, made a statement that stirred discontent among the fandom. She stated:

"We see this as an opportunity to discover the next BTS in the home of pop music and to provide a platform for Korean artists who have been aspiring to reach the global stage for years."

This statement raised eyebrows among fans, who questioned the necessity of finding a "next BTS," given the group's global success. One user on X (formerly Twitter), @Mauve_he_art, wrote:

"'goals of discovering the second BTS' There's NO next BTS!!!"

"BTS will never be replaced!," one fan said.

"It's been 6 yrs and they're still not finding," another fan wrote.

"The kpop industry is getting more and more pathetic," one fan remarked.

"Omg, give it up. Let other k-acts shine in their own light and colors instead of looking for “the next BTS”," another X user commented.

Fans of the group have expressed their frustration, noting that this isn't the first time they've encountered this narrative. They pointed out that this idea of finding "the next" has been repeated over the years.

Some fans recalled how Billboard Korea attempted a magazine relaunch in 2020 and organized the Billboard Korea Awards two years ago, with a similar goal in mind. Fans also pointed out that other groups should be encouraged to carve out their own unique identities rather than attempting to replicate another group.

"What is this even? Also let those groups find their own identity instead of trying to replicate it," one fan mentioned.

"Lmao. They have been playing this song for years now. I remember when BB Korea tried to relaunch magazine in 2020 , then they even held the k bb awards 2 yrs ago and the goal was to find the next bts. Now is BB K power 100 and the goal still the same."

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More about the Billboard K POWER 100 launch event, goals to find the next BTS & more

Billboard Korea is set to host the 'Billboard K POWER 100' event on August 27 at Yeong Bin Gwan Hall, located in the Shilla Hotel, Seoul. This occasion marks the official launch of Billboard Korea and celebrates the history of nearly a century of Korean popular music.

In addition to fostering and creating groups with a similar appeal to the HYBE group, the event aims to highlight the significant influence of Korean music, particularly K-pop, on the global music landscape.

During the event, Billboard Korea will unveil the inaugural issue of its magazine, "Billboard K Vol. 1," alongside a list of the top 100 most influential figures in the Korean music industry.

This event will be attended by industry insiders and notable figures, including the Brazilian singer Luísa Sonza, Filipino band SB19 along with Billboard CEO Mike Van and editorial director Hannah Karp.

Additionally, the event will feature the release of a K-music artist biographical dictionary in both Korean and English. It will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the current trends in K-pop as selected by Billboard headquarters.

This special edition is expected to be an annual publication, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of K-pop.

Billboard Korea, a part of Billboard Media was acquired by PMC Group in 2020. Meanwhile, it aims to position itself as a central hub for promoting K-culture and K-music globally to a wider audience.