Why do people think BTS is getting overrated and/or overhyped?

A long and unnecessary thread of why people think BTS is getting overrated and/or overhyped.

PS: This thread is not to hate nor shade BTS.

Here are reasons why many people think BTS is getting overrated and/or overhyped— these reasons does not include discrimination against BTS members and/or their talents, we’re all very aware how these boys have worked hard to reach their dreams.

1. The fandom

BTS fandom known as ARMY/ARMIES— considered as one of the biggest if not the largest fanbase in kpop— tend to overhype their songs. Their past songs like ‘PTD’ ‘BUTTER’ ‘DYNAMITE’ are undeniably catchy and gives ‘fresh’ vibes that are many think is what western audience gives more attention to. Now, as it is very catchy, refreshing and does feel like it’s very unlike their past songs; armies kept streaming and bomboarding platforms like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok of the music until it became too much for others, just like how people feel when songs are overplayed in the radio or used in commercials which was also done to promote BTS’ music at the time. Also, many have noticed that armies tend to use phrases like “only BTS can do this” and such, that are very stereotypical.

Till this day, some armies tend to leave comments on clips of k-pop on various platforms with “BTS paved the way” “BTS ran so others could walk” “BTS is still better”. Which makes other k-pop stans irritated and/or annoyed as their sentiments are very disrespectful towards other idols who worked as hard as BTS so they could make it to the top. When these comments are asked how or why they say so, they usually say that “BTS is known worldwide” “They carried kpop”

These comments are what makes others think that BTS is getting overhyped because of how armies overly do it. Some may argue that these comments are true, but one could never deny that BTS isn’t the only group that made k-pop known, groups like BIGBANG, GOT7, WONDER GIRLS, GIRLS GENERATION, and many more older generation of k-pop groups are what people would say really helped k-pop to gain more recognition. BTS might have made k-pop known in the west but many believe that western acknowledgement isn’t what makes a figure ‘worldwide’ or ‘globally’ famous

2. Awards Shows

While BTS does deserve their awards— many have argued that award shows gives out these awards solely on popularity and not by talent; they believe that these award shows use BTS’ fame to gain views. If I may example a past award show, like MAMA 2019, which has been a big topic amongst others until today why they think BTS is overrated and/or overhyped.

Many state that MAMA 2019 felt more like a BTS concert rather than an actual award show, because of the unfair screentime that was given to other groups compared to BTS. Some quote that it seemed that even BTS themselves were exhausted due to the amount of screentime they had for their performance. Many were also shocked by the amount of awards given to BTS that other groups should’ve won.

It is said that MAMA was also unfair in terms of distributing awards like ‘Best Dance Performance’, as the results were— which may not be completely but mostly— based on fan votings. They argue that groups like ATEEZ, SEVENTEEN, and TXT would’ve gotten the award if the award was judged solely on Dance and/or Performance deliverance; not by fan votings, as it was obvious that fans would vote for their faves. Which was a disadvantage to groups that have a smaller fanbase, and an advantage for groups with a bigger fanbase such as BTS.

As true as it is that BTS is not at fault that these Award Shows use their fane for views, a lot of k-pop stans have stated that this is why they think that they are quite overhyped. The following statement is an opinion that I came across while I was making this;

BTS is very talented and I won’t deny that.. but some of their awards should’ve gone to other idols. I love them and their hard work shows that they’ve come so far by bagging these awards.. but I think they might need to step aside for other idols sometimes, as well as their fans. If these award shows continue to use fan votings for these awards, other idols that deserves recognition would only stand behind bigger groups when the majority also agree they would’ve won those awards.”

3. Song/Lyric Impact

A lot of kpop fans argue that BTS’ songs today has a completely different feel than their old songs. A lot of these fans are disappointed of the way their songs doesn’t have the same impact as they used to. Others think that it may be a change of concept while some, on the other hand think their music had changed, from k-pop… to a more western vibe. Many also think that BTS lyrics, which had a concept of ‘love yourself’ might be a little overused in their songs.

These sentiments may be considered as discrimination or hating towards BTS but it is the reality they must face as standards keeps getting raised by other idols known as of today. BTS themselves are extremely talented and are indeed outstanding performers, but a lot of kpop stans stand by their opinion that BTS does not reach the criteria to be classified as today’s “BEST GROUP’ known in kpop/worldwide

Now that their hiatus due to military enlistment is coming closer to an end, k-pop stans are worried that their future comeback may put other idols in the shadows once again. Fearing that once BTS comes back, the opportunity for idols to gain recognition will have a huge decrease.

This is not based on my personal opinion but based on what I’ve seen on various platforms such as Reddit, Quora and X (formerly Twitter) that many kpop stans agree on. Let me know if you have a different stand on this.