BTS finally reunited with all seven members on stage to celebrate their 12th anniversary at FESTA 2025 in Goyang.
Fans were excited, the group trended worldwide, and their Spotify numbers jumped by over 255% before the show. But something felt different. The fandom’s energy was not like before.
Here are five reasons why things have changed.
1. New K-pop Groups Are Rising
While BTS completed their military service, new K-pop groups took over the scene. SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, and many more gained millions of fans worldwide. SEVENTEEN’s recent tour made $98.4 million, becoming the biggest K-pop tour of 2024. Naturally, some BTS fans also started supporting these newer groups.
2. Solo Fans vs. Group Fans
Before enlisting, every BTS member started solo careers. Jungkook, Jimin, RM, V, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga all released solo albums. These projects were successful, but they also led to some fans focusing more on individual members rather than the group as a whole. This shift weakened the group’s united fan support.
3. HYBE’s Political Troubles
Many fans became unhappy with HYBE, BTS’s parent company. The agency faced global backlash over its ties with Scooter Braun and political issues, including calls for boycotts under the #HYBEDivestFromZionism trend. Some fans said they will only support BTS if they leave HYBE. This split has affected the fandom’s unity.
4. The NewJeans Controversy
HYBE also faced trouble with its girl group NewJeans. The fight between HYBE and ADOR’s ex-CEO Min Hee Jin caused NewJeans to go on hiatus, risking their future. Some BTS fans supported NewJeans, while others stood by HYBE, creating more division among K-pop fans.
5. Natural Fandom Changes
BTS ruled the global stage during the pandemic, but with long breaks, fans’ interests naturally shifted. New K-pop groups quickly filled the gap, grabbing headlines and winning global fans. BTS is still loved, but the K-pop world is much more competitive now.
BTS may be back, but the fandom is facing new challenges. The K-pop scene has changed, and BTS must now navigate this new world — with loyal ARMYs by their side or not.
