Although BTS has achieved worldwide success, their songs are not exempt from being banned from Korean broadcast should they not be deemed appropriate. These 13 BTS songs have been banned from public broadcasts for various reasons, with one additional track added that was banned from gyms in Seoul.
1. “Can You Turn Off Your Cell Phone?”
Released on their DARK&WILD album in 2014, the song’s lyrics criticize the heavy use of cell phones by younger generations. This song was banned for its reference to the Korean brand Lotto.
2. “2nd Grade”
Another song from their DARK&WILD album, this song was banned for inappropriate language.
3. “BTS Cypher Pt.3: KILLER (Feat. Supreme Boi)”
The track performed by Suga, J-Hope, RM, and Supreme Boi was also released on DARK&WILD. The song was banned for its inappropriate references, use of swear words, and mention of brand names.
4. “Hold Me Tight”
This song was released on the group’s 2015 album, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 1. Fans believe “Hold Me Tight” made the list for its reference to drinking alcohol.
5. “Converse High”
“Converse High” was also on The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 1. This song is restricted because of its reference to brand names such as Alexander McQueen and Chanel.
6. “Boys With Fun”
Another The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 1 release, “Boys with Fun,” was banned for using a Chinese phrase meaning “did you eat yet?” which sounds similar to a swear word in Korean.
7. “Dope”
From the same album, BTS’s popular song “Dope” was banned for its “vulgar lyrics”.
8. “INTRO: Never Mind”
This song performed by J-Hope, RM, and Suga is banned for its use of curse words. It was included on their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2 album in 2015.
9. “Whalien 52”
“Whalien 52” is another The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 2 track. This song also included the use of swear words.
10. “Ma City”
“Ma City” is on BTS’s album, The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, which was released in 2016. This song hit the ban list before the full version was even released. KBS noted that the reason was its reference to the brand name KIA.
11. “Sea”
“Sea” was included as a hidden track on BTS‘s physical album release of Love Yourself: Her in 2017. This song was also restricted from broadcast for inappropriate language.
12. “Go Go”
This fun song with an irresistible dance was banned for its use of slang. “Go Go” was also released on BTS’s Love Yourself: Her.
13. “Pied Piper”
This other Love Yourself: Her hit was banned for its mention of social media sites such as Twitter.
