BTS’s music video for “IDOL” surpassed 1.4 billion views on YouTube, becoming the group’s fifth video to reach this milestone. Big Hit Music announced the achievement on July 29, 2026, highlighting the song’s enduring global popularity.
Released in August 2018 as the title track of the repackaged album ‘LOVE YOURSELF 結 Answer,’ “IDOL” attracted attention for its unique fusion of South African beats and traditional Korean rhythms and chants. The song’s playful calls, such as “Eolsu jota, jihwaja jota, deonggideo kungdeoreo,” blend with African rhythms, creating a sound that resonated worldwide.
The music video features dazzling visuals, including tropical savanna landscapes, traditional Korean Bukcheong lion-dance elements, and a mix of Euro-Asian and Korean architectural styles. The choreography creatively combines African dance moves like the Guaraguao with Korean traditional dance, showcasing BTS’s cultural artistry.
“IDOL” remains a highlight in BTS’s ongoing world tour ‘ARIRANG,’ which started in April 2026 and is one of the largest K-pop tours to date. The video also won “Music Video of the Year” at the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards, cementing its significance.
On July 29, 2026, BTS declared their decision to boycott the 69th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2027. They criticized the Recording Academy’s introduction of a new “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category, which groups K-pop with J-pop and C-pop under a regional label.
BTS expressed their hope that music would be judged without divisions by region or language, emphasizing that it should be appreciated for its artistic value alone. Their label, HYBE, stated that decisions about Grammy submissions depend on each artist and their respective labels, respecting individual choices.
Industry experts suggest that other K-pop groups like BLACKPINK and Stray Kids might be strong contenders for Grammy recognition, given their major concert tours and presence at prominent music festivals. However, BTS’s boycott highlights ongoing discussions about representation and categorization within major Western music awards.
