Where did the “Kal-gunmu” go? ... Those who question BTS “at its peak” [Breakthrough]

They are undoubtedly the quintessential idols, but attention is now being paid to how long that status will last. Some fans’ views on the musical direction of BTS, the guidepost of K-pop, are beginning to diverge.

Looking at the recent mood in the music industry, questions have started to be raised about those who remain at their peak with their fifth full-length album, ‘Arirang,’ after their military hiatus. Among fans who had expected powerful performances, disappointment over the change has been voiced.

In the past, songs such as ‘DNA,’ ‘Fire,’ ‘I Need You,’ and ‘Not Today’ symbolized the team’s identity with explosive energy and highly polished synchronized choreography. Such stages were more than just music; they were a core competitive edge that set BTS apart on the global stage.

However, more subdued songs like the recently released ‘Swim’ are said to be of a different character from this trend. Despite the positive aspect of musical expansion, criticism has emerged that the group’s signature intensity is being diluted as English-centered pop sounds, aimed at the global market, become more common.

A music industry insider recently said of BTS’s music, “It is clear they put a lot of thought into the new release, but it is also hard to deny that the previous intensity and performance have disappeared,” adding, “It is disappointing that they do not seem to be paying a little more attention to the performance that was such a decisive reason for BTS’s global popularity.”

Such reactions were also confirmed recently at the Goyang concert venue. Throughout the show, various stages including new songs continued, but the moment that sparked the most enthusiastic response from fans was the synchronized dance segment performed by all members together. As the razor-sharp choreography and overwhelming stage energy began, the audience’s cheers and support grew noticeably louder, a scene that showed fans still long most for a “performance-driven BTS.”

Another disappointment is evident in the response surrounding the new song ‘Body to Body.’ Although the track has been well received for its powerful sound, the lack of a performance music video or choreography video that visually interprets it is deepening fans’ frustration. That is why reactions such as “It is a song that is complete only when seen on stage together” are pouring in.

The problem is that this trend may not be a one-time issue. BTS will kick off a full-fledged world tour starting with this Goyang concert. It is an important moment as they meet fans from various cities, but there are concerns that if the current performance setup and repertoire are repeated, they may not fully satisfy the “explosive live experience” that fans are expecting.

Global fans do not simply consume new songs. What excites them is still powerful beats, highly polished synchronized choreography, and performances that dominate the stage. This has already been clearly shown in the reactions at concert venues and in the evaluations of the new songs.

Of course, among the new album tracks, ‘2.0’ does feature a performance based on stylish and refined choreography, but it does not have the same firepower as before. Moreover, it merely adds a feeling to each member’s movements, and does not show a large-scale performance or sharply defined formations.

This is a time when both the agency and the artists need to more actively embrace the reactions of domestic and overseas fans and take a flexible approach to reflecting them in the direction of the stage and music. Rather than simply making safe choices aimed at the global market, is it not time to strengthen again the performance-centered identity that only BTS can present?

The upcoming world tour will be the proving ground for that change. The answer to what fans truly want is already there. From now on, how they respond to that voice is expected to determine what comes next for them.

[Jiseung-hoon, Star Today reporter]