K-Pop Fandom Clash: Rolling Stone Sparks BLACKPINK vs BTS Debate

A recent Rolling Stone article published on November 7, 2025, has ignited a massive K-pop fandom controversy, highlighting the intense rivalry between the supporters of global music giants BLACKPINK and BTS. The piece, which questioned why BLACKPINK was not nominated for a Grammy Best New Artist award, initially described the group as “without a doubt, the biggest K-pop group in history,” sparking an immediate and organized backlash from BTS’s fanbase.

The Rolling Stone Article and Fandom Backlash

The controversy began when the music publication made the bold claim in its analysis of the Grammy nominations. Fans of BTS quickly mobilized, presenting a wealth of objective data including album sales, major awards, and global chart performance to challenge the statement. The passionate response from the K-pop fandom demonstrated a deep sensitivity to how their favorite groups are portrayed in global media. This swift, organized reaction highlights what K-Pop fandoms do beyond music, as they actively work to protect their group’s legacy and achievements.

Approximately six hours after the article’s publication, Rolling Stone amended the text. The description of BLACKPINK was changed from “the biggest K-pop group in history” to “the biggest K-pop girl group,” a move seen as a direct result of the fandom’s pressure.

BLACKPINK’s Defense and Global Streaming Charts

In response to the debate, BLACKPINK’s fans rallied to defend their group’s status, pointing to their formidable presence on streaming platforms. They emphasized the group’s dominance on YouTube and celebrated the success of their new song ‘JUMP’. The track notably became the longest-charting song by a K-pop group on the Spotify Global Chart in 2025, underscoring their sustained international appeal and the power of their K-pop fandom.

Rosé and BLACKPINK Dominate YouTube Music

Recent streaming data further solidifies BLACKPINK’s powerful position. Member Rosé was named the most-streamed K-pop artist on YouTube Music over the past 12 months, accumulating an astounding 4.14 billion views. This marks a historic first for a solo K-pop artist. In the group rankings, BLACKPINK led the pack, followed by NewJeans and BTS, who secured the top three spots. The data also showed a strong performance from 5th-generation group BABYMONSTER, indicating a highly competitive landscape on global streaming charts.

A Reflection of K-Pop’s Global Influence

The entire incident serves as a powerful testament to the influence and passion of modern K-pop fandoms. A single phrase from a major foreign media outlet became a significant point of contention, proving that the battle for titles like ‘biggest group’ is fought fiercely by fans armed with data and metrics. The controversy between BLACKPINK vs BTS supporters underscores the growing global influence of K-pop, where fan communities play a crucial role in shaping narratives and holding media accountable. This event is a clear example of the unstoppable rise of K-Pop fandom and its impact worldwide.

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