BTS is Back: Can the Kings of K-Pop Still Reign in a Changed Landscape?
- lewishooper1
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
BTS returns to a K-pop world in flux. Can they reclaim their throne? We explore how these kings can return to their former glory and take 2025 by the K-pop reigns?
BTS is Back: Returning to a Changed K-Pop Landscape
After a grueling 18 long months of military service, which is a requirement for all Korean men, all of the BTS members have completed their service. It has been confirmed that BTS is officially returning to the global stage later in 2025!
2022 saw the band reach the height of their career and popularity; however, as their return comes, it is a pivotal time for the K-pop industry, with many stars facing cancellation and scandals like never before, not to mention that it has become even more competitive than it once was.
Many K-pop insiders and critics, have suggested that the BTS members are about to step back into a very different industry to the one they left from. The industry is currently grappling with stagnant album sales, and growing scrutiny over the intense pressure placed on its stars.
The ARMY Awaits with Bated Breath!
Currently, there are no plans for all seven BTS members to appear at an event together, that said it has not stopped ARMY from gathering in the humid summer heat in Goyang for the 2025 BTS Festa.
The 2025 BTS Festa attracted ARMY from all over the world, and it was reported by locals there that there appeared to be more foreign visitors than native Koreans! This just goes to show the global backing that the BTS members have.
Navigating K-Pop's New Era
The K-pop industry beyond ARMY and BTS is now a challenge. From the moment BTS went on their military career break, other K-pop sensations from that time period such as BLACKPINK also embarked on their solo careers, and this has meant that the girls have not dropped an album as a group since September 2022. These two groups were once the leaders of K-pop's third generation. Do they still have what it takes to dominate the charts at home and abroad?
Many K-pop fans seem to think so, because the fresh faces of K-pop seem to lack the charisma and stand out names like BTS, as the industry has started to become more diverse than it ever has. This can be seen in a range of the amount of smaller scale, yet very popular experimental groups!
What can we expect from BTS?
As the group have only very recently all fully completed their military service, they have confirmed that they just want to lie low for a little bit. Which is totally fair enough, and this has sparked rumors that the group may not fully come back together and create new music until early next year. J-Hope still has his domestic concerts scheduled for this year, and Jin is also set to hold concerts for fans globally.
Suga, after his dunk driving scooter saga last year, also may want to lie low for a little, to give ARMY and the public a chance to forgive and forget this foolish incident a little longer.
But a new group album may not come until early next year because J-Hope still has domestic concerts scheduled, and Jin is set to hold concerts for fans across the world over the next few months. It's also possible Suga, who landed in controversy after he was caught drunk-driving a scooter last year, may want to lie low for a little while.
Do the Kings of K-pop still have a place at the top? Leave a comment and let the Dojeon team know your thoughts!
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