The Academy Awards has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the global entertainment industry. This year, the 98th ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in the United States on the morning of March 16, hosted by renowned comedian Conan O'Brien, and brought together many of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Notably, K-pop fans witnessed a major milestone this year when the animated film K‑Pop Demon Hunters achieved a historic double victory. The Netflix blockbuster won Best Animated Feature, beating a number of heavyweight contenders from major studios such as Zootopia 2, Arco, and Elio. That was not all—the song Golden from the film was later announced as the winner of Best Original Song, earning the production its second Oscar of the night.
The achievements of K-Pop Demon Hunters and “Golden” quickly became a hot topic among global fans in the hours following the ceremony. Beyond the wins themselves, the live performance of “Golden” by Huntrix—featuring artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—also caught attention because of a detail never seen before in Oscars history: actors, celebrity guests, and the au∂ιєnce in the theater were all seen waving lightsticks to cheer for the performers. The lightstick had a circular design resembling a light bulb that emitted a bright wнιтe glow.
Before the global rise of K-pop, lightsticks were not a common item at concerts or performances in the West. Au∂ιєnces typically cheered artists using glowing wristbands, glow sticks, or the flashlight feature on their phones. The Oscars in particular had almost never distributed lightsticks at its ceremonies in the past, which made the moment feel especially surprising to many viewers online.
What drew even more attention was that as soon as the images began circulating on social media, many netizens and ARMYs immediately αѕѕociated the lightsticks with the official lightstick of BTS—the ARMY Bomb—as well as the group’s well-known reputation for having “paved the way” over the past decade.
One fan commented, “The concept of BTS’ debut leading to the film industry’s biggest stars waving lightsticks at the Oscars,” reflecting on the significant progress K-pop has made on the global stage—progress many attribute largely to BTS’s groundbreaking impact over the years. Coincidentally, in a video posted on the official Netflix account on X on March 15, REI AMI also mentioned BTS, saying: “We know there wouldn’t have been K-Pop Demon Hunters if you hadn’t paved the way.”
In the story of “Golden” winning at the Oscars—or more broadly, K-pop’s growing presence in the international market—the influence of BTS as pioneers is often highlighted and widely recognized. From achieving the first No.1 нιтs for a K-pop group on the Billboard Hot 100, to becoming the first K-pop act to win Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, to earning historic nominations at the Grammy Awards, BTS has repeatedly expanded the boundaries for кσяєαn artists on the global stage. Even now, as they prepare to return with their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, their influence remains unprecedented—many believe they have fundamentally reshaped the rules of the global music industry.
Another moment that delighted ARMYs came when actor Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted waving a wнιтe lightstick that looked strikingly similar to an ARMY Bomb. DiCaprio had previously described himself as a fan of BTS and once revealed that his favorite song by the group is Blood Sweat & Tears. One fan jokingly commented, “What do you mean Leo DiCaprio got a lightstick before Weverse delivered my version 4 Ami Bam?”
Amid the celebratory atmosphere surrounding K-Pop Demon Hunters’ victory at the Oscars and the five-day countdown to the return of the “biggest boyband in the world” with ARIRANG, the moment has sparked more discussion than ever across social media:
- They really look like Army Bombs but bigger lol. For a hot second I legit thought those were ARMY Bombs based on the shape when the song first opened!!!
- That’s literally the army вσмв in disguise. Seriously though, the singer of Golden also acknowledged that BTS paved the way. Everything connects so perfectly it’s almost unbelievable. It’s truly iconic
- Not them borafying the Oscar’s. Inever thought i would see these big actors hold what looks a lot like an army вσмв.
- I mean the director is hamish hamilton. This dude even has BTS cb performance. Broo is booked and busy.
- Thank god BTS debuted or we’d all still be clapping like cavemen at award shows. No purple sticks = no civilization.
- Leonardo DiCaprio was waving a lightstick. Think about it. He is truly ARMY, you know
- Seeing lightsticks at the Oscars feels surreal. BTS really changed the game
- Everything about this moment screams ‘BTS paved the way.’ I’m so proud
- From stadium oceans of ARMY Bombs to lightsticks at the Oscars… the influence is real
- The fact that people immediately thought of BTS says everything about their legacy
