The distribution of lines in K-pop groups is a “sensitive” topic that sometimes sparks controversy within fandoms. For groups with many members, balancing each individual’s presence within a song that lasts only 3–4 minutes is a difficult task. It’s not uncommon for some members to have more lines while others have fewer, or for a track to feature more rap than vocals—or vice versa.
This can lead some fans to feel that their favorite idols—those with fewer parts—are being treated unfairly. Even within the fandom of BTS, debates over this issue still arise from time to time, despite the group having released hundreds of songs over the past 13 years. While line distribution can be a big concern for fans, it is not necessarily as important to the artists themselves.
In a recent solo interview with Rolling Stone as part of the magazine’s May cover project, V directly addressed this topic and revealed how BTS approach line distribution.
Specifically, Rolling Stone senior writer Brian Hiatt asked V: “In a group of 7 members, there’s only so much sonic real estate. Does ego ever get involved; ‘I would like to be more on this song’ or ‘This song where I'm featured more didn't make it’?”
In response, V shared that his main concern has always been whether he can do a good job with the part he is given. He candidly stated: “Well, I think I was more worried about being able to do a good job. (…) But if I ever have fewer parts or I'm taking a less central part in a song, I don't feel bad about that. Because another member will take that place. I just feel relieved, in a way.”
To sum it up, V explained how BTS handle situations when a song doesn’t fully work for them: “The only thing is, if the seven of us don't mesh, we just pαѕѕ on that song.”
V’s response immediately stood out for reflecting the mindset of a true professional performer: prioritizing the overall quality of the music over personal ego. The logic is clear—if another member’s vocal tone or sкιℓℓ better suits a particular part, stepping aside is the most effective way to perfect the song. Rather than feeling overshadowed, V views it as a way of sharing the burden, allowing each member to focus entirely on what they do best.
Notably, BTS’s working principle—“if we don’t mesh, we pαѕѕ on the song”—is equally significant. They would rather give up a potentially promising track than release soмєтнing where the chemistry between members feels forced or lacks harmony. This also means that once a song is released, all seven members have agreed that it represents the version where they connect best, regardless of how many lines each person sings.
All of this helps explain how BTS have maintained a stable seven-member lineup for over 13 years while avoiding negative internal conflicts. Hearing V’s perspective, fans couldn’t help but be impressed:
- This level of understanding comes from 100% pure love no wonder why their bond is so strong they genuinely care about each other, the group and music. They don't care about the spotlight they know at the end of the day it's for all 7.
- How many times do they have to stress to everyone that their first priority is BTS. They can love/support their group and still have solo career. Solos make division and causes unnecessary animosity that not there. They are telling you how they feel so leave it alone.
- Have long preached that BTS do Not care or count line distribution per song. They Unite as One to make Historic Gold or they pαѕѕ on a project. Among Groups you’ll not find another who exist and breathe for one another. The only quarrels they have are invented by clueless medlars
- And this is why they are what they are. It’s why 7 incredible solo artists can be part of the group
- This the beauty of BTS members they never jealous of other members...that why they hold strong bond
- They have such a high level of respect and regard for one another, it’s truly admirable!
- They’re artists and musicians with integrity. and if you’re honest with your craft you will know if another member will be better on soмєтнing than you and thats okay!
- That's what makes their bond so strong too!!! They are happy to see each other success and they aren't jealous if someone has the spotlight. That's why they invited each other to their solo tours and all
At the same time, V’s comments are not entirely new when viewed in the context of how BTS members have spoken about their bond and teamwork over the years. SUGA once responded to a question about competition within the group by saying: “Are you competitive with your family members? Do you get jealous if your brother or your sister does well? We’re real brothers, period. If I do well, that’s good. If my family members do well, that’s even better".
He continued, “If you live for 13 years in one house under the same roof 24/7, you become a family. A lot of people think that the relationships between K-pop band members are kind of fake, but that’s not true. For me, it’s more like, ‘Oh, Jimin, hi! You made it to the Hot 100, I’m so proud of you!’”
Jin once explained the secret behind BTS maintaining their lineup over time: “It’s hard to maintain a team if there is a person who wants to do whatever he wants as he thinks he is successful. However, each one of us does not cross the line and concedes what he wants to do for the other members.”
Meanwhile, RM famously described BTS with a metaphor: “The seven of us are on a boat, looking in different directions, but going the same way.” He further elaborated: “If you ask why we stay together, we may be good at different things and may want to do different things to make soмєтнing happen with our singing and dancing. (…) Although we didn’t realize it in the past, we came together under the same goal of seeing how far we could go with our singing and dancing.”
