Throughout more than a decade of a brilliant journey, BTS have gone far beyond being just a K-pop idol group to become a global phenomenon with an impressive collection of international awards. From the Billboard Music Awards and the αмєяι¢αn Music Awards to the MTV Europe Music Awards, their influence has extended well beyond South кσяєα, successfully conquering even the most demanding markets such as the United States and Europe.
However, for BTS, the concept of “limits” seems not to exist. The group continues to stride tirelessly toward new heights, including the Grammy Awards and, even further, the Nobel Prize!
As the most prestigious symbol of contributions to the advancement of humanity, the Nobel Prize is not reserved solely for laboratories or politicians. It also honors artists, social activists, and writers—anyone who uses their influence to create positive and humane change in the world.
This reality served as the foundation for Professor Kim Jeong-seop of Sungshin Women’s University, a specialist in кσяєαn culture, to boldly raise the possibility of “BTS winning a Nobel Prize” in his book BTS’s Worldview, published in September 2025. The book compiles arguments and reasoning grounded in literary and philosophical perspectives to demonstrate that his claim is plausible.
Professor Kim applies Gérard Genette’s “theory of ∂ιєgesis” to analyze 159 songs across 23 albums, and Kant’s “epistemological subject theory” to examine the objects of cognition within BTS’s music. He points out that BTS do not merely release individual singles or disconnected albums, but instead construct a grand narrative that reflects social reality, the pain of younger generations, and messages of hope and connection. BTS use music as a “map of life” for listeners—from complex inner emotions, to relationships with others, and ultimately to the shared emotional experiences of young people around the world.
He also highlighted that "Issues that darken our future—such as inequality, vested interests, polarization, the spoon clαѕѕ theory, regional conflicts, ŕäċïṩṃ, pαѕѕion pay, environmental destruction, and world peace—are widely distributed throughout their songs". He further evaluated that "Beyond the superficial label of a popular group, BTS has functioned as messengers of empathy with a "positive influence," encouraging, comforting, and cheering on the public and society while urging for the improvement of various social ills and systemic problems.'"
The book also highlights BTS’s social activism. Their participation in movements opposing hashtag ṟa̱c̱i̱s̱m̱ and their consistent messages about restoring community are cited as reasons why BTS are regarded not only as pop artists but also as messengers of peace.
BTS’s Worldview and Professor Kim’s αѕѕertions have received broad support from both industry experts and fans. Many acknowledge that while BTS’s dream of winning a Nobel Prize may still seem distant, it is not impossible.
In the history of the award, singer-songwriter Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for his songs carrying social, peace, and anti-war messages. Bono and the band Scorpions have also been nominated or called to receive the award for their social impact through music.
Meanwhile, when evaluated against criteria such as promoting peace, unity, and emotional healing through art, BTS demonstrate significant potential, as their music is closely tied to global messages of peace and love (notably in the LOVE YOURSELF and MAP OF THE SOUL album series). The group has also engaged in concrete social initiatives, including the “Love Myself” campaign, fundraising with UNICEF for over five years to combat νισℓєи¢є against children, and donating USD 1 million to the BLM movement (matched by an equivalent contribution from fans).
BTS have also moved the world three times with speeches delivering messages about mental health awareness, anti-νισℓєи¢є, the pursuit of peace, and international solidarity at major events such as the 2018 UN General Assembly, the 75th UN General Assembly in 2020, and the 76th UN General Assembly & Sustainable Development Goals Moment in 2021.
Notably, this coming March, BTS are set to continue their musical journey with their fifth full-length studio album, ARIRANG, following more than three years of group hiatus due to military service. The album is said to “focus on the group's origins and their inner stories," which also, "symbolically expresses the longing and deep love held by members who started in кσяєα and have now taken the world stage." Observers believe this comeback will further intensify the sense of universal empathy among global au∂ιєnces.
As news of the book’s publication spread, online communities quickly erupted in discussion. One netizen commented, "This is how the world truly sees them, not the way spineless kpoppies and twinks, try to paint them on X and other platforms".
Others added remarks such as: "The locals definitely need to read this first coz their own country tend to dismiss their impact and reach beyond k-p0p", "I’s not that crazy to imagine BTS winning a Nobel Prize one day. Their music have inspired millions, saved lives, and brought people together worldwide. That’s what peace is all about", "I think it’s too early to talk about that but I still respect their impact",...
