The competition over achievements among K-pop idol groups is always fierce. However, from the idols’ perspective, they consistently show respect and compete fairly with one another. On the other hand, it’s difficult for fandoms to remain calm, as everyone wants to hail their own idols as number one.
A topic that often sparks debate within the K-pop community is the title “the biggest K-pop group in history.” The phrase itself carries an absolute αѕѕertion and heavy weight when attached to a specific group’s name. For this reason, the media usually avoids using it or only employs it when there is broad consensus, such as when referring to BTS.
However, the global music magazine Rolling Stone was considered to have made a major “error” by using this phrase without caution. Specifically, in an article analyzing why BLACKPINK missed out on a Grammy New Artist nomination, published on December 7, Rolling Stone introduced the group as "(without a doubt) the biggest K-pop group in history.” Such an absolute statement is rarely used, which quickly sparked controversy.
Many pointed out that BLACKPINK may deserve titles like “the most successful global K-pop girl group” or “the most influential K-pop girl group.” But calling them as “the greatest K-pop group in history" in the way Rolling Stone glorified is not reasonable.
Objective metrics such as album sales, award records, Billboard achievements, cultural influence, breakthrough contributions, sustained activity, years of dominance, and music output show that BLACKPINK still lags behind other groups. In particular, people often use BTS as a concrete benchmark and note that the seven HYBE superstars are far ahead of YG’s four girls.
Moreover, many also argue that simply observing how widely BTS is recognized by the media and international celebrities makes it clear who truly is “the greatest K-pop group in history.”
In 2022, IFPI used the phrase “21st century pop icons BTS” when announcing BTS as the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year in their official press release. Coldplay and many other media outlets have also αѕѕociated this title with BTS in various online articles.
On their official artist biography page, Grammy emphasizes that: “BTS have redefined the global music industry with their genre‑blending sound, powerful performances, and authentic storytelling.”
Meanwhile, most major international news outlets, such as CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and even Rolling Stone itself, have used phrases like “The Biggest Boyband in the World” or “Global Superstars” when referring to BTS in the context of sold-out stadium tours, dominating Billboard charts, or speaking at the United Nations.
In 2018 and 2020, TIME included BTS in its “100 Most Influential People” list and called them “The Most Influential K-pop Group in History.” Meanwhile, Vulture (New York Magazine) and The Guardian referred to the seven members as the “Kings of K-pop.”
Amid the controversy, Rolling Stone υиєχρє¢тє∂ly revised the phrase to “the biggest K-pop girl group” about six hours later. This move by the global music magazine only further fueled the anger. While BLACKPINK fans were disappointed by the editor’s wavering decision, other fans were not appeased either. They pointed out from the outset that the publication should not have made such a basic mistake.
Currently, Rolling Stone’s article remains a hotly debated topic on social media:
- No one has even gotten close. And the list of “First to” in regards to awards, shows, and charts is way too long to even type out. Rolling Stone shouldn't make this kind of mistake
- Here some perspective - even Itzy has sold more albums that BP. LOL. Forget about being the biggest Kpop group - they are not even the biggest kpop girl group.
- So much for editorial confidence… Rolling Stone can’t even stand by their own words. First ‘the greatest K-pop group in history’, now changed. Pathetic.
- Jokes aside, BP is indeed very influential, I think, but more in terms of how their fans perceive themselves and them—the bad∂ιє image, the fashion, the looks, the lifestyle, etc.—than in terms of the music. They had some powerful нιтs, some of which are still on my playlist, but that's a different story.
- it's 2025 and people still try to undermine bts' global influence and success... smh
- Even amongst just girl groups, it's debatable, not "without doubt." Why Rolling Stones can direactly mentioned that
- Seriously, Rolling Stone? You put it out there and then pull it back within hours? Fans deserved better than this wishy-washy move
- You clearly didn’t think this through, Rolling Stone. Writing it up and then revising it so quickly just shows a lack of respect for both the artists and the readers
- This mess was easily avoidable. Newspapers and news sites should care less about showy titles and do more research before writing about anyone.
- Have no consistent comebacks , rarely do shows and what not, they still famous on the song that was a нιт YEARS ago. All 4 of them are self promoting now so as a group imo they're ∂єα∂. I've was a fan of them FROM their debut and now I rather listen to ACTUAL kpop groups that are consistent. Calling them the biggest girl group is just a huge lie, when all they have is songs that are in still 2 digit numbers (33 total songs btw lol)
