In the context of K-pop, “pave the way” is often understood as meaning that an artist or group has opened the door, laid the foundation, and broken barriers so that other K-pop artists can more easily enter the international market—especially the U.S. and Europe. The phrase has become highly controversial in K-pop because it no longer carries the simple meaning of “opening the way,” but has instead turned into a slogan αѕѕociated with “credit” and “merit.”

Meanwhile, “game changer” tends to be less toxic, as it is often used as a time-limited term—referring to a group, song, or comeback that, within a certain period of time, shifted trends, raised standards, or became a model that other groups and releases followed.

However, when “game changer” is used as a historical/legacy term, the debate can become nearly as intense as it is with “pave the way.” In this sense, “game changer” refers to someone who completely reshaped the landscape, created new standards, and left long-lasting influence on other groups and artists in the industry. Compared to “pave the way,” it becomes almost equivalent—making it a sensitive title that few people dare to αѕѕign to anyone.

Nevertheless, in a recent interview, TXT’s Taehyun boldly named BTS when asked: “When you hear the term ‘game changer’ what comes to mind? Is there anyone you consider a game changer?” His statement quickly drew attention online, especially because he framed the title in its legacy sense.

Specifically, he said: “As an artist, when I hear the term ‘game changer’, I think of someone who has a strong sense of individuality within their genre. However, I think that BTS can truly be called a game changer. They didn’t simply make K-pop popular, they raised it to soмєтнing premium. In that sense, BTS changed the K-pop scene itself. I really admire them, and because we are under the same company, it makes it even more meaningful and motivating for me.”

Taehyun pointed out that BTS not only brought K-pop to the world, but also elevated what was often viewed as mainstream pop into soмєтнing “premium” in the eyes of the international public. Moreover, his statement that BTS “changed the K-pop scene itself” suggests that the group completely transformed artistic standards for future generations of artists — this is what it means to be a game changer, but it is also the very definition of paving the way. When you change an entire "scene," you are also creating a new way for future generations that never existed before.

Taehyun’s remarks were not merely a casual compliment or a simple act of labeling BTS as “game changers.” They were also a way of reaffirming “BTS paved the way” on a deeper and more elevated level. The fact that a junior artist like Taehyun—someone actively working within the industry—used words like “admire” and “motivating” once again demonstrates BTS’s influence and standing in the K-pop industry.

Before Taehyun, many other artists had also acknowledged BTS’s position in this regard. In an interview with Forbes, TWICE’s Tzuyu once said: “There are so many K-pop artists who worked so hard so that K-pop can take the center stage. Many artists worked hard to contribute, and BTS played a big role in that.”

In an interview with NHK General!, LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin also candidly expressed: “I thought that through music, I wanna give courage and hope to people. For me, K-pop is the way to achieve that. After seeing BTS receive awards in the U.S., I realized that ‘Asians can succeed in the music industry too.’”

GOT7’s Jackson Wang once remarked, “BTS opened up the gate for everybody, especially for K-pop I’d say,” while SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi also affirmed: “Everyone knows that the K-pop industry was able to advance into the States because of BTS.”

This time, Taehyun’s statement further adds to the growing recognition from fellow artists toward the superstars—arguably the most meaningful proof of BTS’s undeniable “pave the way” status. ARMYs expressed pride in this and also praised Taehyun for openly sharing his perspective, commenting:

- Simply he wants to say that "BTS PAVED THE WAY". Good job Taehyunie

- txt is the only group that loves BTS without lying or being hypocritical in order to gain fame because of them

- another episode of taehyun doing the "real recognizes real"

- Honestly, all it takes is this kind of recognition—without throwing shade—just stating what the truth is

- txt only ever spit facts about bts and i love them for it

- We got a “BTS paved the way” article from the media and another idol saying bts paved the way right after kpop stans tried to credit 500 other artists yet again. Karma is an army fr

- one thing ab taehyun he’s always gonna praise bts ough my f*ckign family

- Say it louder for the people in the back. I’m so proud of BTS and so emotional by TXT x BTS