It seems the ARMYs are not okay with the South Korean Government's recent announcement. The South Korean government is planning to build a 'K Content Cultural Complex' with a 5 trillion won funding initiative to discover the next big stars like BTS and another hit like ''Parasite.'' A recent Seoul Newspaper report quoted the Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, who faced significant criticism for mentioning the popular K-pop group now serving in the military. The complex is expected to become a key landmark for K Contents by 2035. BTS’ Jimin To Drop His Sophomore Solo Album ‘Muse’ on July 19; Sends ARMYs Into Frenzy.

South Korea's Ambitious Quest to Discover the 'Next BTS'

BTS, the globally renowned seven-member K-pop band, has achieved unprecedented popularity, prompting the South Korean government to focus on nurturing more talent in the K-pop genre. The band, consisting of Jin, Suga, Jimin, RM, Taehyung, J-Hope, and Jungkook, has significantly boosted the country’s culture and tourism. Recognising their impact, Jeon Byeong Geuk, the First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced plans to support the development of new musicians to emulate BTS's success.

“We will support the entire cycle of musician development for capable small and medium-sized agencies to discover the next BTS,” said the official. This statement sparked heated debates online, with BTS fans, known as ARMY, expressing outrage at the idea of replicating the iconic group. Some fans saw this as an insult to other K-pop bands, suggesting they were being deemed inferior by comparison to BTS.

The government's objective is to reach a content export target of $25 billion (around 34.5 trillion won) by 2027, aiming to become one of the four global powerhouses in entertainment. However, some fans feel that the obsession with finding "the next BTS" undermines the efforts of active K-pop groups, suggesting they are unfairly measured against an almost unattainable standard. Is BTS Jimin Ready To Release His Next Music 'Muse'? Big Hit Entertainment Shares Insta Reel With ‘Coming Soon’ Caption (Watch Video).

Netizens Reaction

Yoongi Said it...

No Replacements, Please

No Next BTS 

We Believe That

This isn't the first instance of government discussions about finding the 'Next BTS', as the group's rising fame has significantly bolstered South Korea's economy. Back in 2019, the same instances happened. The rapper quotes, "I don't think there could be a '2nd BTS.'" He explained, "I think a '2nd so-and-so' does not exist. When you're young, there are heroes that you look up to. When I first started music, I also wanted to be like the ones I admired but I didn't become them. I became BTS. Rather than saying having the '2nd BTS,' I think it'll be better to produce other great artists and singers." 

Check Out Suga/Yoongi's Comment 

Netizens are fuming over the South Korean government’s plan to fund the search for the next K-pop group, suggesting they could replicate BTS’s success. ARMYs firmly believe there will never be another BTS, and they’re right – the original is always original, and copies just don’t cut it. The government’s move has sparked a heated debate, highlighting the unique and irreplaceable impact of BTS.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2024 03:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).