Which K-Pop Group Reigns Supreme in America: BTS or Monsta X?
You might find it hard to find a more contentious non-political battle than the fight between K-pop fandoms. Since the dawn of the American K-pop obsession, BTS has dominated the charts and airwaves. However, a recent study put out by the South Korean government gave us a glimpse at just how popular the genre has become.
K-pop groups took America by storm
Despite BTS’s great American success story, it’s hard to forget Korean pop sensation Psy’s stranglehold with his 2012 hit “Gangnam Style.” Since then, music from around the world has become more accessible thanks to TikTok, YouTube, and other streaming services. While international music artists are nothing new, Korean music is more prominent in America than ever before.
BLACKPINK, BoA, SHINee, BIGBANG, Girls’ Generation, and more, K-pop is a unique blend of American music that made its way overseas and returned through a Korean filter. As a whole, pop groups like these have not performed well since the new millennium. Now, it’s a cultural juggernaut with a loud and loyal following.
The South Korean study, as published by KPopMap, indicates that BTS still reigns supreme. However, other groups like Monsta X are making waves, too.
BTS is way more popular in America than Monsta X
It comes as no surprise that BTS dominates the American K-pop scene. Yes, the six-man group has received plenty of accolades back in Korea. But their American success story is not only due to record sales and passionate fans.
Several major American award shows have solidified the band as one of the most celebrated groups since One Direction burst onto the scene. From the American Music Awards to fan-driven shows like the People’s Choice awards, BTS resonates with fans and critics alike.
Despite all of the group’s awards worldwide, none bear the weight that their Grammy nominations have these last two years. The group made history in 2021 with their Best Pop Duo nomination for the hit track “Dynamite,” which they also performed at the show. While they did not win last year, they’ll have another chance. “Butter” received a nomination at this year’s ceremony, too.
Plenty of K-pop bands have sold out American stadiums and concert venues. None hold the weight that BTS does with American audiences. If contemporaries like Monsta X have their way, perhaps a new generation of talent will solidify K-pop’s grip on the music world.
Monsta X comes to America
Casual American audiences might not know Monsta X as well as BTS, but they’re already making waves with young American audiences. According to Fandom, the newer K-pop group was formed in conjunction with the musical survival series No Mercy in 2015. Like BTS, the band has six members representing different pop-inspired personas.
The band received an MTV VMA nomination alongside BTS in 2020 for their video “Someone’s Someone.” As Billboard reports, they performed “Who Do U Love” at the 2019 Teen Choice Awards. The group’s harmonies combined with catchy hooks and meticulous choreography make them a sell-out act across America.
It’s hard to outdo pioneers like BTS, but groups like Monsta X show it’s not a one-hit genre. Psy may have come and gone in 2012, but BTS brought dozens of bands like them to American audiences. Now, they have the genre category at rewards shows and millions of fans selling out venues.
