The K-pop world erupted in controversy when BigHit Music announced their 2025 global auditions with language that suggested they were searching for “BTS’s successors.” What should have been exciting news about discovering new talent has instead sparked fierce backlash from ARMY, who are defending their beloved group’s irreplaceable legacy.
Table of Contents
BTS Controversial Announcement
On Friday, September 19, 2025, BigHit Music announced its 2025 global auditions, with applications open between September 19 and December 7. Any male born in or after 2007 is eligible to apply for what the company described as a search for the next generation of K-pop stars—language that many interpreted as seeking BTS replacements.
The company promised “a unique experience that goes beyond a simple audition and combines K-pop and AI technology,” but it was their apparent positioning of the search as finding BTS’s successors that ignited fan fury across social media platforms.
Global Audition Schedule and Details
| Audition Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Period | September 19 – December 7, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Males born in or after 2007 |
| Format | Online worldwide + Onsite in major cities |
| October Cities | Los Angeles, Toronto |
| November Cities | Sydney, Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Osaka, Tokyo |
| December Cities | Taipei, Seoul |
The Search Goes Global
While the online auditions are applicable worldwide, there will also be onsite talent searches across various cities spanning multiple continents. This massive scope demonstrates BigHit Music’s ambition to discover talent from diverse backgrounds, potentially creating their next global sensation.
The inclusion of AI technology in the audition process represents an innovative approach to talent scouting, though this technological advancement has been overshadowed by the succession controversy.
Why ARMY Is Fighting Back
The backlash centers on what fans perceive as BigHit Music’s attempt to replicate or replace BTS rather than develop unique new artists. Many were unhappy with the agency’s search for the next BTS. People criticized the agency’s perspective on recreating a group similar to their seniors and explained that there will only be one BTS, given their authenticity, impact, and influence in the industry.
Fan reactions on social media have been swift and passionate:
“BTS looking what now 😒 there is no next BTS,” posted one frustrated fan, while another declared, “there will never be another BTS, even if you debut 44774738 other groups.”
The Authenticity Argument
Furthermore, netizens also explained that the intention of creating a new K-pop boy band should not be to recreate the Bangtan Boys, but to rather bring out another group with their own identity, themes, and core concepts.
This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of what made BTS special—their authentic journey, unique storytelling, and organic connection with fans that developed over years of struggle and growth.
Understanding the Fan Perspective
ARMY’s reaction goes beyond simple protectiveness; it reflects a deep understanding of BTS’s unique position in music history. The group’s success wasn’t just about talent—it was about timing, authenticity, social commentary, and a genuine connection with global issues that resonated worldwide.
The idea of manufacturing “successors” contradicts everything BTS represented about organic growth and authentic artistry. For fans who witnessed BTS’s journey from underdogs to global superstars, the suggestion of creating replacements feels like a misunderstanding of their impact.
For those interested in understanding BTS’s unprecedented rise, explore our comprehensive coverage of BTS’s global impact and their journey to becoming cultural ambassadors.
BTS’s Comeback Plans Add Context
The controversy gains additional context considering BTS announced their next group comeback in spring 2026, following the return of all members from their mandatory military enlistment in June 2025. With BTS actively preparing their return, the timing of searching for “successors” seems premature and insensitive to fans.
The members explained that they have already begun the required preparations for their next comeback, and the studio album is expected to be released in Spring 2026. This will be BTS’ first full-length album released since 2020.
The Industry’s Succession Dilemma
This controversy highlights a broader challenge in the K-pop industry: how to develop new talent without diminishing existing artists’ achievements. Successful groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, and Stray Kids have each carved unique identities rather than being positioned as successors to previous generations.
The pressure to find “the next BTS” reflects the music industry’s tendency to seek formulas for success, but BTS’s impact was largely unformulaic—a perfect storm of talent, timing, and authentic connection that can’t be artificially recreated.
Companies looking to develop successful new groups might benefit from studying our analysis of sustainable K-pop group development rather than attempting to replicate past successes.
Moving Forward: Lessons for BigHit Music
The backlash serves as a valuable lesson for BigHit Music about fan sensitivity and the importance of positioning new artists as unique talents rather than replacements. The company’s track record with TXT (Tomorrow X Together) shows they can successfully debut distinct groups when they focus on originality rather than succession.
The controversy also demonstrates ARMY’s continued protective stance toward BTS, even as the group prepares for their comeback. This loyalty represents both a challenge and an opportunity for BigHit Music as they navigate developing new artists while maintaining their flagship group’s legacy.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop industry developments and fan reactions by following our comprehensive entertainment coverage. Don’t miss important updates about your favorite groups and emerging talent in the Korean music scene.
FAQs
Q: What exactly did BigHit Music announce that caused the fan backlash?
A: BigHit Music announced their 2025 global auditions on September 19, 2025, with language that fans interpreted as searching for “BTS’s successors.” The auditions target males born in or after 2007 and will be held both online worldwide and in major cities including LA, Toronto, Sydney, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul through December. Fans were outraged because they felt the company was trying to replace or recreate BTS rather than develop unique new artists with their own identity and concepts.
Q: When is BTS planning their comeback, and how does this relate to the audition controversy?
A: BTS announced their next group comeback for spring 2026, following all members’ return from military service in June 2025. They’ve already begun preparations for what will be their first full-length album since 2020, followed by a world tour. The timing of BigHit Music searching for “successors” while BTS is actively preparing their comeback struck fans as premature and insensitive, adding fuel to the controversy about the company’s approach to developing new talent.
