Article Labeling SEVENTEEN And Stray Kids As BTS’s “Unsuccessful” Successors Triggers Backlash

BTS is facing controversy over a recent article about their comeback.

The article by Rolling Stone Italia called BTS’s return in 2026 “one of the most significant moments in music.” But it also said no other groups have taken their place. It named SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids as groups who tried to “fill the void” left by BTS but failed to truly replace them.

The phrasing sparked backlash from fans of SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids. Many felt the mention was disrespectful and unnecessary, diminishing the hard work and achievements of those groups.

The controversy began as fans shared screenshots of the article highlighting the wording about “filling the void.”

“During this hiatus, many groups have tried to fill the void left by BTS. Think of Stray Kids or SEVENTEEN: hugely successful groups, without a doubt. Yet, no one has truly managed to take their place. Why? Because it’s not just about numbers, sales, or streaming, but about global and cultural impact.”
— Rolling Stone Italia article

Soon after, Twitter exploded with fans pushing back hard.

“‘during the hiatus other groups tried to fill the void left by BTS’ no bitch, other groups just did their job and there are simply many other bands loved by many other fandoms.
as always you bitches have to say something too much by going to belittle groups ‘smaller’ than BTS”
— CB97 ˙⋆✮ (@minichanieverse)

“I hate it when media is trying to set up fandoms against eachother.
Artists don’t want to ‘replace’ bts, or be ‘the next bts’, they just want to make their own music and share it with their fans. Why do they constantly need to be compared when then can all coexist?”
— Jasmine (@jasmine_nl)

“imagine you are just doing your job like you normally do and some mf from rolling stone italy calls your hardwork ‘filling the void’ I swear most of these journalists have no sense of professionalism or respect for others”
— Cherry ᡣ𐭩 (@love3stay)

Fans took issue with the language implying that groups like SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids were only “filling a void” rather than thriving independently.

“Many groups have attempted to fill the void”
Let us all collectively laugh at the fact these people think idols doing the same job they were doing YEARS prior to BTS’ hiatus are trying to fill a “void” or take their places
Cant get clicks without mentioning other groups, its…”
— sa (@gyustudio)

“Wtf does that even mean??? Every group is working all year long for their respective fanbases and fans, so technically there’s no void to be filled? Idk can’t ppl just stop downgrading others to uplift their favs (and I’m talking in general not only in kpop…)”
— Don⁷ ~ seeing skz in 8 days (@vlixboo96)

The debate highlights how sensitive comparison language can be in K-pop. Fans want their groups recognized for their own success, not cast as stand-ins for anyone else.

No official statements have been made by the groups or their agencies about the controversy.