BTS’s “Spring Day” has once again proven its timeless impact, touching hearts around the world after being named one of Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far.”
On October 8, Rolling Stone ranked “Spring Day” at No. 37, the highest among all K-pop songs, and praised it as a track that turned “personal grief into a soaring and triumphant power ballad.”
Even eight years after its release, the song continues to chart, offering comfort and hope to listeners.
Fans around the world celebrated the achievement on social media, calling it “a well-deserved recognition” and referring to the song as “the Queen of all songs.” One fan commented, “There’s a reason she’s our queen. ‘Spring Day’ will forever remain lyrical royalty.” Another added, “This isn’t just a song — she’s the queen, and she’s immortal.”
Rolling Stone highlighted the song’s emotional depth, quoting lyrics such as “I wish to end this winter / How much longing must fall like snow / Before that spring day arrives.” The magazine also referenced its connection to the 2014 Sewol Ferry tragedy, which claimed 304 lives, writing, “Its sense of recovery and hope born from loss feels transcendent, aligning with the band’s global rise.”
The outlet added, “BTS has produced bigger crossover hits, but few songs capture their emotional bond like this one.”
Fans were especially touched that Rolling Stone directly mentioned the Sewol tragedy, with one fan writing, “I’m thankful they acknowledged it. I love the deeper meaning of this song and how BTS showed their heart for those who mourn.” Another said, “The lyrics, message, and melody make it a true masterpiece and cultural icon.”
Others praised the symbolism of “Spring Day,” calling it “a beautiful song about sorrow and hope, perfectly expressed through the contrast of winter and spring.”
Released in February 2017 as part of the album “You Never Walk Alone,” “Spring Day” — co-written by RM and Suga — has remained a record-breaking hit. It became the first song in Melon history to surpass 1 billion streams and continues to hold the longest-running chart record on the platform.
The song’s music video, featuring Jimin hanging a pair of shoes on a tree branch, has long been interpreted as a symbol of remembrance for the Sewol victims. Though BTS has never officially confirmed the song as a tribute, fans and critics see it as a message of mourning, healing, and reunion.
The track remains a staple in BTS’s performances, most notably during their 2022 Busan concert — the group’s final show before enlistment — where both the members and fans were moved to tears, turning the song into a promise to meet again.
Alongside “Spring Day,” BLACKPINK’s “DDU-DU DDU-DU” ranked No. 142, Girls’ Generation’s “Gee” placed No. 170, and NewJeans’ “Hype Boy” came in at No. 206, further proving K-pop’s global influence.
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