BTS’ song Aliens has climbed to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 78 countries following the group’s Grammy boycott announcement.
The track is included on BTS’ fifth full length album, ARIRANG. It reflects the identity and ambitions that Jungkook, Jin, Jimin, V, RM, J Hope, and Suga have experienced as Korean artists working on the global stage.
Several lyrics have gained renewed attention because fans believe they connect with the group’s recent message about how music should not be separated by region or language.
The members sing: “Seven aliens who were different from birth / Those civilians are jealous of us,” followed by: “You, with your eyes opened so unusually wide, say again.”
Another widely discussed line mentions Korean independence activist Kim Gu: “Pardon, Mr. Kim Gu, tell me how you feel / I am the only one who can speak English again, but that is how we win.”
Fans interpreted the lyrics as a confident statement that BTS can succeed internationally while maintaining its Korean identity and personal musical style.
ARMYs also organized streaming and purchasing campaigns using hashtags including #WeStandWithBTS and #Proud_of_BTS. One fan account shared real time data claiming: “Aliens is currently charting in 82 countries and has reached No. 1 in 61 countries.”
World Music Awards later reported that BTS reached No. 1 on the worldwide and European iTunes charts with Aliens. According to the report, the song earned 1,350 points, more than three times the score of the artist in second place.
Several entertainment figures also publicly showed support. Epik High’s Tablo and Maggie Kang, the Korean Canadian director of Netflix’s animated film KPop Demon Hunters, reacted positively on social media. Producer Mike WiLL Made It, who worked on Aliens and 2.0, also posted: “BTS Aliens.”
The Grammys responded to the criticism by explaining: “The creation of an Asian pop category is not intended to separate artists, but to include more artists.” However, many fans remained unconvinced by the statement.
BTS fans have previously used organized streaming campaigns to support the group during major career moments. In December, ahead of BTS’ full group comeback, the fandom helped the 2018 song Anpanman reach No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart.
This time, fans once again responded through global chart results, supporting BTS’ message that music should be appreciated for the music itself rather than being limited by language or region.
