K-pop’s global influence continues to make headlines, with BTS once again at the center of attention. The latest testament to their worldwide impact is the inclusion of V’s solo track FRI(END)S in the newly released third season of the widely popular Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty. The song made its appearance in the first episode of the season, which dropped on July 16, 2025. For fans of both the show and BTS, this crossover moment was both unexpected and deeply emotional.
The scene in question features Steven and Taylor, two long-time friends whose bond is gradually shifting into romantic territory. During one of their more emotionally charged interactions, V’s FRI(END)S plays in the background. The song, with its smooth R&B melody and lyrics that explore the grey space between friendship and love, elevated the moment, adding layers of depth and resonance to the characters’ emotions. It was a seamless match of sound and storytelling, one that resonated with audiences almost instantly.
Fans of BTS, particularly those who follow V closely, quickly took to social media to celebrate the moment. For many, hearing his voice in an American series was a reminder of just how far K-pop artists have come. They praised not only the song’s placement but also how naturally it blended into the scene’s atmosphere. Many commented on how the song’s message mirrored the growing emotional tension between Steven and Taylor. Viewers felt that FRI(END)S wasn’t just added for popularity, but because it genuinely served the narrative.
The excitement, however, was met with some frustration toward BTS’ management company, HYBE LABELS. Fans expressed disappointment over the lack of official recognition or promotion of this achievement by the company. Given how rare and significant it is for a K-pop solo track to be featured in a major Western production, many felt it deserved more public celebration. The absence of acknowledgment from HYBE only amplified fan frustration, particularly when the artist’s global reach continues to expand without adequate support from his own team.
Still, the fandom wasted no time stepping in where the label didn’t. BTS ARMY flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok with clips of the scene, pairing them with hashtags and messages of support for V. Many fans pointed out that this kind of visibility speaks volumes about the organic influence V has, especially as a soloist navigating his own musical path. The move into mainstream Western media also symbolizes an important moment of crossover, blurring the lines between genres and audiences.
As the scene continues to go viral, it serves as a beautiful reminder of V’s artistry and the cultural bridge that BTS, as individuals and a group, continue to build. FRI(END)S in The Summer I Turned Pretty wasn’t just a background song—it was a narrative force, made all the more powerful by the voice behind it.