Following the release of TWICE’s much-anticipated comeback album THIS IS FOR, the group sat down with Forbes for a thoughtful and revealing interview. As they discussed the creative process behind the album, the conversation also veered into reflections on the broader K-pop industry. One of the standout moments came when the youngest member, Tzuyu, made a humble yet impactful statement about the global influence of BTS—a remark that sparked both admiration and lively discussion across fan communities.
During the interview, the members were asked who they consider the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) in the K-pop sphere. Jeongyeon kicked off the moment with an enthusiastic and heartwarming declaration: “TWICE! My G.O.A.T. is TWICE! I love TWICE!” Her joyful and proud response perfectly captured the spirit of the group’s sisterhood and self-belief. Then came Tzuyu’s answer, which struck a different but equally meaningful tone. Reflecting on the immense effort it took for K-pop to gain global recognition, she stated, “There are so many K-pop artists who worked so hard so that K-pop can take the center stage. Many artists worked hard to contribute, and BTS played a big role in that.”
Her comment quickly gained attention online, sparking a wave of praise from fans who admired her humility and grace. Many ONCEs and ARMYs applauded her for acknowledging BTS’s pivotal role in expanding the global reach of K-pop. Fans appreciated the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between two of the genre’s most beloved groups. “They’re one of the few artists who acknowledge BTS’s contribution without ego,” one user commented, reflecting a widespread sentiment that her words were genuine and mature.
However, the statement didn’t sit well with everyone. Some felt that, given it was a TWICE comeback interview, Tzuyu should have used the opportunity to uplift her own group instead. Others interpreted the moment as a missed chance to solidify TWICE’s legacy without drawing attention to another act. This difference of opinion even triggered a small wave of debate between ARMY and BLINKs, as fans from various fandoms chimed in with their own views on K-pop hierarchy and historical impact.
Despite the differing reactions, a large portion of fans saw the comment as an admirable gesture. They pointed out the longstanding friendship between BTS and TWICE—fondly dubbed “BangTwice”—and emphasized that Tzuyu’s words were likely rooted in that shared history and mutual admiration. Her ability to speak honestly, without competitiveness, only deepened the respect fans had for her and for TWICE as a group. Rather than taking away from TWICE’s moment, many felt her words added depth to it—reminding everyone that true greatness often comes with grace and generosity.
As THIS IS FOR marks a new chapter in TWICE’s career, the interview moment has become a meaningful snapshot of how the group not only uplifts themselves but also the wider K-pop community. Tzuyu’s tribute to BTS underscores the unspoken bonds between artists and reflects the shared journey they’ve all taken to bring K-pop to the world stage.
