Just when you thought BTS had run out of new titles to collect—boom. Now they’re officially Liberation Heroes… according to the people of Korea themselves.
In a nationwide survey marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, citizens were asked to name cultural and artistic heroes of the Republic. The result? BTS ranked third overall with around 132 votes—making them the highest-ranked singers on the entire list. The only people ahead of them? Bong Joon-ho, the film genius behind Parasite, and Nam June Paik, the legendary video art pioneer. That’s it. That’s the whole “competition.”
Translation: in a list celebrating 80 years of national resilience and culture, BTS stood shoulder-to-shoulder with artistic icons who changed Korea’s image forever. And if that’s not “paving the way,” I don’t know what is.
Naturally, ARMY wasted no time turning this into a global victory lap. “PAVED THE WAY” became the slogan of the day—flooding timelines with purple pride. Fans pointed out that BTS didn’t just dominate music charts; they reshaped Korea’s cultural footprint worldwide. They built a bridge between Korean culture and the rest of the planet, then casually decorated it with Grammys, Guinness World Records, and speeches at the UN.
And now, they’ve been recognized not just as musicians, but as cultural heroes—people who’ve made lasting contributions to the identity of the nation.
It’s wild when you think about it. Ten years ago, they were a rookie group in borrowed outfits performing on tiny stages. Today? They’re named in the same breath as cultural giants who shaped Korea’s history. The arc is unreal… and completely deserved.
Because BTS didn’t just “make it big.” They changed the way the world sees Korea. They turned foreign curiosity into genuine appreciation. They made millions learn the language, visit the country, and care about its history. That’s the kind of influence you can’t buy, fake, or stream into existence.
So yes—they paved the way. And now Korea has stamped it, sealed it, and delivered it into the history books.
