Article Naming SEVENTEEN And Stray Kids As BTS’s “Failed” Replacements Sparks Outrage

Recently, BTS announced their return to music and touring, sparking global buzz.

The group’s last tour was years ago, and since completing their military service, fans have been waiting for updates on their schedules. Media coverage has also been extensive as more details about their tour are released.

However, a recent article, which name-dropped SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids, has become a hot topic.

Rolling Stone Italia recently released an article declaring BTS’s comeback one of the most significant moments in music in 2026, a fact that is undeniable. However, the article begins by saying that no other acts have taken the group’s place, and expands on the thought further down.

The article then states that many groups have attempted to “fill the void” left behind, naming SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids as successful groups that were unable to “replace” BTS.

During this hiatus, many groups have tried to fill the void left by BTS. Think of Stray Kids or SEVENTEEN: hugely successful groups, without a doubt. Yet, no one has truly managed to take their place. Why? Because it’s not just about numbers, sales, or streaming, but about global and cultural impact.

— Article

Fans of the two groups felt the mention was unnecessary and diminished the two group’s own achievements, stating that BTS could have been praised without any comparisons.

"during the hiatus other groups tried to fill the void left by BTS" no bitch, other groups just did their job and there are simply many other bands loved by many other fandoms.
as always you bitches have to say something too much by going to belittle groups "smaller" than BTS pic.twitter.com/5viVXIo8yd

— CB97 ˙⋆✮ (@minichanieverse) January 13, 2026

I hate it when media is trying to set up fandoms against eachother.

Artists don't want to 'replace' bts, or be 'the next bts', they just want to make their own music and share it with their fans. Why do they constantly need to be compared when then can all coexist? https://t.co/bDF3VppNqB

— Jasmine (@jasmine_nl) January 14, 2026

imagine you are just doing your job like you normally do and some mf from rolling stone italy calls your hardwork "filling the void" I swear most of these journalists have no sense of professionalism or respect for others https://t.co/OgW2bYc5bX

— Cherry ᡣ𐭩 (@love3stay) January 14, 2026

“Many groups have attempted to fill the void”

Let us all collectively laugh at the fact these people think idols doing the same job they were doing YEARS prior to BTS’ hiatus are trying to fill a “void” or take their places

Cant get clicks without mentioning other groups, its… pic.twitter.com/Xg8mesZPQk

— sa (@gyustudio) January 14, 2026

Wtf does that even mean ??? Every group is working all year long for their respective fanbases and fans, so technically there's no void to be filled ? Idk can't ppl just stop downgrading others to uplift their favs (and I'm talking in general not only in kpop…) https://t.co/P7MlUJv0lY

— Don⁷ ~ seeing skz in 8 days 💙 (@vlixboo96) January 14, 2026

Rather than claim that BTS do not have the impact that they do, it appears fans wish for their faves to not be mentioned unnecessarily in situations like these.