“Dynamite”: Are TWICE more popular than BTS now?

With BTS returning to full-group activities after a long pause, the conversation around TWICE’s place in the K-pop hierarchy feels more current than ever. Both acts continue to rack up milestones, but the question of whether TWICE could eclipse BTS remains a fan favorite topic. TWICE has held the top spot among girl groups for years, selling millions of albums and selling out stadiums across continents. Their 2021 single “The Feels” still stands as a streaming landmark, yet the group’s recent catalog has only strengthened that legacy. Meanwhile, BTS has traded the post-“Dynamite” break for a packed 2026 schedule. Here’s where the numbers and timelines sit now.

TWICE makes streaming records

The Recording Industry Association of Japan updated its certifications in 2026, and TWICE again led the pack. “The Feels” remains the fastest track by any foreign female artist to hit platinum streaming status, and the group now holds the most RIAJ platinum streaming certifications among girl groups. Two catalog tracks joined the list this year: “Feel Special” earned triple platinum after surpassing 300 million streams, while “FANCY” reached double platinum at 200 million streams. Those additions keep TWICE firmly ahead of every other girl group in Japan’s streaming tallies.

BTS takes an extended break after “Dynamite”

The 2022 Festa dinner marked the start of BTS’s extended break. Members spoke openly about needing space to grow individually after years of nonstop releases and tours, including the global run that followed “Dynamite.” RM noted the group had reached success few could have imagined, yet each member still wanted room to evolve outside the BTS framework. J-Hope framed the pause as a healthy reset rather than an ending, and Jimin admitted the decision weighed heavily because of ARMY. Suga reminded everyone the group was not disbanding. All seven members completed military service by mid-2025, clearing the way for their return.

BTS Full Group Return and 2026 Comeback

BTS released their fifth studio album, Arirang, on March 20, 2026. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and posted the biggest weekly Spotify album numbers of the year so far. The record marked their first full-group project since the hiatus, and the accompanying ARIRANG world tour quickly expanded to multiple continents. Fans who had waited through staggered enlistment schedules finally saw the seven members back on the same stage, and early ticket sales suggested demand had not cooled during the break.

TWICE 2025-2026 Album Releases and Milestones

TWICE issued their fourth studio album, THIS IS FOR, in July 2025 and followed it with the special release TEN: The Story Goes On in October. Both projects performed strongly on domestic charts and contributed to the group’s cumulative Circle Chart sales crossing 15 million albums. The THIS IS FOR World Tour launched later that year and is slated to run through July 2026 with 81 shows across Asia, North America, and Europe. Those numbers keep TWICE on pace as the highest-selling K-pop girl group in South Korean chart history.

Ongoing Streaming Dominance in Japan

Beyond the new certifications, TWICE’s earlier hits continue to generate steady streams. “Feel Special” and “FANCY” now sit alongside “The Feels” as multi-platinum RIAJ titles, reinforcing the group’s long-term hold on Japanese streaming lists. No other girl group has matched that breadth of catalog success in the market, and the numbers show no sign of slowing as newer tracks join the rotation.

2026 American Music Awards Recognition

At the 2026 American Music Awards, BTS took home Best Male K-Pop Artist and Artist of the Year. TWICE earned its first win in the Best Female K-Pop Artist category. The shared spotlight underscored how both acts maintain strong industry footing even as their schedules and lineups evolve. Brand reputation rankings in Korea still place BTS at the top among groups, with TWICE consistently in the upper tier behind them.

TWICE’s fame continues to soar

TWICE formed through the 2015 survival show Sixteen and debuted the same year with The Story Begins. Early singles “Cheer Up” and “TT” established their domestic dominance, and the group has since expanded into a global touring force. The current 81-date THIS IS FOR trek builds on that foundation, while cumulative sales keep climbing. Fans continue to debate whether TWICE could ever surpass BTS in overall popularity, but the latest data shows both acts operating at peak levels in their respective lanes.