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Despite BTS's global success, even their songs aren't immune to Korean broadcast bans for a variety of surprising reasons. Here are ten BTS tracks that faced the TV ban hammer and the curious reasons behind them.
1. Can You Turn Off Your Cell Phone?
Released on their DARK&WILD album in 2014, this song criticizes the heavy use of cell phones among younger generations. It was banned for referencing the Korean brand Lotto.
2. 2nd Grade
Another track from DARK&WILD, this song faced a ban due to its use of inappropriate language. The lyrics were deemed too explicit for public broadcast.
3. BTS Cypher Pt.3: KILLER (Feat. Supreme Boi)
Performed by Suga, J-Hope, RM, and Supreme Boi, this song was also banned for its inappropriate references, use of swear words, and mention of brand names.
4. Hold Me Tight
From their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 1 album in 2015, this song was banned for referencing alcohol, which is often a sensitive topic for public broadcasts.
5. Converse High
Also from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 1, this song was restricted due to mentions of brand names like Alexander McQueen and Chanel, which can be seen as advertising.
6. Boys With Fun
Another track from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 1, “Boys With Fun” was banned for using a Chinese phrase that sounds similar to a Korean swear word.
7. Dope
From the same album, “Dope” was banned for its "vulgar lyrics," which were deemed inappropriate for public airwaves.
8. INTRO: Never Mind
Performed by J-Hope, RM, and Suga, this track from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 2 was banned due to its use of curse words.
9. Whalien 52
Also from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Pt. 2, “Whalien 52” was banned for including swear words, making it unsuitable for public broadcast.
10. Ma City
From their The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever album released in 2016, “Ma City” was banned before its full version was even released due to a reference to the brand name KIA.
Despite these bans, BTS continues to thrive internationally, showing that their influence and popularity are not easily hindered by broadcasting restrictions. These bans often spark conversations about censorship, artistic freedom, and the balance between regulation and creativity in the music industry.