MANILA, Philippines — There is no slowing down to BTS’ taking over the social media space, as they once again land a spot at TIME magazine’s 25 Most Influential People on the Internet.
The TIME magazine annually evaluates contenders “by looking at their global impact on social media and their ability to drive news.”
The seven-piece group—composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook—landed the magazine’s list for a second time.
The list, which is not posted by rank, includes US President Donald Trump and music artists Rihanna and Kanye West.
The magazine did not discount the massive help the seven-piece group received from their faithful fanbase called the ARMY. "For example, the YouTube views within 24 hours for their music video ‘Fake Love’ almost surpassed Taylor Swift’s and Psy’s all-time records—no small feat,” the group’s profile in the list read.
Last month, BTS debuted their single “Fake Love” from their latest album "Love Yourself: Tear" at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
BTS also enjoyed a spot at the Billboard’s Social 50 chart. They also bagged the Billboard’s Music Awards’ Top Social Artist twice in a row.
“A steady social media presence for each of the boys—along with periodic solo releases—further bolsters the group, which counts at least 50 million followers across English-language social media platforms,” the magazine added.
Meanwhlile, the Filipino women-led movement #BabaeAko has also landed a spot at the list. TIME recognized the women for calling out President Rodrigo Duterte’s sexist and misogynist pronouncements and behavior.
“With every misogynistic statement, he is saying ‘you can do the same because I get away with it,’” Inday Espina-Varona, a journalist and one of the co-founders of the movement, was quoted by TIME as saying. — Kristine Joy Patag