18 May,2026 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jungkook and BTS (Instagram)
A fresh controversy has erupted online involving BTS member Jungkook's FIFA World Cup anthem Dreamers. The song, which was originally released during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has once again become a talking point after several fans noticed that BTS was reportedly being credited alongside Jungkook on certain music streaming platforms. The issue quickly sparked heated debate across social media, with many fans demanding that BTS' name be removed from the song credits.
According to reports, some fans argued that Dreamers was a solo achievement for Jungkook and that attaching BTS' name to the track undermines his individual accomplishment. Jungkook had performed the song at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022, becoming the first Korean solo artist to headline the prestigious global sporting event. Many fans pointed out that the original release had promoted the track as Jungkook's solo song featuring Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi.
The controversy intensified amid growing excitement around FIFA World Cup 2026 announcements. FIFA recently confirmed that BTS will reportedly headline the first-ever World Cup final halftime show alongside global stars Madonna and Shakira. The announcement generated massive buzz worldwide but also triggered disagreements online between sections of fans regarding the group's upcoming involvement in FIFA-related performances.
Several fans criticised HYBE and BigHit Music on social media, claiming that adding BTS to Jungkook's Dreamers credits blurred the distinction between his solo work and group identity. Some users described the move as "embarrassing" and argued that Jungkook deserved independent recognition for the song's global success. Others, however, defended the inclusion of BTS, saying Jungkook is globally recognised as a BTS member and that the association naturally strengthens the song's visibility.
The debate soon spread across X, Reddit, Threads, and fan forums, where discussions around solo versus group branding became increasingly intense. While some ARMY members celebrated both Jungkook's solo success and BTS' upcoming FIFA 2026 performance, others insisted that his contribution to Dreamers should remain separately credited to preserve the historic significance of the achievement.
Released in November 2022, Dreamers became one of the most talked-about World Cup songs in recent years. The track blended English and Arabic lyrics and was performed live by Jungkook during the opening ceremony in Qatar. The performance received global attention and further cemented Jungkook's international popularity beyond BTS.
Despite the online controversy, neither HYBE, BigHit Music, nor FIFA has officially responded to the demands regarding the song credits so far.
