Fake Love

BTS stepped into the spotlight in May 2018 with Fake Love, a track that marked a distinct shift toward darker, rock-infused sounds for the global K-pop phenomenon. The group recorded versions in both Korean and Japanese, releasing the original on May 18 through Big Hit Entertainment as the lead single for their third studio album, Love Yourself: Tear. Columbia Records later pushed the song to US contemporary hit radio in June, while a remix titled Rocking Vibe arrived shortly after on the compilation album Love Yourself: Answer. The Japanese edition followed in October via Universal Music Japan, bundling the remix with another track called Airplane Pt. 2. Lyrically, the song explores the crushing realization that a love once thought destined was actually an illusion, delivered over heavy guitar riffs and driving beats.

The music video directed by Yong Seok Choi of Lumpens became an instant visual landmark upon its release on May 18, 2018. It features elaborate sets including a massive hall with broken pillars and a scene where the members are trapped inside a glass box, symbolizing the constraints of their public persona. As of late 2023, this video has amassed over 900 million views on YouTube. Critics praised the bold departure into rock territory and the emotional depth shown by the band during this era. [edit]