In a revealing Billboard cover story published on Monday, 12 January 2026, Louis Tomlinson has opened up about the bittersweet experience of watching BTS systematically dismantle the global records once held by One Direction. The British singer-songwriter, now 34, offered a pragmatic yet nostalgic look at the evolution of pop music, acknowledging that while his former band’s records were “taken away,” the spirit of their era remains untouched.
Table of Contents
The Rise of the Bangtan Boys
Tomlinson noted that the ascent of the South Korean group was so rapid that it became a permanent fixture of his social media feed. “There was a time when BTS was on the way up, and I felt like, every time I logged into Twitter, they’d just taken one of our records for something—some fastest-selling thing, and they’d take it away!” he playfully lamented to music director Jason Lipshutz.
Despite the loss of these accolades, Tomlinson harbours no ill will towards the K-pop sensations. He described the shift as the “nature of the music industry,” noting that the landscape is designed to keep moving forward. However, he maintained that the “anti-boy band” formula pioneered by One Direction in the 2010s was a singular cultural phenomenon that challenged the industry’s rigid expectations of male groups.
A Tale of Two Dynasties: 1D and BTS
While both groups have achieved legendary status, their methods of reaching global dominance represent two different schools of pop history.
| Comparison Metric | One Direction (The 2010s) | BTS (The 2020s) |
| Visual Identity | Casual, individualistic attire | Themed, high-fashion concepts |
| Stage Presence | Raw energy; no choreography | Highly technical, precision dancing |
| Fan Interaction | Early Twitter “Stan” culture | Integrated Weverse ecosystem |
| Legacy Impact | Redefined the “Indie-Pop” boy band | Brought K-Pop to Western mainstream |
Brotherhood Amidst Tragedy
The interview takes place against a backdrop of personal and collective grief. The music world is still reeling from the untimely death of Liam Payne in October 2024. Tomlinson admitted that the loss of the “Strip That Down” artist has fundamentally altered the relationship between the surviving members—Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.
“Naturally, there is a closeness—it definitely feels closer than it was,” Louis remarked. He spoke specifically of his bond with Niall Horan, describing a friendship that transcends the need for constant communication. “We could not exchange a text in a whole year and then go for a beer and literally be chatting nonstop.”
New Horizons: How Did I Get Here?
As Tomlinson prepares for the launch of his new solo album, How Did I Get Here?, on 23 January 2026, he appears to be in a reflective state. The album, which arrives nearly four years after his last project, is expected to delve deeper into his experiences of loss, legacy, and the pursuit of artistic identity outside the shadow of his former band.