.Louis Tomlinson opens up about seeing new groups, like BTS, break One Direction's records: "I don't begrudge them [...] that's the nature of the music industry, it just keeps moving."

Watch the full interview for his Billboard digital exclusive cover:

@Louis_Tomlinson I really appreciate the honesty. Not always easy for big stars and celebrities to admit to having these totally normal and natural feelings when it comes to this competitive world. Good luck for your album, mate! And stay tuned for BTS' comeback on March 20th, 2026.

@Louis_Tomlinson He reminds me a lot of Liam. Liam also used to talk a lot about BTS. I love artists who can acknowledge the success of others without feeling attacked.

@Louis_Tomlinson thank you for being respectful louis and BTS COMEBACK ON MARCH 20! you should check it as well, I am sure you’ll like what you hear!

@Louis_Tomlinson thank you for your wise answer Louis, respect!! 🥺💜

@Louis_Tomlinson THEY ARE COMING BACK TO RULE THE WORLD AGAIN DONT FORGET TO TUNE IN

@Louis_Tomlinson This is so recognizable. When I was a Directioner and then found BTS, I felt the same way from a fan perspective. Music keeps evolving, and now it’s exciting to see BTS heading into their comeback era soon!!! MARCH 20TH 2026

@Louis_Tomlinson He’s a real one! He looks so good! BTS COMEBACK 03.20.25

@Louis_Tomlinson & one more thing about my king louis this is how REAL artists act able to appreciate others success while still being honest about their own real human feelings without being rude or dismissive there's a lot who can take note!

@Louis_Tomlinson Be respectful please?! As an army directioner I'm so happy how he is talkinga about this all so respectfully & being so kind. He's an amazing artist & is such a talented, hardworking person! He has an album coming out on 23rd Jan. Do listen to it becoz he's got voice of angel🫶

@Louis_Tomlinson BTS is having a comeback on 20th march. Stay tuned.

@Louis_Tomlinson I love that he's so honest and respectful. So sweet. 🥹💗 [NEWS] The Pre-orders for #BTS 5th Album will started on January 16th at 11AM KST!

@Louis_Tomlinson OH?

@Louis_Tomlinson he’s sooo sweet💗 #BTSISCOMING #BTSComeback2026

@Louis_Tomlinson BTS COMEBACK MARCH 20TH

@Louis_Tomlinson Thank you sm for being respectful 💜 BTS COMEBACK ON 20 MARCH

@Louis_Tomlinson You're so real for this. We appreciate your honesty and love how genuine you are 💜

@Louis_Tomlinson Stay tuned for 20th March 😌

@Louis_Tomlinson lols and there are blinks and directioners that says otherwise maybe listen to what one of the direction has to say?? 😭

@Louis_Tomlinson louis has a new album + tour coming and 2 singles already out, please check it out guys <3

@Louis_Tomlinson Appreciate your honesty @Louis_Tomlinson . We've all got our place in this world. 1D was a significant moment in pop and BTS are a legendary artist in their own right. It's not easy to break the grip English language has on this world. Here's to more moments that lasts forever.

@Louis_Tomlinson Thank you, Louis, for showing genuine respect. In an industry where many choose to downplay or be shady towards BTS, this doesn’t go unnoticed. Truly a real artist. 💜

@Louis_Tomlinson THE FACT THAT BOTH OF THEM ARE RELEASING AN ALBUM THIS YEAR😭🫶 Louis - 23rd Jan Bts - 20th March Mark your calendars!! We are getting new hot & masterpiece record breaking music!!

@Louis_Tomlinson I love how proud he is of One direction. We love you Lou ❤️

@Louis_Tomlinson BTS FANS LET’S SUPPORT LOUIS PLS GO PRESAVE HIS UPCOMING ALBUM! AND LOUIES LET’S SUPPORT BTS!! #BTSISCOMING #BTSComeback2026

@Louis_Tomlinson 💜💜🔥🔥👍👍👍👏👏👏👏 🌎 #BTS New Album will out on March 20th at 1PM KST! 🚨Pre-orders will start on January 16th at 11AM KST! 🖇️

@Louis_Tomlinson WHATEVER. BTS GONNA SHAKE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AGAIN ON MARCH 20. MARK THE DAY

@Louis_Tomlinson

@Louis_Tomlinson Hellpp 😭

@Louis_Tomlinson Always an honest, man, I respect that from him. Don’t forget, BTS COMEBACK 03.20.25 💜

@Louis_Tomlinson he's so real this is how it should be. Can't wait for THE BTS COMEBACK ON MARCH 20!!!

@Louis_Tomlinson No hate, but are those 1D records in the room with us?

@Louis_Tomlinson Oh Louis there’s no need to feel ashamed. BTS have lasting success not temporary. They’ve stayed together for over 12 years and will keep breaking records, even their own because they strive to surpass themselves not anyone else. You’re a kind person. Good luck in your career.💜

@Louis_Tomlinson Those nasty kpop artists would never admit this fact 😌😌😌😌

@koostwr @Louis_Tomlinson He's so sweet 💜💜💜💜. BTS will a comeback on 20 March