Fake Love (BTS song)

Fake Love is a song by the South Korean boy band BTS, released on May 18, 2018, as the lead single from their third studio album, Love Yourself: Tear. The song explores the dark aspects of love, detailing the pain and disillusionment experienced when one tries to mold themselves into someone they are not for the sake of maintaining a relationship. Musically, "Fake Love" is described as an emo hip hop track with a grunge rock guitar sound, incorporating elements of trap and rock. The lyrics, primarily in Korean with some English phrases, convey a sense of heartbreak, regret, and the loss of identity in the pursuit of an artificial ideal of love.

The song was a commercial success, topping the charts in South Korea and reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The accompanying music video, known for its dramatic visuals and intricate choreography, further contributed to the song's popularity. "Fake Love" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its musical complexity, emotional depth, and powerful message. It has become one of BTS's signature songs and is often cited as a key example of their artistic growth and exploration of more mature themes. The song earned BTS significant recognition and further cemented their global influence.