Characteristically BTS through its high-energy pop sound, raging saxophone synth, and unapologetic rapping, “DOPE” track is the fifth track off 화양연화 Pt. 1. In typical BTS fashion, the track deals with the struggles of youth and the harsh expectations of the older generation. In an album mostly filled with nostalgic and softer sounding songs, “DOPE” reminds us that BTS’s rebellious side is here to stay.

While the title track, “I NEED U,” caught the public’s attention for its storytelling and nostalgic sorrow, “DOPE” was starting to gain a footing of its own. Eventually, the level of success “DOPE” was gaining as a B-side prompted Big Hit to release special teaser photos for DOPE on June 20, 2015. They also announced that they would be prolonging promotions on Music shows in favor of the song and subsequently released the “DOPE” music video on June 28, 2015.

Due to its complex choreography and relevance to BTS’s audience demographic (comprised primarily of younger people), it became—and remains—one of BTS’s most popular songs.

As a result of fan reactions, most notably the one done by FBE, the music video for “DOPE” went on to become BTS’s first-ever to surpass 100 million views on YouTube. This achievement by BTS become the first time a K-pop act outside of the Big 3 (YG, JYP, SM) was able to accomplish such a feat. “DOPE” also become the first of their songs to reach 200 million views on YouTube.