| "Fake Love" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Fake_Love_(Rocking_Vibe_Mix)_Cover_Art.jpg) "Rocking Vibe Mix" single cover | ||||
| Single by BTS | ||||
| from the album Love Yourself: Tear, Love Yourself: Answer and Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey | ||||
| Released | May 18, 2018 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:02 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Pdogg | |||
| BTS singles chronology | ||||
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| Alternative cover | ||||
&sq=&lang=&file=File:BTS_-_Fake_Love_Airplane_Pt._2_(Single_Cover).jpg) Japanese single cover | ||||
| Music videos | ||||
| "Fake Love" on YouTube | ||||
| "Fake Love" (Extended version) on YouTube | ||||
"Fake Love" is a song recorded in Korean and Japanese by South Korean band BTS. It was written by "Hitman" Bang, RM, and Pdogg, with the latter as producer. The Korean version was released through Big Hit Entertainment on May 18, 2018, as the lead single from the band's third album Love Yourself: Tear (2018). Columbia Records serviced the song to US contemporary hit radio on June 12, 2018, as a single in the country. A remix, titled "Rocking Vibe", was released on June 4, 2018, and appears on the band's third compilation album, Love Yourself: Answer (2018). The Japanese version of the song was released for digital download and streaming on October 16, 2018, by Universal Music Japan as a single album that included the remix and "Airplane Pt. 2", both also in Japanese. "Fake Love" is an emo hip hop, grunge, rap-rock and electropop song which relies on rock instrumentals. The lyrics talk about the love that was once believed to be destiny, but turned out fake at the end.
The song received generally positive reviews from critics who praised its dark production, eclectic sound, and the band's vocal delivery. It received several accolades, including the Song of the Year and Best Pop Song at the 2019 Korean Music Awards, and appeared on the decade-end lists of NME and Consequence of Sound. Commercially, the Korean version of "Fake Love" debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart and number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's first top-ten single in the US. The Japanese version debuted and peaked at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, becoming the 12th best-selling single of 2018 in Japan. It was certified platinum for both streaming and digital download sales by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) and double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
Two music videos, for the original and the remix, were directed by YongSeok Choi. Premiering on May 18, 2018, the first video follows the story-line of BTS' fictional narrative universe and depicts the band dancing on various sets. The second video, an extended version of the first, was released on June 1, 2018, and has some additional footage. The debut performance of "Fake Love" at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards received positive reviews from critics. BTS later promoted the song with televised live performances on several South Korean music programs in 2018, including M! Countdown, Music Bank, and Inkigayo. It was also included on the setlist of their Love Yourself World Tour (2018–19).