Time moves at a breakneck speed in the pop music world. It feels like only yesterday that One Direction reigned as the undisputed kings of the boy band era—a mantle now held by the global powerhouse that is BTS. In a candid new conversation, Niall Horan has offered his perspective on the shift between these two iconic generations.

During a guest appearance on the June 3rd episode of the Therapuss podcast, the former One Direction star spoke with host Jake Shane about the stark contrasts between his own breakout group and the K-pop phenomenon. “Our approach wasn’t rooted in precision choreography,” Horan remarked, highlighting that their performance style was far more casual by design.

“Every generation produces its own version of a boy band, but the dynamics are rarely the same,” he continued. “We weren’t outfitted in identical ensembles or executing complex dance routines like NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys. We were more about navigating the stage organically. K-pop, by contrast, is incredibly disciplined—the members operate with the physical rigor of elite athletes.”

Horan expressed genuine admiration for the technical mastery of BTS. “Watching them dance is mind-boggling. I have no idea how they execute those movements, but the sheer level of intensity and skill is remarkable.”

While the members of One Direction—including Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and the late Liam Payne—didn’t rely on synchronized choreography, their cultural impact was undeniable. The group carved out a legendary path on the Billboard Hot 100 with 29 chart entries. BTS has since carried that momentum forward, setting a new benchmark with an impressive collection of seven No. 1 singles.

Elsewhere in the interview, Horan shared his appreciation for Taylor Swift’s songwriting prowess. He singled out the 2019 Lover cut “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” as a standout track, praising its melodic composition and lyrical bite. He also gave a friendly nod to her upbeat single “Me!,” calling it a solid addition to her catalog.

Niall Horan’s latest studio album, Dinner Party, is set for release this Thursday, June 5. You can catch the full episode of Therapuss below.