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BTS’s Jungkook Named Billboard’s Best K-Pop Artist

Billboard has officially declared BTS’s Jungkook as the best K-pop artist of 2024 in its inaugural ranking of the top 100 K-pop stars. The media outler made the announcement to mark the upcoming launch of Billboard Korea in May.

The 2024 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100 marks the first time the US magazine has ranked K-pop artists. The rankings were assembled by the chart teams at Billboard and its Seoul branch, Billboard Korea, which is set to publish its first issue in June. These rankings drew from artists’ activities across the Billboard 200 albums chart, Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, and Billboard Boxscore. The Boxscore tracks tour attendance and revenue, covering the period from January 7, 2023, to December 30, 2023.

Group members were generally listed together unless notable solo activities warranted individual recognition. That’s what happened with Jungkook. This year’s rankings included members from 16 groups: (G)I-DLE, aespa, ATEEZ, BLACKPINK, BTS, ENHYPEN, FIFTY FIFTY, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, NCT 127, NCT Dream, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), and TWICE.

How did Jungkook take the top spot?

Jungkook’s rise to the top of Billboard’s ranking followed the success of his first solo single “Seven (feat. Latto)” and the album GOLDEN, both released in 2023. “Seven (feat. Latto)” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remained at the top of the Billboard Global 200 for seven weeks, was hailed as the No. 1 Global Song of the Summer, and snagged the Top Global K-Pop Song at the Billboard Music Awards. Furthermore, Jungkook’s musical prowess was evident in his hit Hot 100 collaborations. These included the top-five hit “3D (feat. Jack Harlow),” which received a remix from Justin Timberlake, and “Too Much” with The Kid LAROI and Central Cee.

GOLDEN further cemented his status by debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It set a record for the largest sales week ever for a K-pop solo act with 210,200 equivalent-unit albums for the chart week dated November 18, 2023. His track “Standing Next to You” is on track to become his longest-running Hot 100 hit, having spent 16 consecutive weeks on the tally thus far. These accomplishments put Jungkook at the top of a list that evaluates activity on the Billboard 200, Hot 100, and Billboard Boxscore touring data over the past year.

Who else is on the list?

Second on the list is Stray Kids’ leader, Bang Chan, followed by Lee Know in third place. The rest of Stray Kids’ members—Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N—also made the top 10, in that order. This indicates a strong showing by the group in Billboard’s rankings. Girl group FIFTY FIFTY, which only has one remaining original member, Keena, secured the No. 10 spot.

In anticipation of its May launch, Billboard Korea plans to host a kick-off event in Seoul. This event will celebrate the K-pop artists featured on the 2024 list as guests of honor. It’ll further highlight the global influence of K-pop and its artists. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’s golden maknae added another feather to his cap. Source: Billboard.

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Actress Park Seulgi Talks About the Thoughtful Gift Park Bogum Gave Her

During a recent episode of MBC’s Radio Star, actress Park Seulgi told a heartwarming story about actor Park Bogum. “I’ve been hosting Park Bogum’s fan meetings for a long time. After Bogum returned from the military, we finally had a fan meeting post-COVID for the first time in a while,” she began. “Bogum personally called me and asked, ‘Sunbae-nim, I’m having a fan meeting for the first time in a while in August, are you available?’ I gushed over how grateful I was that he thought of me amidst the rising stars like Jaejae and Yoo Jaepil, to which he replied, ‘Noona, you must join us. I really want you to be there.’ Wasn’t that touching?”

@alcawena74

Park Seul-gi, “Park Bo-gum, get BTS Jimin’s autograph… It felt like my heart was melting” Heartwarming story (Radio Star) #JIMIN

♬ Closer Than This – Jimin

Why the gift was so meaningful

Park Seulgi continued by describing a gift the actor gave her. “During the two-day fan meeting, after the first day, the manager handed me a gift. Bogum always writes me a letter saying ‘Thank you, sunbae-nim, noona,’ and gives me a beautiful package of cosmetics he endorses as gifts for every fan meeting. There was also an album included. I assumed it was his since Bogum sings well, but it turned out to be BTS Jimin’s. I adore BTS, and he gave me Jimin’s signed CD. It felt like my heart was melting.”

The actress revealed why the gift was so meaningful. “Only my Instagram followers know how much I love BTS Jimin. It seems Bogum noticed that. My first child’s prenatal nickname was ‘Bangtan,’ showing how much I love BTS, and my second child’s was ‘Tantan.’ I was moved to tears when I received it. When I asked Bogum how he could have possibly given me such a gift, he said, ‘I really wanted to do this for you.’ I was thankful that Bogum remembered me and understood me so well.”

Park Seulgi is a hardcore Jimin stan

This isn’t the first time Park Seulgi has openly expressed her admiration for BTS. In 2019, she went on KBS CoolFM’s Park Myung-soo’s Radio Show and joked about her deep affection for the group. “I really like BTS, and recently, I got married to Jimin in a dream,” she laughed. “I like him so much that he comes out in my dreams nowadays.”

DJ Park Myung-soo also shared that he has a lot of nightmares, but no actors or actresses would come out in his dreams because he “doesn’t have a particular interest in them.” Park Seul-gi’s story became a joke during the show, since she is already married to a producer at an advertising company.

The fact that Park Bogum remembered how much Park Seulgi loves Jimin and made the effort to get her a gift she’d really like showcases the depth of their friendship. It also exposes Bogum’s true nature, proving that he’s not just sweet and caring on-cam—he’s also that way in real life. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Bogum’s thoughtful gesture left quite the impression on her. Source: Instagram/@parkseulgirowa.

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BTS’s Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V Reportedly Earn Military Promotion

On February 29, 2024, fans learned that BTS members Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V earned promotions to Private First Class in the South Korean military. X (formerly Twitter) user @jaya20dec broke the news in a now-viral post. It highlights the significant progress the four have made since their enlistment in December 2023. 

RM and V underwent basic training at the Nonsan Training Center, where they were recognized as elite soldiers of their graduating batch. RM was assigned to the 15th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, and is currently playing the saxophone in the military band. Meanwhile, after an additional three-week stint at the Army General Administration School, V was assigned to the “Ssangyong Unit” in the 2nd Corps of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, which falls under the Ground Operations Command. 

BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together under the buddy system (“동반입대” or dongbanipdae). Initially, both went to the 5th Infantry Division, where fellow BTS member Jin is serving. But after a more detailed second classification, Jimin and Jungkook were reassigned to an artillery battalion. 

Military ranks of South Korea 2024 #koreanarmy #대한민국

From ‘ideungbyeon’ to ‘ildeungbyeong’ 

After completing almost three months in their respective units, the BTS members were promoted to Private First Class (“일등병” or ildeungbyeong) from Private (“이등병” or ideungbyeong). In the South Korean military, supervisors can request the promotion of recruits to Private First Class within one year of their enlistment. For the BTS members, their promotions took effect on March 1, 2024. 

The South Korean military is a comprehensive and structured organization with a clear hierarchy. This hierarchy divides ranks into several groups, including commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and warrant officers. Each has specific roles, responsibilities, and promotion criteria.

Progression typically starts from Private and advances through ranks such as Private First Class, Corporal (“상등병” or sangdeungbyeong), and Sergeant (“병장” or byeongjang). Promotions are based on factors like time in service, performance, and passing specific tests. But the exact criteria can vary by military branch and its needs. The military emphasizes continuous training and development programs to prepare personnel for increased responsibilities. 

When will BTS be back? Each Members Discharge Date from the Military

When will BTS return to the music scene? 

Fans expressed pride upon learning about the promotions of Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V. Currently, j-hope is a Corporal, which is a rank above Private First Class. Speaking of which, rumors are swirling that Jimin has just become eligible for a promotion to Corporal. Meanwhile, Jin holds the highest rank within the group as a Sergeant in the 5th Division. 

 All seven BTS members will be back from the military in June 2025. After their discharge, they plan to resume group activities. – K-Pop News Writer

 Featured Image: The boys are killing it in the military, and ARMYs couldn’t be prouder. Source: X/@BTSMalaysia.

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BTS’s Jimin Enters ‘Hometown Love Donation Project’ Hall of Fame

On February 22, 2024, the South Korean media outlet Busan Ilbo shared a heartwarming story. BTS member Jimin was inducted into the Hall of Fame as one of the major donors to the Hometown Love Donation project in Nam-gu, a district in the South Central part of Busan. This acknowledgment reflects Jimin’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Over the years, the idol has worked to uplift needy children and support various charitable causes.

He donated 3,766.08 USD (approximately 5,015,514.70 KRW) to the Hometown Love Donation project, which encourages donations to local governments beyond one’s own. It fosters community support across different regions. By donating the maximum amount an individual can contribute, Jimin demonstrated his dedication to making a positive impact. His contribution to Nam-gu, where his father’s cafe MAGNATE is located, further strengthens his ties to his hometown.

In recognition of his generous donations aimed at uplifting vulnerable sections of society and nurturing local communities and youth, Jimin was listed in the Hall of Fame for Major Donors on the district’s website. He also received a Plaque of Appreciation in August 2023. Demonstrating his humility, when Jimin received local specialties in return for his contributions, he chose to donate them to needy people in the district instead.

Fans called Jimin an ‘angel’

The Nam-gu office revealed that over 1,000 people have contributed to the Hometown Love Donation program, amassing over 110.95 million KRW (83,298.93 USD) so far. News of Jimin’s good deeds quickly spread, with ARMYs taking to social media to celebrate his kindness. They referred to the “Like Crazy” singer as an “angel” and expressed admiration for his actions.

In addition to his philanthropic achievements, Jimin finished basic military training with flying colors. He’s currently serving in the 5th Infantry Division alongside fellow BTS member Jungkook. They signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This program allows soldiers to enlist and train with close friends or relatives. They can also live in the same residential unit. Both will return to the entertainment industry in 2025.

Jimin’s actions inspired not only his fans but also the wider community, proving that kindness and generosity can indeed leave a lasting impact. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: A giving heart beats within Jimin’s chest. Source: X/@thejiminpost.

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Here’s What Soldiers Need to Do to Get an Autograph From BTS’s V

Since BTS’s V and the other members enlisted in the South Korean military, they haven’t been as visible. News about how their service is going is rare. However, a recent revelation from an unnamed soldier has shed some light on what the “Slow Dancing” singer has been up to lately.

According to this unnamed soldier, the process to obtain an autograph from V in the military is unique, to say the least. “If you write your name down on a post-it note to get an autograph from V, executive officers get five. Assistant officers only get two. However, V won’t just give autographs to assistant officers.” 

V apparently came up with a playful challenge for those seeking a personal memento from him. “He makes you solve a quiz in order to get an autograph,” the unnamed soldier elaborates. “This quiz asks questions such as, ‘What are the BTS members’ names?’ and ‘What is the title of a BTS song?’ If you get the answers wrong, he’ll link arms with other soldiers and chase you out.”

@borahaebtsfans

#Taehyung went to where the op’s uncle works Taehyung’s military autographed story (according to op’s uncle) “If you write your name on a post-it note and bring in to get an autograph, executives will get five autographs and assistants will only get two. But instead of just signing an autograph, the trainees had to solve a quiz. The quiz was ‘What are the names of the BTS members?’ ‘What is the title of the BTS song?’ If you get it wrong, the trainees next to you will link their arms and take you away.” Taehyung be like ‘you need to work hard to get my sign’ lmaooo 😭

♬ original sound – 💜ᗷᗩᑎǤ丅ᗩᑎ – 💜ᗷᗩᑎǤ丅ᗩᑎ93

V was inspired by Na PD

This approach is inspired by the variety shows of producer Na Young Suk. As it happens, V and Na PD know each other quite well because they worked together on one such show—2023’s Jinny’s Kitchen.

V’s military journey has been marked by many achievements. He began by applying to the Capital Defense Command’s Special Division Team (SDT). He passed the document screening, interview rounds, and physical fitness tests, then enrolled in a five-week basic training course. Upon graduating, he was named an elite soldier. Finally, V went to the Army Administrative School for an additional three weeks of training.

Upon completing his advanced training, V was assigned to the “Ssangyong Unit” in the 2nd Corps of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, which is under the Ground Operations Command. V began his service in the military police special task force, directly overseen by the headquarters of the 2nd Corps in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. He’s set to be discharged on June 10, 2025. Until then, he continues to leave quite an impression on his fellow soldiers with his unique sense of humor. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans aren’t surprised that V is up to his usual antics even during his service. Source: Vogue Korea.

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EL CAPITXN Appears on ‘Suchwita’ as SUGA’s Last Guest

The last episode of Suchwita aired on February 26, marking a special moment for BTS’s SUGA. He invited his best friend, Jang Yi Jeong, aka producer EL CAPITXN, to close out the season with him. EL CAPITXN is best known for his contributions to songs by BTS, as well as SUGA’s solo projects. He had a hand in crafting “Take Two,” “AMYGDALA,” and more.

On the show, they reflected on their friendship and the obstacles they’ve encountered. EL CAPITXN opened up about his vocal control issues for the first time, revealing how it affected his singing and speaking abilities. He described feeling frustrated when he couldn’t perform songs he knew well as his voice wouldn’t cooperate, leading to fears of singing off-key.

EL CAPITXN shared a moment that highlighted the severity of his condition. “Back then, I simply thought I wasn’t in my best form and kept brushing it off, but the more time went by, the more uncomfortable I became. It got to the point it affected me even when I was just talking. The first time I realized that was when I was at the agency, and the CEO was walking by at the end of the hallway. I wanted to say, ‘Hello,’ but the words didn’t come out. I was so shocked.” He sought medical advice, but none of the doctors he consulted could figure out what was happening to him.

@nujiko.ily

ความต่างที่ลงตัว จนกลายเป็นความพิเศษ #SugaWithElxcapitxn #อีจองเพื่อนชูก้าbts #SUGA #minyoongi #AgustD #jangyijeong #elxcapitxn #elcapitxn #อีจอง #ติ่งกับTikTok #fyp @BTS

♬ 친구 – BTS

They bonded over songwriting

He and SUGA bonded over songwriting in 2016. The BTS member was so impressed by the latter’s talent that he offered to give EL CAPITXN‘s demo to BigHit Entertainment (now BigHit Music). However, when EL CAPITXN’s former group disbanded, he signed with another agency instead.

Even so, SUGA remained supportive of his friend. He even offered to finance medical treatments for his vocal issues. “I say this every time I see you, but I still wish that you would sing too. Back then, I said this too. I was driving and said, ‘If you want to be a singer, fix your voice first. You have to get that taken care of to do what you want to do. I’ll pay for the hospital fees. No matter how much it costs, I’ll support you. You can pay me back slowly when you can. If you want to be a singer, that agency is the right choice but get your voice fixed first.’ That’s what I said,” SUGA recalled.

EL CAPITXN says SUGA’s offer made him look at the BTS member in a whole new light. “I remember exactly how I felt in your car that day. I’ve never told you this before. We may be friends now, but back then, the way I saw it, and the way I felt was that you were just a business friend. And no wonder, because I had asked for your help, and that’s how we met. It felt like we were friends out of necessity. But no one could bring up the problems I had first like you did. No one, not even my family, could talk to me easily about the fact that I wasn’t able to sing anymore, but you brought it up while you were driving.”

[슈취타] EP.27 SUGA with 장이정

SUGA expressed hope for ‘Suchwita’ season two

While SUGA couldn’t directly revive EL CAPITXN’s singing career, he did help the latter find a new direction. This support not only provided EL CAPITXN with a new career path but also cemented their friendship. “So, then you came back to our agency, ‘Yoongi, you gotta help me out,’ and you gave me another demo. You had wanted to release an album but that didn’t work out, but you weren’t able to do anything as a songwriter yet either, so, I figured I should help you debut as a songwriter,” SUGA said.

As the episode drew to a close, SUGA took a moment to bid farewell to the first season of Suchwita and express his hope for a second season. He also shared a heartfelt message with fans, asking them to wait for BTS to be discharged. “If you just wait a little bit, you’ll be able to see the seven of us running around on the stage again,” SUGA assured fans.

The end of Suchwita‘s first season stirred a wave of emotions among fans. ARMYs worldwide are clinging to the rapper’s words as they await the septet’s return as a full group in 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This was a great way to end the show’s first season! Source: X/@bts_bighit.

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BTS’s Jimin Will Grace the March 2024 Cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam

BTS’s Jimin has been announced as the cover star for the March 2024 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. The fashion magazine made the announcement on its official Instagram. One of the cover blurbs highlighted the K-pop idol’s thoughts on accessories. “Accessories possess the remarkable ability to uplift my spirits,” he shared.

The interview and photoshoot were done before he joined the South Korean military on December 12, 2023, alongside fellow BTS member Jungkook. They enlisted together under the “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This program allows them to enlist, train, and live together for the duration of their service.


In one of the photos—which Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam chose for the cover—Jimin wore a Dior jacket and dress pants. He also donned bracelets, necklaces, and rings from Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany Lock collection, which the brand debuted in August 2022. Padlocks, which have been a motif for the brand since the 1880s, inspired the collection. It features pieces made with highly polished 18-carat gold and hand-set pavé diamonds, symbolizing love and commitment.

In a subsequent Instagram post, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam posted photos of Jimin clad in black and gray blazer suits, a blue and white striped shirt with blue checkered knitwear, and a bucket hat, all from Dior. He also wore pieces from Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany HardWear and Tiffany T. collections. This collection finds its roots in a 1971 bracelet from Tiffany’s archives. It offers bold and expressive pieces that capture New York City’s spirited atmosphere. As for the Tiffany T collection, its designs are characterized by a sleek T motif inspired by the brand’s name.

Jimin and his stunning visuals

A final series of photos saw Jimin wearing Dior again. Two brooches from Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., named “Paris Flame” and “Bird on a Rock,” complemented his clothes. The former has diamonds at the center, set in 18k yellow gold and platinum to resemble the way a flame flickers and moves.

The latter is one of the 21st century’s most iconic jewelry designs. This 18k yellow gold and platinum brooch had a diamond-encrusted bird on an emerald-cut tanzanite “rock.” It can also come with aquamarine, kunzite, morganite, spessartine, and tourmaline gemstones, available in cushion or oval cuts.


Styled by Kim Youngjin and captured by photographer Hong Jang-hyun, with hair by Dareum Kim and makeup by Hansom from Bit & Boot, this feature highlights Jimin‘s ability to navigate the realm of high fashion with ease. 

Fans are excited for the release of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam’s March 2024 issue. Not just because of Jimin and his stunning visuals, but also because the interview will give them greater insight into the BTS member’s journey as a style icon. – K-Pop News Writer 

Featured Image: Elegance, thy name is Jimin. Source: Instagram/@bazaarvietnam.

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IU Unveils ‘Love Wins All’ MV Alternate Ending Starring BTS V

It looks like they lived happily ever after, after all! IU has revealed the alternate ending to the music video for “Love Wins All” and it shows the couple played by the soloist with co-star BTS V getting what they deserved!

‘Love Wins All’ MV Alternate Ending Revealed During IU Concert

IU’s H.E.R World Tour, which commenced on March 2 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, marked a significant milestone in the K-pop icon’s career. The tour serves as a platform to promote her latest EP, “The Winning,” released just a month prior, with its lead single “Love Wins All” garnering immense anticipation, especially due to its captivating music video featuring BTS’s V.

The music video captivated audiences with its intricate storytelling and stellar performances from IU and V. Set in a dystopian world, the protagonists navigate a perilous journey, evading an ominous entity threatening their lives. Amidst the chaos, they find solace in fleeting moments of love, envisioning an alternate reality free from the clutches of fate.

The poignant climax of the video, where the couple confronts their inevitable demise, left viewers emotionally moved. The symbolism of their torn wedding attire serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the transient nature of love.

The Alternate Ending

However, fans were granted a glimmer of hope when IU unveiled an alternate ending during her concert—a heartwarming conclusion depicting V and IU driving away together, wrapped in each other’s embrace. This alternative ending, met with widespread acclaim, offered fans the closure they yearned for, as it provided a sense of redemption and closure for the characters.

While some interpreted this ending as a literal resolution to the characters’ story, others speculated it to be a manifestation of their shared fantasy or an afterlife sequence. Regardless of interpretation, the newfound happiness portrayed in the alternative ending resonated deeply with fans, who found solace in witnessing their beloved characters find peace and happiness, if only for a fleeting moment.

IU’s ability to evoke such emotional responses through her music and storytelling underscores her prowess as an artist. By offering fans a glimpse into the multifaceted narrative behind “Love Wins All,” IU continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reaffirming her status as a trailblazer in the K-pop industry.

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HYBE Employee Song Ju-young Reveals What BTS Is Really Like

We may think we know our favorite idols because we get glimpses of their personalities when we keep up with their music and other content. But how much of what we see is actually real? We may never know the answer to that. But there are people who do: the staff members who work with idols like BTS. For instance, HYBE employees get to know the members really well because they work behind the scenes.

These individuals, working tirelessly within the idols’ agencies, are privy to moments unseen by fans and media alike. This means they have a unique perspective on whether these celebrated figures are as genuine as they appear. One of them, Song Ju-young, a member of HYBE’s IT department, talked about his encounters with BTS on his YouTube channel. His stories offer a glimpse into what the members are really like without all the glitz and glamor.

가장 많이 받은 질문! BTS 본 적 있어요?

Memorable encounters

One memorable encounter involved Kim Seokjin, better known as Jin. Song Ju-young described BTS’s eldest member as “very  handsome and young-looking.” Recalling a time when he ran into Jin in the HYBE cafeteria, he shared that he went there to get a drink when he saw the idol. “I just nodded, then I realized he’s Jin from BTS!”

Song also shared his admiration for Kim Namjoon aka RM. Song shared that he often sees the BTS leader at the company gym. He praised RM‘s impressive physique, noting, “He’s so tall and his face is so small. He’s so handsome in person. His manly force is so amazing!”

Park Jimin was another member he spoke highly of. Despite Jimin‘s stature, Song said the 95-liner extends so much kindness to HYBE staff. “Among the BTS members, if I had to choose my bias, it’d be Jimin. His body is so pretty! Even with that small body, his body line is too pretty!”

이 노래로 ”입덕“했어요!!

The BTS members are genuine

Beyond their visuals, Song Ju-young was struck by the BTS members’ genuine personalities. He observed that their public image closely aligns with their true selves, a rarity in the entertainment industry. “They’re exactly as you see,” Song said.

ARMYs worldwide were touched by Song Ju-young’s insights. Everything he said about BTS further solidified their admiration for the group. After reading his comments, many were relieved to find that RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are actually as nice as they make themselves out to be. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Song Ju-young talks about different facets of life as a HYBE employee on his YouTube channel. Source: X/@jupiter_song.

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BTS Makes Wikipedia and YouTube History

K-pop sensation BTS has once again proven their unparalleled influence and popularity by setting new milestones on both YouTube and Wikipedia. Although RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, V, Jimin, and Jungkook are serving in the South Korean military, they continue to rack up achievements. This is proof of their enduring star power and impact on the music industry and beyond.

The group’s 2020 hit single “Dynamite” has etched its name in YouTube history by surpassing 1.8 billion views on February 23, at approximately 3:06 AM KST. This remarkable achievement has crowned “Dynamite” as the first music video by a Korean boy group to reach this milestone. 

It’s also the fastest music video by a K-pop group to achieve such a feat. Released on August 21, 2020 at 1:00 PM KST, it took “Dynamite” a little over three years, six months, one day, and 14 hours to amass 1.8 billion views. In so doing, BTS broke the previous record held by BLACKPINK, whose “DDU-DU DDU-DU” took approximately three years, seven months, and 16 days to earn the same number of views.

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

BTS rules the Wikipedia roost

In addition to their YouTube success, BTS also became the most-viewed K-pop artist on Wikipedia. According to a post by About Music on February 22, 2024, the group’s page in the online encyclopedia has accumulated over 90 million views since 2015. This further solidifies the septet’s dominance in the digital space. About Music provides real-time sales data for artists, highlighting BTS’s significant online presence across different metrics. This includes digital sales, physical sales, and streaming numbers.

Amid their achievements as a group, each of the BTS members also continue to shine brightly on their own. V, who also goes by his real name Kim Taehyung, nabbed the title of the most-viewed K-pop idol on Wikipedia. His personal page amassed an impressive 42 million page views since 2015. This accomplishment underscores the star power each member brings to the group, contributing to BTS‘s overall success and influence.

In other news, eldest member Jin will be discharged from the South Korean military sometime in June. j-hope will follow suit in October. The rest of the members will start returning one by one in 2025. Once they’re all together again, you can bet they’ll be breaking and setting even more records! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ‘Dynamite’ really blew up on YouTube. (Get it?) Source: X/@chartdata.

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