BTS "Still Tears, Everyone Should Receive Congratulations"

Korea's First Billboard Main Single No.1
Largest Digital Sales Since Taylor Swift in 2017
"Thankful to ARMY More Than Anyone" Expresses Gratitude to Fans via SNS

[Image source=Yonhap News]

"This achievement is yours and something to be celebrated. I hope you feel as good as this result makes you."

This is the sentiment of BTS, the first Korean group to top the US Billboard main singles chart. On the 1st (Korean time), BTS expressed gratitude on social media (SNS), saying, "It's all thanks to the fans." They added, "I don't know what to write. I keep crying," revealing that they were so overwhelmed they had trouble sleeping. They continued, "More than anyone, thank you to ARMY (BTS fan club). We love you. Everyone deserves congratulations," conveying their thanks to the fans.

The new song "Dynamite" received great response immediately after its release on the 21st of last month. In its first week in the US, it was streamed 33.9 million times and achieved 300,000 digital and physical sales. Notably, digital downloads reached 265,000, marking the highest sales since Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" in September 2017.

BTS also performed well in radio airplay, which had been considered a weak point. Based on about 160 US radio stations, the "Pop Songs Radio Chart" saw "Dynamite" debut at number 30 last week and rise to a record high of number 20 this week. It outperformed "WAP" by female rappers Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, which had held the number one spot on the "Hot 100" for two consecutive weeks, by earning balanced scores across all metrics.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

It is extremely rare for an Asian artist's song to top the "Hot 100." Examples include "Sukiyaki" by Japanese artist Kyu Sakamoto in 1963 and "Like A G6" by the American electronic group Far East Movement, which included Korean-American members, in 2010. Billboard noted, "BTS is the first Korean artist to reach number one on the 'Hot 100,'" and described it as "an achievement with their first English single."

"Dynamite" is a digital single released on the 21st of last month. In its first week, the original track along with EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and acoustic remix versions were released, and physical albums such as LPs and cassette tapes were also sold. The genre is upbeat disco pop. For the first time since their debut, all lyrics were written in English. Collaborations with Steve Aoki and featuring Halsey aimed to solidify their recognition in English-speaking markets. The composition and lyrics were entrusted to David Stewart and Jessica Agombar, British musicians who have worked with popular local artists like the Jonas Brothers and Hailee Steinfeld.

The music video also reflects their intention to capture the hearts of locals. It emphasizes the lifestyle of American teenagers. Set in a slanted attic room commonly seen in American middle-class homes, it depicts a wholesome party. Milk, donuts, basketball courts, and ice cream trucks appear in colorful hues, with 1980s fashion layered on, giving off a strong disco vibe.

"Dynamite" also delivers a hopeful message to a world struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Leader RM told the US daily USA Today, "The goal of 'Dynamite' is simple," adding, "to explore the world with positive vibes and energy." Member Jin said at a press conference before the release, "There is a lyric that says 'I'm gonna light it up.' I hope many people listen and gain strength."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

BTS's recent success could serve as a stepping stone to being nominated for the Grammy Awards, the most prestigious accolade in the music industry. Member Suga revealed in a May 2018 press conference, "The bigger the dream, the better. I want to be number one on the 'Hot 100' and 'Billboard 200.' I want to go to the Grammys and do a stadium tour. I want to be the most influential artist in the world." Most of these goals have been achieved in just over two years.

In fact, Billboard named BTS as one of eighteen artists likely to be Grammy nominees next time, predicting that "'ON' or 'Dynamite' could be nominated." Their next work might also be nominated. BTS previously announced, "We are preparing a comeback with a new album that reflects our unique style within this year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.