3 Reasons Why BTS Jungkook Reached No.1 on Billboard... The Truth Revealed

Localization, Multi-label, Jungkook's Insight
Betting on Billboard's Latest Pop Dominated by Country
Jungkook Decides "I Must Do It" Upon First Hearing Seven

Big Hit Music revealed on the 26th three reasons why BTS's Jungkook topped the Billboard Hot 100 with his solo song "Seven." They were precise localization, a global multi-label strategy, and Jungkook's foresight.

First, the precise localization strategy. HYBE and Big Hit Music kept American fans' tastes in mind throughout the entire production process of Seven. They bet on the latest pop by incorporating English lyrics and the trendy 'UK garage style.' The recording was also done in the United States. The production team, led by HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, worked in real-time with Jungkook locally in the U.S. to enhance the song's completeness. Before Seven appeared, the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 spot was dominated for 14 weeks by American country singer Morgan Wallen. Most of the top ranks were country genre. They surpassed country, known as the 'most American genre,' with the most sophisticated pop music.

Another success factor is HYBE's global multi-label strategy, which began to show results after establishing HYBE America and entering the U.S. market. Scooter Braun, founder of Ithaca Holdings acquired by HYBE and CEO of HYBE America, closely collaborated throughout Seven's production process, from song sourcing to securing featuring artist Latto. The release of various remix versions of Seven also played a significant role based on Braun's advice.

Jungkook's sensibility and foresight were also key to success. Upon first hearing Seven, Jungkook immediately decided, "I have to do this." The final decision to select it as his first solo single was made around March. Within just four months, he enhanced the completeness of the music and performance, achieving the great feat of conquering Billboard. An industry insider said, "Jungkook, a BTS member, met Seven and blossomed his potential as a global star."

As Seven swiftly shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the industry is evaluating that "Billboard's restrictions were overcome by skill." Billboard changed its ranking calculation method earlier this month. The main point was excluding digital download counts from artists' official websites. This was a disadvantageous condition for K-pop artists, especially those with high official website download numbers outside the U.S. However, Jungkook's Seven dominated Billboard by recording explosive streaming numbers based on the song's own popularity.

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