BTS’s Jimin Continues Global Domination as "Who" Shatters Records and "MUSE" Extends Billboard Run

Seoul, South Korea – August 17, 2025 — BTS member Jimin has achieved another unprecedented milestone in his solo career, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in K-pop and contemporary pop music worldwide. His standout single “Who” from his solo album MUSE has rewritten industry records by maintaining the No. 1 position on Spotify Korea’s Daily Top Songs chart for 500 consecutive days, a feat unmatched by any solo artist in the region. At the same time, his full-length album continues its robust performance on international charts, extending its run on the Billboard 200 albums ranking for 26 weeks, with its current placement climbing to No. 118.

This dual-chart domination cements Jimin’s status as not just a pioneering K-pop idol, but as a global pop phenomenon reshaping commercial music performance standards.

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"Who" Becomes a Benchmark in K-pop Streaming History

The longevity of “Who” at the top of Spotify Korea is monumental in the history of K-pop. Most singles, even from well-established acts, face decline in the fast-paced, ever-changing charts after an initial surge of popularity. The fact that Jimin’s track has sustained listener demand for nearly a year and a half speaks to an enduring cultural impact rather than fleeting hype.

Music historians note that no preceding K-pop artist has held such dominance over South Korea’s largest streaming platform. By comparison, BTS’s group singles and Blackpink’s global releases have seen explosive performance peaks, but none sustained for the length “Who” has demonstrated. Jimin now sets a streaming benchmark that future K-pop acts will be measured against.

Beyond Korean charts, “Who” is also thriving across international platforms. Its 22-week stay on the Billboard Hot 100 marks another unprecedented achievement, surpassing the record once famously held by Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” which stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 31 weeks in 2012 but experienced sharper fluctuations in its ranking. Jimin’s consistency underscores the shift in global music tastes, where longevity and streaming stability matter as much as viral peaks.

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MUSE Extends International Chart Presence

Jimin’s MUSE, released in 2024, remains one of the standout K-pop solo albums of this decade. With its 26-week presence on the Billboard 200, the album rivals group projects in terms of global reach. It demonstrates the broadening acceptance of K-pop solo ventures, an avenue that was once considered riskier compared to collaborative group outputs.

Historically, K-pop idols who debuted solo—such as Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation or G-Dragon of BigBang—saw notable initial fan response, but their albums did not sustain half-year runs on the Billboard charts. Jimin’s performance has redefined expectations for what a K-pop soloist can achieve in international markets.

The album’s climb to No. 118 this week suggests not just sustained fan support but the entry of new audiences who continue discovering Jimin’s work long after initial release. In terms of global music economics, this sustained momentum represents a strong contribution to Korea’s creative exports, which continue to be a multi-billion-dollar industry.

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Historical Context: K-pop’s Global Expansion and Jimin’s Role

The global expansion of K-pop can be traced back to the mid-2000s, when acts like BoA and TVXQ opened doors in Japan, and later to the 2010s when BTS, EXO, and BigBang drew international followings. However, the transition to an era where K-pop soloists command equal or greater attention than full groups is more recent.

Jimin’s success follows BTS’s long trajectory of breaking barriers, including topping the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, performing at the Grammy Awards, and being recognized as cultural ambassadors on the world stage. What makes Jimin’s rise particularly notable is that his solo numbers are standing independently, without needing the BTS label to hold them up commercially. While his association with one of the world’s most recognized groups undeniably provided a platform, his artistry, distinct vocal style, and performance charisma are now recognized on their own merit.

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Economic Impact of Jimin’s Global Success

Beyond music consumption, Jimin’s solo achievements have measurable economic effects on South Korea’s culture and entertainment industry. Exports of K-pop, including streaming, album sales, and merchandising, have become a significant source of cultural capital for the Korean economy. Analysts estimate that BTS as a group has contributed billions of dollars to national revenue over the past decade. Now, individual members’ activities—particularly Jimin’s chart-topping output—are multiplying that effect.

Sales of MUSE continue globally, with physical album purchases from Japan, the United States, and Europe contributing notably to import-export data. Additionally, Jimin’s recent Instagram posts featuring dance practice clips and personal photos have generated massive fan engagement, creating ripple effects in fashion, social media trends, and consumer spending among younger demographics. Every image or performance he shares translates into heightened brand visibility, with fashion labels and advertisers seizing on his status as a global trendsetter.

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Regional Comparisons: Jimin Versus Other Asian Pop Icons

Comparisons of chart success across Asia highlight Jimin’s unique standing. Japanese artists, such as Hikaru Utada, revolutionized Asian music in past decades and broke into international listening spheres. However, sustained Billboard chart presence was always limited. In China, C-pop has enjoyed huge domestic markets but faced challenges breaking into Western charts due to regulatory and accessibility barriers.

Against this backdrop, Jimin’s dual-chart success across Asia, America, and Europe signals a bridging of gaps between regional fandom and universal recognition. His achievements are part of a broader K-pop wave, but the scale exceeds what previous solo artists managed, even within Asia’s well-established music systems. This cross-regional impact signals that K-pop is no longer a niche genre abroad but an integrated component of global pop consumption.

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Global Fan Reaction and Social Media Momentum

Fans worldwide have celebrated Jimin’s milestones with fervor, trending hashtags across major platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. In South Korea, LED billboards in Seoul’s Gangnam district and subway stations have been adorned with fan-funded advertisements celebrating “500 Days of Who.” International fans have mirrored the celebration with digital campaigns, streaming marathons, and even charity drives launched in Jimin’s name.

This digital grassroots movement underscores the cultural shift of global fandoms. Unlike in earlier eras where fan passion was often locally contained, today’s online communities converge across continents, amplifying success metrics and ensuring artists like Jimin maintain visibility in global media cycles long after their releases.

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Anticipation for BTS’s Return

While Jimin’s solo achievements bring individual glory, fans are also eagerly awaiting the group’s reunion activities. Following BTS’s temporary slowdown in group promotions due to mandatory military service commitments, the prospect of all seven members reuniting has fueled speculation about the scale of their comeback.

Industry insiders predict that Jimin’s individual success will bolster the group’s next era, elevating their international trajectory even further. For now, his achievements act as both a bridge and a precursor, maintaining global interest in BTS during this transitional phase.

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Jimin’s Enduring Legacy

Jimin’s 500-day chart reign, Billboard milestones, and unmatched streaming achievements are more than just numbers. They reflect his artistry, global impact, and the evolution of K-pop from a once regional trend to a permanent fixture in the global music arena.

As Jimin continues to share his journey with fans through new performances, personal updates, and potential future projects, his influence shows no signs of waning. For now, his dominance on Spotify Korea and his international Billboard performance stand as enduring testaments to how far K-pop’s stars can rise—individually and collectively.

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