Jimin [BTS] 'Who' hits 2.5 billion Spotify streams, setting K-pop solo record

The solo power of BTS's Jimin [BTS] has once again been proven in the global music market. 'Who', the title track from his second solo album 'MUSE' released in 2024, has surpassed 2.5 billion cumulative streams on Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, setting a new peak record in Jimin's solo career.

This record, tallied as of the 30th of last month, is more than just a streaming figure; it is a symbolic achievement demonstrating the massive influence a K-pop solo artist can exert in the global pop market.

- 'Who', a global hit that transcends language barriers

'Who' is a song in which Jimin delicately expresses his inner self and longing for love. Combining intense performance, sensual sound, Jimin's unique high-toned vocals, and restrained emotional expression, the track garnered intense attention from music fans worldwide immediately upon its release.

In particular, 'Who', produced with a global pop sound centered on English lyrics, proved its competitiveness in the mainstream pop market, moving beyond the genre boundaries of K-pop. This aligns with the message recently shared by BTS: "Music should not be divided by language or region, but should be loved as music itself." The success of 'Who' is evaluated as an example showing that K-pop is no longer music limited to a specific linguistic sphere but has established itself as a central axis of the global popular music market.

- Long-term records on Billboard and Official Charts... "The power of longevity"

After debuting at number 12 on the US Billboard 'Hot 100', 'Who' remained on the chart for a staggering 33 weeks. It also showed a strong presence on the Billboard global charts. By recording 1st place on the Billboard Global 200 and 1st place on the Billboard Global (Excl. US) for 74 weeks and 89 weeks respectively, it proved steady consumption power rather than just short-term hype.

The reaction in the UK was also intense. On the UK Official Singles Chart, one of the world's major pop markets, it entered at number 4 and remained on the chart for 28 weeks. This is a meaningful record showing that K-pop solo artists are maintaining continuous competitiveness in the US-centered global music market.

- The representative K-pop of 2024 recognized by Spotify

'Who' also showed its presence in Spotify's year-end wrap-up project, '2024 Wrapped'. It was selected as the most played K-pop music release worldwide and was also tallied as the song most listened to by Korean users. Furthermore, it continued its long-term influence by reaching number 57 on the Billboard '2025 Year-End Chart' Hot 100. Jimin also received musical recognition by winning 'K-pop Song of the Year' at the '2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards' hosted by US-based iHeartRadio for this track.

- Jimin's own color within the massive world of BTS

The success of Jimin's 'Who' is difficult to explain solely by the halo effect of being a member of BTS. Even within the massive group brand of BTS, Jimin has steadily built his own musical identity. While he spoke of inner anxiety and reflection in his solo album 'FACE', in 'MUSE', he showed a broader musical world through the expansion of love, relationships, and emotions. In particular, 'Who' is evaluated as a result of Jimin's unique delicate vocals and performance capabilities combining with global pop sensibilities.

- BTS's 'ARIRANG' also makes a long run on global charts

Meanwhile, BTS is also continuing its global influence through group activities. Their 5th full-length album 'ARIRANG' remained on the UK Official Albums Chart for 19 consecutive weeks and recorded number 2 on Spotify's 'Weekly Top Albums Global'. Additionally, the B-side tracks also settled on the global charts. 'SWIM' at number 7, 'NORMAL' at number 34, 'Body to Body' at number 171, 'Hooligan' at number 187, and '2.0' at number 193 all entered the 'Weekly Top Songs Global', demonstrating the influence of the entire album.

Jimin's 'Who' surpassing 2.5 billion streams is more than the success of a single song; it is a declaration that K-pop solo music has established itself as a central genre in the global pop market. Within the global trend created by BTS, Jimin is now carving his name as an independent global artist, moving beyond the modifier of being a 'member of the group.'