“Do you know how iconic this is” — Fans react as BTS joins Jungkook as the only K-pop artists to have a song reach 2B Spotify streams

BTS joined their youngest member, Jungkook, as the only artist from the genre to have songs surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify. On January 13, 2025, Dynamite by BTS garnered over 2 billion streams, joining Jungkook's SEVEN, which has over 2.15 billion streams. This made BTS the first and only Asian and K-pop group to have a song hit the milestone.

Dynamite, released in 2020, became the first song by a K-pop and Korean group act to top the Billboard Hot 100. BTS' songs like Life Goes On, Savage Love, Butter, Permission To Dance, My Universe, and Dynamite are the only K-pop/Korean songs that ever topped the chart.

The pre-release single from GOLDEN, titled SEVEN (feat. Latto), debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintained the top position for seven consecutive weeks. It also made Jungkook the second K-pop solo act after bandmate Jimin to top the chart and the first to hit seven weeks at No.1.

Additionally, SEVEN surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify in 106 days in 2023 surpassing Miley Cyrus' previous record held by Flowers as the fastest song to achieve this milestone.

Fans worldwide expressed overwhelming excitement and pride over BTS and Jungkook's streaming milestones. Social media platforms were abuzz with celebratory messages and discussions about the group's influence on global music trends. One fan wrote:

"Do you know how iconic this is"

Fans lauded the Dynamite group for their latest achievement which holds further significance as the members are inactive due to their ongoing military enlistment.

"Bts becoming the first K-pop group to have a song surpass 2 billion streams on spotify! you deserve it dynamite <3" one fan wrote.

"BTS are the FIRST ASIAN GROUP in history to SURPASS 2B streams on Spotify." another fan added.

"Dynamite is a song gifted by bts to armys during our most fragile state during a time where it was hard to see the light and bts paved that light with a smile. Borahae apobangpo," one other fan said.

Others highlighted how BTS' Jungkook achieved this feat as a solo artist.

"Congratulations BTS and shout-out to all Army globally... This is for our family. And more to come." one fan commented.

"And Jungkook is the only artist to hit 2 billion as a solo artist and a group artist! King!" another fan emphasized.

"BTS and Jungkook's record-breaking success showcases their global impact, solidifying K-pop's presence in mainstream music history. Truly legendary!" one other fan added.

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BTS and Jungkook's chart-topping success

In June 2022, during their FESTA dinner, BTS announced a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on individual projects and mandatory military service. This decision allowed members to explore solo endeavors before they enrolled in the Republic of Korea Army to fulfill mandatory military service obligations.

Jungkook seized this opportunity to embark on his solo career, releasing his debut album, GOLDEN, on November 3, 2023. His significant milestones are as follows:

• SEVEN (feat. Latto): Released on July 14, 2023, this track debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts. It set multiple Guinness World Records, including the fastest time to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, achieving this in just 109 days.
• Left and Right (with Charlie Puth): This collaboration has also surpassed 1 billion streams, showcasing Jungkook's broad musical appeal.
• Standing Next to You: Released in November 2023, this track reached 1 billion streams within 367 days, marking Jungkook's third entry into Spotify's "Billions Club."

Meanwhile, BTS' discography boasts over 15 tracks that have achieved over 1 billion streaming numbers. Here are a few of them:

• Dynamite: Released on August 21, 2020, Dynamite became the first K-pop track to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify by July 20, 2021. As of August 3, 2024, it surpassed 1.9 billion streams, setting a new record among K-pop artists.
• Butter: This English-language single has garnered over 1.16 billion streams, further solidifying BTS's global appeal.
• My Universe (with Coldplay): A collaboration that also earned another Grammy nomination in 2022, this track has accumulated over 1.10 billion streams.
• Boy with Luv (feat. Halsey): This song has achieved over 1.08 billion streams.

The group was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine three times between 2018, 2019, and 2020 highlighting their global impact and cultural significance. They are also the first and only K-pop act to receive multiple Grammy nominations, as recognized by the Recording Academy.

BTS also became the first Korean group to secure numerous international awards, including Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards.

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In other news, BTS' Namjoon, Jimin, SUGA, Taehyung, and Jungkook are serving in the military. They will be discharged in June 2025 and will resume music activities.