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On January 13, 2025, the media platform @ThePopCore reported that BTS' Jimin's solo track, WHO, became the most streamed song by a Korean solo artist in Spotify's history. This achievement elicited enthusiastic reactions from fans worldwide.
Released on July 19, 2024, as the lead single from Jimin's second solo album MUSE, the song explores themes of identity and self-reflection. Its introspective lyrics and emotive delivery have deeply resonated with listeners, earning widespread praise. Fans, known as ARMY, are proudly celebrating Jimin's achievements, with social media filled with messages admiring his unique talent.
A fan wrote:
"Another episode of jimin is in league of his own"
Trending
Fans stated that the Grammy-nominated musician's only competition is himself.
"Jimin's only competition is himself," one fan wrote.
"That "Bts surpasses bts and becomes the first act since bts to-" joke never gets old," another fan wrote.
"Replacing your own self is like crazy work," one other fan added.
Others made light of the matter and mentioned his previous Billboard Hot 100 topping song, Like Crazy, and how it "deserved" more streams comparatively. Some even hailed him as the "father of K-pop."
"Noooooooooo like crazy my queen deserved it more," one fan joked.
"When you’re the father of K-pop," another fan remarked.
"How very taylor swift coded of him," a fan added.
Overview of the Jimin's MUSE album and its achievements and records
MUSE is a seven-track album that revolves around the theme of love, showcasing Jimin's versatility as an artist. The album candidly shares stories Jimin wished to convey, portraying his journey of finding inspiration from his surroundings.
The album's tracklist includes seven songs to which the BTS idol also contributed to co-writing and co-producing:
- Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco) – Pre-released on June 28, 2024, this track was co-written and co-produced with Pdogg, setting the tone for the album's exploration of love and inspiration.
- WHO – The lead single, co-written and co-produced by Jon Bellion, Pete Nappi, and Tenroc, delves into themes of identity and self-reflection.
- Closer Than This – A pre-release track from December 2023, later added to the album. Co-written by GHSTLOOP, and Ayo the Producer, expressing gratitude and deep connection with his supporters.
- BE MINE — An African-beat-inspired pop track, co-produced with Pdogg, Ryan Tedder, Ali Tamposi, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, GHSTLOOP, and Evan, explores the blossoming of love.
- SLOW DANCE (feat. Sofia Carson) — A soulful ballad co-written with Pdogg, Matt Thomson, Max Lynedoch Graham, Gabriel Brandes, Blvsh, Chris James, August Rigo, Ghstloop, Sofia Carson, Evan, reflecting on the transient nature of time and relationships.
- Rebirth (Intro) — An upbeat track co-produced with Pdogg, Tommy Brown, Taylor Hill, GHSTLOOP, and Evan, symbolizing personal growth and transformation.
- Interlude: SHOW TIME — Co-produced with Pdogg, GHSTLOOP, and Evan, offering a fresh perspective on promises made to oneself.
Since its release, WHO achieved remarkable milestones. The song surpassed one billion streams on Spotify in less than 118 days, making it the fastest Korean solo track to reach this milestone. Furthermore, MUSE became the first K-pop solo album to top the UK iTunes Album Chart on July 19, 2024, the day of its release.
Jimin's song debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his sixth solo entry and the second-highest debut of his career. His debut solo single, Like Crazy from FACE, hit No. 1 on the Hot 100, making him the first Korean/K-pop solo artist to achieve this.
The track also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, becoming Jimin's second solo achievement after Jungkook. Additionally, WHO debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, his highest-charting solo single in the UK.
In November 2024, WHO earned him the "Best K-Pop" award at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
In other news, the Letter singer-songwriter enlisted in the Republic of Korea Army to fulfill his 18 mandatory service period on December 12, 2023. He will be officially relieved from his duty on June 10, 2025.
