"Masterpiece" — Fans react as BTS becomes the only K-pop act to have most BRIT Gold certification as 'Map of the Soul: 7 - The Journey' joins the list

BTS has once again solidified their position as a global music powerhouse by achieving their ninth BRIT Gold certification, making them the only K-pop act to reach this milestone. Their Japanese album, Map of the Soul: 7 The Journey, was officially certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on January 24, 2025, signifying over 100,000 units sold in the United Kingdom.

Map of the Soul: 7 The Journey is the K-pop group's fourth Japanese studio album, released on July 15, 2020. The album features Japanese versions of popular tracks alongside original songs like Stay Gold and Your Eyes Tell.

The Korean counterpart, Map of the Soul: 7, was released on February 21, 2020, and delves into the group's introspective journey over seven years. With nine BRIT Gold certifications, they also became the first K-pop group to achieve this feat, trailing only Coldplay with ten certifications.

The nine BTS albums that have achieved BRIT Gold certification are:

1. Love Yourself: Answer
2. Map of the Soul: Persona
3. Map of the Soul: 7
4. Love Yourself: Tear
5. Love Yourself: Her
6. Face Yourself
7. The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever
8. Proof
9. Map of the Soul: 7 The Journey

The BRIT Certified Awards, presented by the BPI, honor artists who have achieved significant sales milestones in the UK. An album is certified Gold upon reaching 100,000 units sold.

This remarkable achievement underscored the Dynamite group's widespread appeal and the dedication of their global fanbase, known as ARMY. Fans took social media by storm to express their pride and admiration. One fan hailed the album as a "masterpiece" and celebrated the group's continued success.

The fan wrote:

"A song after my own heart. A heavenly masterpiece."

Fans highlighted how a Japanese album by a Korean group earned Gold in Britain.

"A Japanese album certified Gold?! Of course, BTS," a fan wrote.

"Certifying japanese releases ohhh bangtan you will always be loved and successful. With a timeless no skip discography it's only natural," another fan said.

"A Japanese album by a Korean group being certified in the UK," one other fan added.

Others echoed similar reactions across social media as they congratulated the K-pop group for their latest accolade.

"CONGRATULATIONS BTS SO MUCH PROUD OF YOU GUYS WE LOVE YOU," a fan commented.

"A Japanese album by a Korean group did that in Britain." another fan said.

"This BTS Japanese Album becomes their 9th album to be certified in [UK]." one other fan added.

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BTS earning accolades from prestigious award shows and gracing the covers of renowned publications

At the American Music Awards (AMAs), BTS made history by becoming the first Asian act to win Artist of the Year in 2021. They have also secured multiple wins in categories such as Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock and Favorite Social Artist.

The Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) recognized the group's global influence, honoring them with the Top Social Artist award consecutively since 2017. In 2019, they became the first K-pop group to win Top Duo/Group. As of 2022, BTS holds the record as the most-awarded group in BBMA history, with 12 wins.

At the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), the group was celebrated for their dynamic performances and innovative music videos. They have secured multiple awards, including Best Group and Best K-Pop, highlighting their versatility and appeal across diverse audiences.

The group achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the following tracks reaching the number one position:

1. Dynamite
2. Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) [BTS Remix]
3. Life Goes On
4. Butter
5. Permission to Dance
6. Life Goes On

Notably, Life Goes On made history as the first Korean-language song to debut at number one on the Hot 100.

The group's influence was also recognized by TIME magazine on multiple occasions. They were featured on TIME's cover as "Next Generation Leaders" in 2018, included in the TIME 100 list in 2019, and honored as "Entertainer of the Year" in 2020.

In 2018, the group partnered with UNICEF for the "Love Myself" campaign, promoting self-love and mental health awareness. During the launch of UNICEF's youth campaign, group leader RM delivered a speech encouraging young people to "just speak yourself," emphasizing the importance of self-expression regardless of race, gender, or identity.

Additionally, in 2022, BTS visited the White House to discuss issues related to anti-Asian hate crimes and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

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In other news, BTS' RM, Taehyung, SUGA, Jimin, and Jungkook are serving in the military and will return in June 2025 to resume music activities.