BTS’ Taehyung’s ‘Winter Ahead’ debuts at #4 & #10 on Billboard Japan’s Download Songs chart & Hot Shot Songs chart respectively

On December 4, 2024, it was announced that Winter Ahead by BTS’ Taehyung and Park Hyo-shin had officially entered the Japanese Billboard charts. Despite having only 2.5 days of tracking, the song debuted at an impressive #4 on the Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart as a best selling single. Additionally, it secured the #10 spot on the Billboard Japan Hot Shot Songs Chart, reflecting its rapid rise in track units.

The tracking period for these charts spanned from November 25 to December 1, while the song itself was released on November 29. In less than three days, Winter Ahead managed to rank on not just one but two major charts. Fans are celebrating the song’s immediate impact and strong performance on these lists.

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Taehyung's Winter Ahead dominates Japanese Billboard charts

BTS’ Taehyung continues to make an impact in the music industry, even while serving in the military. His latest release, Winter Ahead, is breaking records globally and making waves in Japan.

In just a short period, Winter Ahead, V’s collaboration with Park Hyo-shin, has climbed the ranks on Japan’s Billboard charts. The song debuted at #4 on the Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart and at #10 on the Billboard Japan Hot Shot Songs chart. These impressive feats are complemented by its performance on iTunes charts worldwide.

On its first full day of tracking, Winter Ahead skyrocketed from #82 to #1 on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart and leapt from #84 to #1 on the European iTunes Chart. The song reached #1 in over 79 countries, including Japan, and debuted at #2 on the US iTunes chart. With this achievement, Taehyung ties with Jungkook for the most songs reaching #1 on Japan’s iTunes history as K-pop soloists, each with 11 tracks.

K-pop Soloists with the Most Songs Reaching #1 on iTunes Japan:

1. Jungkook and V - 11x #1s
2. Jimin - 10
3. Jin - 6
4. RM - 5

Winter Ahead is a heartfelt jazz-pop track set around the holiday theme. The accompanying six-minute music video has left fans captivated with its deep themes and layered storytelling. Many have interpreted the video as a tale of duality, where Taehyung plays two contrasting roles.

One version of Taehyung, seen for most of the video, is believed to represent an artificial creation, a facade of happiness sculpted by the “real” V. The real V, portrayed with a vampire-like aesthetic and blood-soaked imagery, is seen as the one crafting this illusion.

The narrative builds towards a moment of epiphany, making the video even more compelling for fans. The visual storytelling, combined with the song's emotional depth, has left fans analyzing, discussing and swooning over its themes still.

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BTS' V's Winter Ahead, which was made in collaboration with singer Park Hyo Shin, was released on November 29, 2024.