Unstoppable BTS: Military Service Doesn’t Slow Down Chart Success

Despite their military hiatus, the globally acclaimed band BTS (comprised of Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook) continues to break impressive records.

On the 21st, the Japanese mega-recording company Oricon revealed its Oricon Reiwa Era Comprehensive Rankings. Despite their temporary absence, BTS secured the top position in the artist sales category, leaving many astonished.

Japan divides eras based on reigns. The Reiwa era began in May 2019, with 2024 corresponding to Reiwa 6. The comprehensive ranking considers records measured from the start of the Reiwa era. In this instance, BTS achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first foreign artist to claim the top spot on the chart.

BTS took first place in eight categories, including singles, albums, individual formats, and streaming, solidifying their unparalleled success and elevating K-pop’s status. Notably, BTS’s second Japanese album BTS, THE BEST (2021), sold over 1.05 million copies, making it the only foreign artist album to achieve million-seller status in Japan during the Reiwa era.

Netizens praised BTS, with comments like “Impressive even during their military hiatus,” “BTS is truly unparalleled,” and “I can’t wait to see what records they’ll break after their military service.”

Jin, the eldest member of BTS, will become the first to conclude his military service in June. Following him, J-Hope, the second member fulfilling his military duty, is expected to complete his service in October. In 2024, both Jin and J-Hope will resume their activities as members of BTS.

By June 2025, starting with RM and V, followed by Jimin and Jungkook, and ultimately Suga, who will fulfill his two years and two months of social service duty, all members of BTS will have completed their military service. Anticipation grows for the fully reunited BTS, who enjoyed unprecedented popularity, and the records they will set in 2025.

Meanwhile, HYBE, the company BTS is affiliated with, faced setbacks as internal conflicts resulted in a decline in stock prices. HYBE has obtained evidence indicating that Min Hee Jin, the head of its subsidiary label ADOR, was preparing to take over the management rights and has demanded her resignation.