K-pop sensation BTS has conquered the land of the original boy bands after rocketing to No 1 in Britain’s album charts.
The South Korean seven-piece group’s Map of the Soul: Persona went straight to the top spot after their single Boy With Luv broke the YouTube record for the most views in 24 hours with 74.6 million hits.
The track is also the band’s first ever British Top 15 single, charting at number 13 on April 19.
Still, the album, which was released just days ago, features a collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the track Make It Right.
“I actually wrote a song that I hear they might be messing with. I heard this the other day,” Sheeran told the UK’s mass-circulation newspaper The Sun. “I really like BTS though, I think they’re great.”
The BTS line-up of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook, follow in the hallowed footsteps of British 1960s mega-bands, such as The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, by taking the No 1 spot in the British album charts.
But then, this has been an incredible seven days for the group that has taken the world by storm with their bubble-gum pop and dazzling dance routines.
As Asia Times’ Seoul correspondent Andrew Salmon wrote on April 12:
“Internet, prepare to break: The global phenomenon that is BTS looks set to explode with thermonuclear force this weekend.
“On Friday, the South Korean group’s new album, which includes two collaborations with global A-list stars, hit shops and online music platforms globally. On Saturday, they appear on iconic US TV show Saturday Night Live.
“To say the new album from arguably the biggest pop culture export in Asia in recent years is highly anticipated would be an understatement. Map of the Soul: Persona had racked up three million pre-orders only 24 hours before hitting online music platforms and stores.
“Those are big numbers, even by BTS’ standards. According to industry body the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), last September’s Love Yourself: Answer sold 2.7 million units and May’s Love Yourself: Tearsold 2.3 million units.”
Since they formed in 2013, the band have enjoyed a phenomenal rise.
Earlier this year, BTS became the first K-pop group to top the US album charts. Now, they have done it again in the UK with the British media jumping on the bandwagon.
“SPECIAL K-POP: BTS have become the first Korean act to secure a No1 UK album with Map of the Soul: Persona,” The Sun screamed.
“Korean pop sensation BTS go to top of UK album charts,” the conservative Daily Telegraph said in a headline.
“K-pop phenomenon BTS first Korean act to top UK chart,” the mid-market Daily Mail reported.
Moreover, Britain’s love affair with the floppy-haired boys will continue in June when they play sellout concerts over two nights at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.
For BTS read LOL.
Superb website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get responses from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Appreciate it!