On October 7, 2024, the renowned American publication The New Yorker spotlighted BTS’s remarkable accomplishment, indicating they had exceeded 40 million album sales within South Korea. This achievement not only showcased the group’s prominence in the music sphere but also underscored their significant contribution to the South Korean economy, estimated at an impressive $5 billion annually.
The article commended the seven-member band for their genuine nature, emphasizing how they set themselves apart from other artists by tackling themes of personal challenges and mental well-being in their songs. It stated:
“This cultivation of ‘authenticity’ has been rewarded. BTS has sold more than forty million albums in South Korea alone, contributing an estimated five billion dollars a year to the national economy.”
In contrast to other K-pop acts that debuted in 2013, the members of BTS penned lyrics that often reflected their apprehensions about the future. Their relatable persona fostered a unique connection with fans, resulting in a devoted global following.
Online discussions celebrated phrases like “BTS paved the way,”with fans lauding the band for their record-setting achievements and overall influence. Many admirers took to social media to honor this significant milestone for the K-pop group.
“Another reason to say BTS PAVED THE WAY,” tweeted an X user @infinity_vmin7.
Here are some comments from netizens expressing their admiration for the band’s growth:
“Put some respect on their name!!” a fan remarked.
“This is one of the many instances that showcase what ARMYs mean when we say they Paved The Way. This is the essence of genuine growth and influence—not manipulated album sales or streaming figures to boost success,” commented another X user.
“Their impact deserves more recognition,” wrote a user.
Numerous commenters pointed out how BTS’s legacy not only shaped the landscape of K-pop but also strengthened South Korea’s economy, with suggestions that the country should more openly acknowledge and celebrate their influence.
“Not one, not two, but FIVE BILLION DOLLARS!! Yet the country treats them like this; what a shame,” remarked an X user.
“It’s astonishing how much BTS contributes to the national economy, yet the government, media, and industry fail to show them essential respect,”a fan expressed.
“It’s unfortunate that the country’s leaders do not seem to recognize this,” echoed another commenter.
Further Insights into BTS’s Album Sales and Achievements
The New Yorker article also detailed how K-pop groups traditionally marketed their albums on television prior to their debuts and often faded from sight until their next release. However, BTS broke this mold by managing their own X accounts and engaging with fans directly, a rarity among K-pop groups at the time.
Even during their hiatus from the limelight for over a year due to compulsory military service and a focus on solo projects, BTS continued to make waves by achieving new records.
Currently, Jin is the only member who has completed military service, while J-Hope is expected to return in just a few days. The other members—RM, Jungkook, V, Jimin, and Suga—are projected to rejoin by June 2025.
Data from Statista reveals that the group has sold nearly 40 million albums in South Korea alone from their debut in 2013 to 2023, with 2020 emerging as their most prolific year, where they sold an astonishing 9.7 million albums.
Their fourth Korean studio album, Map of the Soul: 7, shattered domestic sales records, selling 4.1 million copies in under nine days after its release in early 2020, and it marked their fourth number-one album in the US.
The band later released their fifth Korean-language album, BE, following the global hit of their single Dynamite. Guinness World Records acknowledged them for selling approximately 4.44 million copies of Map of the Soul: 7, with both albums providing solace to fans during the COVID-19 pandemic and catapulting the group to even greater international recognition.
The members are anticipated to make a comeback after fulfilling their military obligations in 2025.
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