Jungkook of boy band BTS became the fastest K-pop soloist to surpass 1 billion streams on global music streaming service Spotify, earning the singer a Guinness World Record before his official solo debut.
Jungkook’s achievement came as a result of his songs “Stay Alive” (2022), “Left And Right” (2022) — a collaboration with U.S. pop star Charlie Puth — and “Dreamers” (2022), the official FIFA World Cup 2022 soundtrack.
The record was achieved on March 27, 409 days after the songs’ release dates. The previous record was held by Lisa of girl group Blackpink, who reached the threshold in 411 days.
Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, has released solo tracks as part of the band’s albums but has not had a solo debut like other members such as Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, RM and Suga.
His first solo music was “Begin” (2016) and he has had success with other solo tracks such as “Euphoria” (2018) and “My Time” (2020).
Jungkook’s solo album is set for release this year, but a date has not been set yet. Only members Jungkook and V have not released solo albums.
BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]
