BTS’s “Anpanman” has topped a major global chart approximately seven years and seven months after its original release, marking a surprising resurgence.
“Anpanman” is a track from BTS’s third full-length album LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’, released in May 2018. According to Billboard’s latest World Digital Song Sales chart dated December 20, announced on the 16th, the song re-entered the chart at No. 1. It also debuted at No. 7 on the Digital Song Sales chart, drawing significant attention. By the 9th, “Anpanman” had reached No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in a total of 75 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Mexico, signaling the start of a global reverse-charting phenomenon. The momentum continued on the UK Official Charts released on the 13th, where the song ranked No. 12 on the Official Singles Downloads chart and No. 24 on the Official Singles Sales chart.
“Anpanman” likens BTS to Anpanman, a hero known for feeding the hungry by giving away parts of his own head—an ordinary hero without superpowers, but one who stays close to people over time. The song encapsulates the group’s sincerity and desire to deliver hope and positive energy through music and performance. Notably, the lyrics—“Even so, I’ll do my very best / I’ll stay right by your side / I may fall again, but trust me, because I’m a hero”—symbolically convey messages of solidarity and comfort. The renewed love for the song, coming just ahead of BTS’s anticipated full-group comeback next spring, is widely interpreted as the collective support of ARMY, the fans who have patiently waited for the group over the years.
In addition, the solo works of BTS members continue to enjoy long-running success on Billboard’s component charts. Jungkook’s solo single “Seven (feat. Latto)” (No. 150) and Jin’s solo track “Don’t Say You Love Me,” the title song from his second solo album Echo (No. 166), both appeared on the Global 200. On the Global Excl. U.S. chart, Jin’s “Don’t Say You Love Me,” Jungkook’s “Seven (feat. Latto),” and Jimin’s “Who,” the title track from his second solo album MUSE, ranked No. 79, No. 81, and No. 137, respectively. BTS’s anthology album Proof placed No. 9 on the World Albums chart, continuing to demonstrate enduring popularity even three years after its release, while Jimin’s MUSE ranked No. 18 on the same chart.
Written by Yoon Sang Geun
Translated by Lee So Yun
