Global boy group BTS is once again asserting its presence on international charts as anticipation builds for their full-group comeback.
According to Billboard’s latest charts dated December 27, a surprise re-entry was recorded by RM’s solo track “Nuts,” from his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person, which climbed to No. 2 on the World Digital Song Sales chart. The resurgence was sparked by RM’s recent update to fans. On December 16, during a full-group practice room livestream on the global fan platform Weverse, RM revealed that he had recently obtained his driver’s license. Fans quickly connected this news with the lyrics of “Nuts” — “He a pro ridah, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo rider / Must be an A1 guider” — leading to a surge in interest that directly impacted chart performance.
As of 6 a.m. on December 18, “Nuts” had already topped the iTunes Top Songs chart in 45 countries and regions, including Argentina and Brazil.
The momentum continued on last week’s Billboard charts, where “Anpanman,” a track from BTS’s third full-length album LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’ released in May 2018, reappeared on the rankings. The song reached No. 1 on the World Digital Song Sales chart dated December 20, drawing significant attention.
U.S. business magazine Forbes highlighted BTS’s remarkable chart resurgence, expressing astonishment at the group’s enduring influence. Citing data shared by Luminate, the analytics company that supplies Billboard’s chart metrics, Forbes reported that sales of “Anpanman” increased by approximately 50,000 percent compared to the previous tracking period. The outlet noted, “As fans look ahead to new music from BTS, they have turned their attention back to the group’s past songs, with ‘Anpanman’ at the center of that renewed interest.” It added, “This clearly demonstrates how the United States continues to embrace everything related to BTS.”
In addition, the members’ solo releases continue to receive steady global support. Jin’s second solo album Echo title track “Don’t Say You Love Me” and Jungkook’s solo single “Seven (feat. Latto)” ranked No. 173 and No. 199, respectively, on the Billboard Global 200 chart. On the Global (Excl. U.S.) chart, “Don’t Say You Love Me” placed at No. 83, “Seven (feat. Latto)” at No. 104, and Jimin’s second solo album MUSE title track “Who” at No. 161.
Meanwhile, BTS’s anthology album ** Proof ** continued its long-running success, holding at No. 8 on the World Albums chart. Jin’s first solo album Happy re-entered the chart at No. 12, reaffirming sustained interest, while Jimin’s MUSE secured the No. 18 spot.
Written by Lee Seung Hun
Translated by Lee So Yun
