Even after four years since its release, BTS’ iconic single “Butter” continues to make history in the global music scene.
Originally released on May 21, 2021, the disco-pop and dance-pop track remains a defining moment in K-pop’s international expansion.
As of October 2025, “Butter” still holds the record for the largest single-week streaming count on the Billboard Global 200, cementing BTS’s enduring global dominance.
A Record That Refuses to Fade
According to Billboard data, “Butter” maintains its status as the song with the largest single-week streams in Global 200 history, recording an astonishing 289.2 million streams during its release week in 2021.
Even as musical trends evolve, no other artist has surpassed this monumental record as of the October 18, 2025 chart update.
This achievement underscores BTS’s rare staying power in a highly competitive industry, proving that the group’s musical impact extends far beyond its original release cycle.
BTS’ ‘Butter’ (Credit: YouTube)
Fans continue to stream the track enthusiastically, keeping its legacy alive through playlists, social media trends, and fan-led streaming events worldwide.
BTS’ Solo Members Keep the Flame Alive
Despite the group’s temporary pause in collective activities due to South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS members have individually maintained a strong presence on global music charts.
Members Jimin, Jungkook, Jin, and J-Hope have each launched successful solo careers, releasing songs that have topped global streaming and sales charts.
Their continued success reflects the group’s unmatched ability to thrive both collectively and individually.
Jungkook’s “Seven” in particular became a major milestone, setting records for streaming and digital sales, while Jimin’s “Like Crazy” and Jin’s “The Astronaut” also captured international acclaim.
The group’s hiatus hasn’t slowed their momentum — instead, it has strengthened each member’s connection to fans, collectively reinforcing BTS’s cultural and commercial dominance even while serving their military duties.
A Competitive Landscape of Record Breakers
While BTS holds the crown, several K-pop and international artists have joined the race to challenge its records.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé, with her 2025 collaboration “APT” featuring Bruno Mars, achieved the largest streaming week for a female solo artist on the Billboard Global 200, registering 224 million streams.
This remarkable feat placed Rosé in direct competition with Jungkook’s “Seven,” which continues to hold the record for the largest sales debut in Global 200 history with 217.1 million streams.
These inter-artist achievements illustrate the growing influence of K-pop globally, with artists like BTS and BLACKPINK leading the movement to the forefront of the international pop industry.
Both groups have transformed global listening patterns and reshaped the perception of non-English music in mainstream charts.
Fan Reactions: BTS ARMY Keeps the Legacy Alive
BTS’s fandom, known as the ARMY, has played a crucial role in sustaining “Butter’s” ongoing success.
Following the October 2025 announcement that the track still holds its streaming record, fans flooded social media platforms with celebratory posts.
BTS (Credit: YouTube)
One fan tweeted, “The question is, will BTS be able to break BTS’ record with their next comeback, because only they can do it,” while another remarked, “Butter is still on top waiting for BTS to break this record. And JK is still on top waiting to break his own record — it’s going to be insane when they come back.”
The group’s dedicated following continues to actively stream their older tracks, organize online campaigns, and purchase physical albums, keeping BTS consistently relevant in global music discussions.
A Global Phenomenon Since 2021
When “Butter” first dropped in May 2021, it immediately became a cultural and musical sensation.
The song’s upbeat rhythm, catchy hook, and high-energy choreography helped it top charts in multiple countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, India, Mexico, and Vietnam.
It also reached the top 10 in more than 30 countries, proving BTS’s universal appeal.
The song’s fusion of disco-pop, dance-pop, and EDM elements resonated with fans worldwide, offering an optimistic and joyful sound during a time when much of the world was recovering from the pandemic.
Its bright tone and slick choreography quickly made it a global anthem, dominating not only the Billboard charts but also YouTube and Spotify records.
The excitement around BTS’s achievements with “Butter” has only fueled anticipation for their planned 2026 comeback.
According to reports, the group will return with a new album and a world tour in spring 2026, marking their first full-group release after completing military service.
Fans expect the comeback to be one of the biggest global music events of the year.
Many speculate that BTS may even surpass their previous records — including the one set by “Butter” — with their next release.
The upcoming year promises to be a turning point for the band as they reunite to reclaim their place at the top of the global charts, potentially redefining pop music trends yet again.
“Butter” isn’t just a song — it’s a milestone in the global expansion of K-pop. Four years after its release, it continues to dominate music charts and fan hearts alike.
BTS’s ability to sustain relevance during a hiatus, alongside the success of their solo projects, underscores their unrivaled influence in modern pop culture.
As the world awaits BTS’s return in 2026, one thing is clear: the group’s golden era never truly ended — it simply evolved.
With “Butter” still ruling the Billboard Global 200, BTS has once again proven that their legacy is more than a fleeting trend — it’s a cultural revolution that continues to inspire millions across the globe.
In heartfelt news shared with fans, Kwon Hyun Bin is officially preparing to begin his mandatory military service.
On October 24, 2025, his agency Ghost Studio announced that the singer, model, and actor will enlist in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps on November 24, 2025, beginning a new chapter in both his personal life and professional journey.
The announcement, which came through an official agency statement, confirmed that Kwon Hyun Bin will undergo basic military training at the Marine Corps Training Center before continuing with his active duty.
Ghost Studio also emphasized that no public event will be held on the day of his enlistment, out of respect for the privacy of other soldiers and their families.
“Actor Kwon Hyun Bin will enter the Marine Corps Training Center on November 24, and after completing his basic military training, he will fulfill his military duty. Because it is a private event with many soldiers and their families, we will not be holding an official event on the day of his enlistment. We ask for your generous understanding. We are grateful for all the love you send to actor Kwon Hyun Bin, and we ask that you warmly cheer him on until the day he returns healthy and even more mature after diligently carrying out his military service.”
This announcement was met with mixed emotions from fans — a combination of pride in his service and sadness at the temporary hiatus from his entertainment activities.
From Runways to the Small Screen: A Multifaceted Journey
Kwon Hyun Bin’s career trajectory is a story of versatility and growth. He began his professional path as a model, quickly making a name for himself in the fashion industry with his tall frame, distinct visuals, and confident aura.
However, it was his appearance on Mnet’s survival program “Produce 101 Season 2” in 2017 that propelled him into mainstream recognition.
Kwon Hyun Bin (Credit: X)
Although he did not debut as part of Wanna One, Kwon Hyun Bin became one of the show’s breakout personalities.
His warm charisma and honest nature resonated with viewers, earning him a devoted fanbase.
Following the show, he debuted as a member of the project boy group JBJ, which formed due to popular demand from fans who wanted to see eliminated trainees perform together.
JBJ enjoyed significant success during their active period, releasing hit tracks such as “Fantasy” and “My Flower” before disbanding in 2018.
Afterward, Kwon Hyun Bin continued to pursue music as a solo artist, releasing personal and reflective works that allowed him to express his individuality beyond the idol image.
Building a Reputation as an Actor
Beyond music, Kwon Hyun Bin has also built an impressive resume as an actor, earning recognition for his steady performances across various genres.
His acting career began with smaller roles but quickly grew to include significant appearances in popular television dramas and films.
One of his most recognized works is his role in the historical drama “The Red Sleeve,” where he showcased depth and maturity as a performer.
His transition from idol to actor has been praised as natural and authentic — a testament to his work ethic and willingness to take on challenging roles.
In recent years, Hyun Bin has diversified his acting portfolio, appearing in romantic, historical, and coming-of-age dramas, proving his adaptability as a performer.
With his enlistment approaching, fans are reflecting on how far he has come since his debut, noting his evolution from a fresh-faced contestant to a confident, multifaceted entertainer.
Choosing the Marine Corps — A Bold Decision
Kwon Hyun Bin’s decision to enlist in the Marine Corps, one of the most physically demanding branches of the South Korean military, demonstrates his strong sense of responsibility and determination.
The Marine Corps is known for its rigorous training and discipline, and his choice to serve there has earned widespread admiration from both fans and the public.
Many celebrities choose to fulfill their service in less physically intense divisions, but Kwon Hyun Bin’s decision reflects his resilience and commitment to taking on challenges head-on — traits that have defined his career since the beginning.
Messages of Support from Fans
Following the announcement, fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement and pride, using hashtags like #WeWillWaitForKwonHyunBin and #ProudOfHyunBin to express their love and admiration.
Many praised his bravery in choosing the Marine Corps and promised to support him throughout his service and eagerly await his return.
His fan communities have also begun organizing small-scale support projects, including letters and care packages to be sent once he begins training, following the guidelines permitted by the military.
Looking Ahead — A Temporary Goodbye
While Kwon Hyun Bin will be pausing his entertainment activities during his military service, his artistic legacy continues to grow.
Fans can still watch him in “The Red Sleeve” and revisit his musical work with JBJ and as a solo artist.
His enlistment marks a brief intermission in a career that continues to evolve, and many believe his experience in the Marines will only deepen his character and artistic perspective.
As Ghost Studio expressed, everyone is hopeful that he will return from service healthy, stronger, and more mature, ready to embark on the next phase of his artistic journey.
Until then, the entertainment industry — and his devoted supporters — will be waiting to welcome him back with open arms.
