In an unprecedented display of longevity and fan-driven power, BTS’s 2018 hit “Anpanman” has officially returned to the summit of the music world.

On December 17, 2025, Billboard released its latest rankings for the week of December 20, revealing that “Anpanman” re-entered the World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 1.

This achievement comes approximately 7 years and 7 months after the song’s initial release, marking one of the longest gaps for a K-pop B-side to reach the top spot on a global Billboard chart.

A Global Resurgence Driven by ARMY

The resurgence of “Anpanman” began earlier in the month when the track started climbing iTunes charts across the globe.

By December 8, the song had achieved No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 75 countries and regions, including major music markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

In addition to its Billboard success, where it also ranked No. 7 on the overall Digital Song Sales chart, the track made a significant impact on the UK’s Official Charts.

According to data released on December 13, the song reached No. 12 on the Official Singles Download chart and No. 24 on the Official Singles Sales chart.

Industry experts attribute this renewed interest to the collective efforts of the BTS fandom, ARMY, who have been celebrating the recent reunion of the group’s seven members following their military discharges and anticipating their full-group comeback next spring.

The Meaning Behind the Hero

“Anpanman” was originally released in May 2018 as a B-side on BTS’s third full-length album, Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’.

The song is inspired by the Japanese superhero of the same name—a character made of red bean bread who helps those in need by giving away pieces of his own head.

The track serves as a metaphor for BTS’s own identity as artists. Unlike traditional superheroes with cosmic powers, BTS likens themselves to Anpanman—a “weak” hero who lacks superpowers but remains sincere, hardworking, and always stays close to those who need hope.

Lyrics such as “I’ll stay right by your side / I may fall again, but trust me, because I’m a hero” resonate deeply with fans, particularly during the group’s transition back into the public eye after their military hiatus.

The song represents the group’s promise to be a source of strength for their fans for a long time to come.

Continued Solo and Group Dominance

While “Anpanman” captured the headlines this week, individual BTS members continue to dominate the Billboard Global charts.

Jungkook’s “Seven” and Jin’s “Don’t Say You Love Me” maintained their positions on the Global 200 at No. 150 and No. 166, respectively.

On the Global (Excl. U.S.) chart, Jin, Jungkook, and Jimin (with “Who”) all secured spots in the Top 150. Furthermore, the group’s anthology album Proof remained a staple on the World Albums chart, coming in at No. 9.

The historic climb of “Anpanman” to No. 1 serves as a powerful reminder of BTS’s enduring influence.

Even without active group promotions or a new release, the group’s discography continues to live and breathe through its global community, setting the stage for what is expected to be a record-breaking comeback in 2026.

In a testament to his enduring status as a global cultural icon, G-Dragon has once again been named to the prestigious Hypebeast 100 for the year 2025.

This selection marks a historic milestone for the BIGBANG leader, as it is his ninth time being included on the list, further solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in the intersection of music, fashion, and contemporary art.

The Significance of the Hypebeast 100

The Hypebeast 100 is an annual compilation curated by the influential U.S.-based media outlet Hypebeast.

The list recognizes 100 individuals worldwide who have exerted significant influence over contemporary culture throughout the year.

While the list frequently features high-profile designers, creative directors, and industry titans, G-Dragon remains a standout figure.

He is one of the few artists whose inclusion is consistently driven by his music-led cultural impact, bridging the gap between the K-pop industry and the global high-fashion world.

Since first appearing on the list in 2013, G-Dragon has been a recurring presence, setting a record for the most appearances by any K-pop artist.

His consistent inclusion over more than a decade highlights his ability to remain relevant and trendsetting, even during periods of relative musical hiatus.

A Year of Global Presence: The “Übermensch” Tour

G-Dragon’s 2025 selection comes on the heels of a massive professional year. He recently successfully concluded his highly anticipated world tour, titled [Übermensch].

The tour was a global phenomenon, spanning 17 cities across 12 different countries. The trek culminated in emotional encore concerts in Seoul, where fans from around the world gathered to witness his return to the stage as a solo performer.

The tour not only showcased his musical evolution but also served as a massive fashion platform, with G-Dragon debuting various avant-garde looks that immediately went viral across social media platforms.

His influence continues to be felt in his collaborative work as well, particularly through his fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE, which remains one of the most sought-after labels in the streetwear market.

Influence Beyond the Stage

Beyond his professional achievements, G-Dragon remains a fixture in the global social scene.

Recently, he made headlines after being spotted backstage with heiress Lee Joo Young, confirming their close ties and further illustrating his connection to the global elite and creative circles.

This social capital, combined with his artistic output, is exactly what the Hypebeast 100 aims to capture—an individual whose presence is felt across multiple facets of the modern lifestyle.

As G-Dragon moves into 2026, his record-breaking ninth appearance on the Hypebeast 100 serves as a reminder that he is not just a musician, but a cultural architect.

Whether through a new album, a fashion collaboration, or a sold-out world tour, his every move continues to define the “hype” that the media outlet celebrates.

For fans and industry observers, G-Dragon remains the definitive “King of K-pop” and a perennial force in global fashion.