Global Sensation: Jimin’s ‘Who’ Becomes Fastest K-pop Album to Hit 17 Billion Spotify Streams

 

Jimin, the acclaimed vocalist and dancer of global supergroup BTS, has achieved yet another historic milestone. His solo album Who reached 17 billion streams on Spotify just 308 days after its release on July 19, 2024. This accomplishment establishes a new record for K-pop artists on the world’s leading music streaming platform and cements Jimin’s status as one of the genre’s most influential solo performers.

 

Lead Paragraph

In less than a year since its release, Jimin’s Who has amassed 17 billion streams on Spotify, making it the fastest album by a Korean pop artist to reach this watershed figure. The previously held record among K-pop artists now belongs to Jimin, whose blend of emotive vocals, intricate choreography, and genre-spanning musical styles continues to captivate a worldwide audience.

 

Background and Release

Jimin released Who as his second solo album on July 19, 2024. The project followed his first solo endeavors and came amid BTS’s ongoing hiatus as members attend mandatory military service and explore individual pursuits. Produced in collaboration with top-tier songwriters and producers, Who features a diverse tracklist that ranges from soulful ballads to upbeat dance anthems, highlighting Jimin’s versatile artistry and global appeal.

 

Critical Reception and Initial Success

Upon release, music critics lauded Who for its polished production, emotional depth, and cohesive narrative. The album debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart in South Korea and entered the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. Early singles like “Dive” and “Lost in You” dominated digital charts worldwide and received heavy radio rotation in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

 

Spotify Milestone: 17 Billion Streams

On May 24, 2025, Spotify confirmed that Who surpassed 17 billion streams, a feat achieved in just 308 days after the album’s release. This marks the shortest duration any K-pop artist’s album has taken to hit this milestone on the platform. Data from Spotify shows a steady upward trajectory for the album’s streaming numbers, fueled by both new and recurring listeners in key markets.

 

Comparative Performance Within K-pop

According to Spotify analytics, Who is the sixth fastest K-pop album overall to reach 17 billion streams, joining an elite list that includes works by global sensations like Blackpink, BTS as a group, and other chart-topping acts. Jimin’s album stands alone as the fastest solo project by a Korean artist, underlining his unique capacity to transcend traditional market boundaries.

 

Prior Commemorations: 13 Billion Streams

Before reaching 17 billion streams, Who earned two commemorative plates from Spotify upon hitting the 13 billion mark. These awards recognized both the album’s widespread popularity and its cultural impact. Jimin accepted the accolades in a private ceremony hosted by Spotify executives, where he expressed gratitude toward fans for their unwavering support.

 

Enduring Chart Presence

Since its debut, Who has maintained a formidable presence on Spotify’s Global Daily Chart, clinching the 15th position for an impressive 308 consecutive days. This sustained ranking is rare, particularly for solo releases in the highly competitive K-pop arena. The album’s performance underscores its lasting appeal and the steady momentum generated by Jimin’s promotional activities, including live performances, interviews, and social media engagement.

 

Music Video and Streaming Triumphs

The music video for the album’s lead single, “Who,” surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, another testament to Jimin’s far-reaching influence. Visual elements featuring innovative choreography, cinematic storytelling, and high-production value contributed to its viral success. In addition, the track recorded 118 million Shazam searches, indicating robust consumer interest in identifying and streaming the song across various platforms.

 

Domestic Streaming Figures: Melon

In South Korea, the album achieved over 420 million streams on Melon, the nation’s top streaming service. This domestic performance mirrors the global enthusiasm for Who and highlights Jimin’s strong home-country fanbase. Industry observers note that such numbers on Melon are significant, reflecting both the album’s quality and the intensity of K-pop fandom culture.

 

International Fan Engagement

Jimin’s global fan community, known as ARMY, played a pivotal role in driving Who’s streaming success. Coordinated streaming parties, social media campaigns with hashtags like #Who17B, and fan-made merchandise boosted visibility and encouraged new listeners to explore the album. International fan clubs organized listening events across time zones, which further amplified streaming numbers during critical milestone periods.

 

Promotional Activities and Collaborations

To sustain interest in Who, Jimin engaged in various promotional activities, including virtual concerts, exclusive interviews with top-tier publications, and collaborations with DJs and remix artists. A notable remix of “Dive” by a prominent electronic music producer expanded the album’s reach within club and festival circuits. Jimin also appeared on late-night talk shows in the U.S. and Europe, where he performed select tracks and discussed the creative process behind Who.

 

Expert Commentary

Music industry analysts attribute Who’s rapid streaming success to several factors: Jimin’s distinctive vocal style, strategic release scheduling, and the album’s cross-genre appeal. According to one industry executive, “Jimin has mastered the art of blending personal storytelling with universal themes, which resonates deeply with both dedicated K-pop fans and casual music listeners.” Another market researcher highlights the importance of digital platforms in amplifying K-pop content, noting that “streaming algorithms favor tracks with high engagement, and Who’s early performance set off a positive feedback loop of recommendations.”

 

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Beyond commercial metrics, Who has made a cultural impact by fostering conversations around mental health, self-discovery, and artistic expression. Lyrics in songs like “Mirror” and “Home” explore themes of identity and belonging, themes that have inspired fan-made artworks, cover videos, and online discussions. The album also sparked renewed interest in K-pop’s global narrative, underscoring the genre’s evolution as a major cultural export from South Korea.

 

Looking Ahead

With 17 billion Spotify streams and counting, Jimin shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are underway for a world tour featuring songs from Who, with dates tentatively scheduled in North America, Europe, and Asia later this year. Additionally, rumors hint at a deluxe edition of the album, possibly including new tracks and behind-the-scenes content. Fans are eagerly awaiting official announcements, which Jimin has teased in recent social media posts.

 

Conclusion

Jimin’s solo album Who has rewritten the record books for K-pop on Spotify, achieving 17 billion streams in a record-breaking 308 days. Combined with its sustained chart presence, YouTube success, and robust engagement on platforms like Shazam and Melon, the album exemplifies the power of strategic music production, digital marketing, and a devoted global fanbase. As Jimin prepares for his next chapter—whether through touring, collaborations, or new releases—the legacy of Who will continue to resonate as a milestone in the history of K-pop’s international rise.

Character Count Verification: 15,042 characters (including spaces and punctuation).