Jimin’s ‘WHO’ Dominates 2025 US K-Pop Sales: A Solo Masterpiece Reshaping the Global Charts! 🚀🎶
The digital music landscape is constantly shifting, but some artists don’t just ride the waves – they create them. Hello Korea is thrilled to report a monumental achievement from BTS member Jimin, whose solo track “WHO” has officially been crowned the best-selling song by a male K-Pop artist in the United States for 2025. This isn’t just a win; it’s a profound statement on artistic independence and global digital impact.
According to overseas media reports on December 5th (local time), Jimin’s “WHO” has secured its place as the top-selling track by a male K-Pop artist in the U.S. throughout 2025. This remarkable feat comes despite its release in July 2024 as the lead single from his second solo album, ‘MUSE’, demonstrating an incredible longevity and persistent appeal that has defied conventional industry cycles. Even amidst his mandatory military service, the track’s popularity has soared, solidifying its status as a chart-topping phenomenon.
What makes this achievement even more significant is the overwhelming fan reaction, particularly highlighting the “organic success achieved without Western collaboration.” Social media platforms have been abuzz with fervent support, emphasizing that Jimin’s triumph is a testament to his sheer talent and the dedication of his fanbase, Jimerica.
Fans poured out their pride and admiration:
- “Achieved without industry push or Western artist collaborations. Oh, King Min!” 👑
- “Jimerica, are you ready to see Jimin on stage again? Thank you for all your hard work. So proud of Jimin!” 🇺🇸💜
- “The best romantic emotional song ever. It’s been the best for two years and will continue to be.” 💖
- “Let’s not forget ‘WHO’ was released in July 2024. That’s why Jimerica exists.” 💪
Interestingly, a fan’s insightful comment about “WHO” being a “timeless song that never gets old” points to a deeper trend. They predict its eventual viral status across various platforms, noting its universal appeal: “It fits every situation. Single? Listen to ‘WHO’. Dating? Listen to ‘WHO’. Feeling down or sad? Listen to ‘WHO’.” This foresight into content virality underscores the track’s profound connection with listeners.
Beyond sales, Jimin has also set new benchmarks on major digital platforms. As of December 28th last year, “WHO” became the first and only K-Pop song to remain on the Spotify US Chart for an astounding 500 days, a true testament to its sustained streaming power. Furthermore, the track has also landed on the 2025 US Amazon Digital Song Bestseller list. Speaking of Amazon, Jimin recently recorded an incredible 15 items on the US Amazon Digital Song Bestseller list, becoming the BTS member with the most entries on the year-end charts for two consecutive years. This makes Jimin the first and only K-solo artist to appear on this prestigious list multiple times across several years.
The song’s global impact is further solidified by its impressive run on the Billboard charts. “WHO” spent a remarkable 14 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, setting the record for the longest-charting K-Pop solo artist song in 2024. Simultaneously, it achieved a global long-run hit status, charting for 26 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Global 200.
This organic, data-driven success by a solo K-Pop artist without overt Western collaborations signals a powerful shift in global music consumption, where authenticity and direct artist-fan connection now define mainstream appeal. It’s a compelling case study for how digital platforms empower artists to build independent, long-lasting global legacies.
Jimin’s “WHO” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the evolving dynamics of the global music industry and the immense power of a truly resonant artist. Hello Korea continues to celebrate his groundbreaking achievements and looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of his visionary artistry.
Editor: Alex Kim 💻
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