Music Rewind 2024: BTS Were One Step Ahead With Their Plans This Year

2024 was a bittersweet year for ARMY because it was the first year where, at one point, all seven members were enlisted in the military, but it was also the first year where two members were discharged. And, of course, despite being away, BTS ensured that 2024 was still a busy year for fans! From solo albums to documentaries and everything in between, let’s take a look at BTS’s 2024 in review!

‘Love Wins All’ By IU Gives Us A Special Cameo

Kicking off the year, IU released her single ‘Love Wins All,’ and our V was cast as her love interest, making ARMY and Uaenas rejoice! The two K-POP icons are a married couple who are trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. As their impending doom gets closer, the couple reminisce on happy memories. The song received a ‘Perfect All Kill,’ and the music video has since accumulated over 83 million views.

V Fuels Our Fic Trope Fantasy With ‘FRI(END)S’

In March, V released his first single of the year, ‘FRI(END)S.’ The digital single is a ‘confessional song’ about having feelings for a friend and wanting something more, which to us is the perfect soundtrack to a Friends to Lovers trope. Despite not being around to actively promote it, V still reaped success with the song. ‘FRI(END)S’ debuted at 65 on the Billboard Hot 100, 5 on the Billboard Global 200, and 3 on Billboard Global (excl US). In the UK, it debuted at the top spot on the Official Singles Download Chart and at 13 on the UK Official Singles Chart, tying with BTS’s ‘Boy With Luv’ as the 6th highest debut by a K-POP act in the chart’s history. Meanwhile, the single debuted on Spotify’s Global Charts at 4.27M. Given it was a release with no official promo schedule, we’re incredibly proud of our Tae!

j-hope brings us Hope On The Street Vol. 1

Later that month, it was j-hope’s turn to shine as he released the mini album Hope On The Street Vol. 1 to coincide with the documentary of the same name that follows the rapper and dancer’s origin story of dance while also following him as he embarks on a new journey. The six-track album is a perfect blend of j-hope’s love of hip-hop music and street dance, with collaborations from the likes of Jungkook, Gaeko, Yoon Mi-rae, and LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin. The album topped Japan’s Oricon Digital Album Chart and Billboard’s World Album Chart and debuted at 5 on Billboard 200. It also broke the record for the biggest first-week sales debut by a Korean OST Album on the Circle Chart, which was previously held by the BTS WORLD OST. Meanwhile, on Spotify, the album surpassed 9 million streams on its debut. It also became certified Platinum for over 250K certified copies on Circle. We’re so proud!

We Relive The D-DAY TOUR As SUGA Heads To The Big Screen

In April, we were blessed with the opportunity to relive the excitement of the D-DAY TOUR as the movie was released in the cinema. The movie captured the excitement and creativity of the 2023 tour, allowing fans to relive the powerful stagecraft of SUGA and Agust D as artists. The movie was mostly screened on April 10th and April 13th in 3,500+ cinemas over 100 territories. It became the highest-grossing concert movie of 2024 to date and the highest-grossing cinema event from a K-POP solo artist ever. In North America, it reached the number 2 spot on the April 10th box office, with a gross of more than $961k and a per-screen average of $1,264 across 784 movie theaters. Due to the phenomenal demand in the US, the movie release expanded to 100 screens a week into presales and additional screening dates through April 21st. Additionally, expansions also occurred in Mexico and Brazil, among other Latin American markets. SUGA may be keeping it low profile during his enlistment, but the love for him is as loud as ever!

RM Shows Us A New Side Of Himself With Right Place, Wrong Person

May was the turn of RM to deliver his latest solo project, a sophomore album under the name Right Place, Wrong Person. The album masterfully intertwines emotional depth, innovative musical styles, and thoughtful introspection. The album delves into themes of self-discovery, love, and growth, weaving these narratives through genres such as hip-hop, progressive jazz, and emotive ballads. The project offers a deeply personal and immersive listening journey by showcasing RM’s poetic lyricism paired with raw emotion.

Right Place, Wrong Person debuted on the top spot of Billboard’s Top Rap Albums Chart, 5 on the Billboard 200, and 13 on Spotify’s Weekly Top Albums Global Chart, in which it garnered over 14.8M streams and became the seventh biggest album debut by K-POP soloists in K-POP history. It debuted at number 2 on the Circle Weekly Album Chart before becoming certified x2 Platinum for over 500K certified copies on the Circle Chart.

Fast forward a few months, and a documentary was released. Right People, Wrong Place, follows from the post-release of the rapper’s debut album, Indigo, and documents the creation of his second album, Right Place, Wrong Person, during the countdown to his military enlistment in December 2023. The documentary gives us an up-close and personal look at the legendary artist at work as he puts his experiences and emotions under the microscope to create his new album. Not only did it hit the big screens in cinemas across the world, but it was also picked to premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival, making it the first K-POP release selected for the “Open Cinema” section at Asia’s largest film festival. This puts a spotlight on new works of artistic excellence and an array of international appeal at a large-scale outdoor screening at the Busan Cinema Center. We know how much this project means to RM, and we’re truly so proud!

Jungkook Asks Us To ‘Never Let Go’ in his FESTA single

FESTA came around, and this year, it was a little different. Not only did it mark Jin’s return from the military, where he also held a showcase and free meet and greet for ARMY, but it also saw Jungkook release a single as part of the FESTA tradition. Written and produced by the maknae himself, ‘Never Let Go’ is a poignant celebration of connection, beautifully timed with BTS’s 11th debut anniversary. The track captures his essence as both a global superstar and a deeply emotional storyteller, blending smooth pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics that resonate universally.

Though only a gift for the army, ‘Never Let Go’ debuted at 20 on Billboard Global 200 and 97 on the Hot 100, and within the first 24 hours, it reached the top spot of iTunes in 100 countries. It also earned him the top of the charts on the Official Singles Downloads Chart and 3 on the Official Singles Sales Chart in the UK. The single also debuted with over 34.7M unfiltered streams in its first week on the Spotify counter, breaking the record for the biggest weekly song debuts by Korean acts on Spotify in 2024. BTS members gift ARMY a song, and ARMY gifts BTS chart success. It’s a mutual love thing!

Jin Played A Part In History As An Olympic Torch Bearer

Jin was finally discharged from the military this summer, and he immediately got down to business! Our boy was everywhere doing everything, and before we even had the chance to adjust to his return, he was jet-setting off to Paris to be an Olympic torchbearer. On July 14th, Jin carried the Olympic torch through iconic locations in Paris, which included La Place de La Concorde and Notre Dame. His message was to spread harmony and peace. Speaking in the BTS episode about the torch relay, Jin thanked loyal fans for this opportunity: “ARMY made it possible to become a torchbearer, so I wanted you to know how grateful I am. I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be here in such an honorable place.” Worldwide Handsome doing worldwide things!

Jimin Sets Our Hearts Aflutter With MUSE

Later in July, it was Jimin’s time to shine with his sophomore album,MUSE. Jimin’s MUSE is a stunning testament to his artistry, showcasing his ability to bare his soul through music while experimenting with diverse sounds and styles. The seven-track album delves into the themes of love and has us longing for someone to be our own muse.

The entirety of MUSE debuted on Global Spotify, with the album accumulating 22.74 million streams on its first day, the biggest debut by a K-POP artist in 2024 at the time of release. It also debuted at 2 on the Billboard 200 while also reaching the top spot of the US iTunes Album Chart. It also became the fastest Korean album by a solo artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify in history and even racked up over 2.28 million streams in the first 24 hours on Melon, which led to him receiving the Melon Hall of Fame Millions Album plaque. That’s our Jiminie!

Jin Sets Himself Up For Challenges With Run Jin

Not even five days after discharging from the military, Jin made it his mission to climb Mt. Hallasan on Jeju Island, which is the highest point in South Korea. It marked the beginning of his show, Run Jin, which is a spin-off from the iconic show Run BTS. The show so far has seen him participate in challenges such as catering for an internet cafe for kids, challenging high school students to gym class games, venturing into a haunted house, and even joining the coastguard. Does he ever rest?

We’ve loved seeing him take up activities reminiscent of RUN BTS, and it’s a testament to how much Jin wants to make ARMY happy and entertain them!

The Maknaes Take Us On A Series Of Adventures With Are You Sure?

Jin wasn’t the only one releasing original content, as Jimin and Jungkook share their travels on Disney+ with their new series, Are You Sure?, which offers an intimate glimpse into their bond outside of their roles in the K-POP phenomenon that is BTS. The eight-episode series takes viewers through exciting locations like New York City, Jeju Island, and Sapporo, making it feel like ARMY are joining the pair on their adventures. We love the candid moments, the tourist vibes, and the ‘very special guest who joins them for part of the trip!

RM Teams Up With Megan Thee Stallion For ‘Neva Play’

In September, ARMY’s prayers were answered when Megan Thee Stallion dropped ‘Neva Play’ featuring our leader RM. The exhilarating single blends their unique strengths into a genre-defying anthem, radiating infectious energy, pairing Megan’s dynamic flow and confident lyricism with RM’s introspective yet powerful presence. With its compelling production and undeniable charisma, ‘Neva Play’ proves to be an electrifying hit that highlights the duo’s versatility and artistic synergy, leaving listeners eager for more.

The song debuted on Spotify with 5.5M streams, landing number 10 on the global chart and 37 on the USA chart, and earned over 28M unfiltered streams within its first week. It debuted at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 13 on Billboard Global Excl. US, 17 on Global 200, and 1 on US Digital Song Sales, Rap Digital Song Sales, and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales. ‘Never Play’ also made it to the top spot on the charts in over 80 countries. Over in the UK, it charted at 66 on the Official Singles Chart and 14 on the Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart, making RM the highest-charting Korean artist in history on that chart. RM and Megan are a legendary duo!

Jungkook Heads To The Cinema With I AM STILL

Following the success of his solo debut last year with GOLDEN, Jungkook became the latest member to release a documentary titled JUNGKOOK: I AM STILL. The documentary follows the maknae as he embarks on his journey as a solo artist during the production and promotion of his debut album. It became the 6th biggest international box office in history for a concert/performance movie and the 3rd biggest international box office in history for a concert/performance movie by a solo artist. It also debuted with the highest-grossing cinema opening day by a K-POP soloist in South Korea’s box office history and earned over $18.5M globally, leading to it becoming the highest-grossing music cinema event of 2024 and becoming the highest-grossing film by an Asian soloist in history. The documentary has now released an extended version as a docuseries, which is on Disney+ for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home!

Jin Brings Joy With The Extended Version Of ‘Super Tuna’

Just when we thought ‘Super Tuna’ couldn’t get any better, Jin goes and releases the extended version with a special music video! Despite the song being “just for fun” and him telling ARMY not to trend the song, it debuted at 90 on Global Spotify with over 1.7M streams while also topping the Oricon Daily Digital Single chart in Japan and claiming the top spot of the iTunes Top Songs charts in 57 countries, including Japan, Brazil, Australia, and the U.S.! Additionally, it topped the ‘Global iTunes Songs’ and ‘European iTunes Songs’ charts simultaneously. Meanwhile, the special music video secured the number 2 position on YouTube Trending Global. Jin, we love ya, so let this be a lesson that ARMY will chart literally anything you create, even if that wasn’t your intention!

Jin Gives Us Serotonin With His Debut Album HAPPY

At long last, we have been able to complete the debut album’s chapter of BTS’s story. Having been discharged from the military first, Jin became the last member to release his solo debut album. Happy is a stunning celebration. It marks the end of the cold winter without Jin and the start of a new beginning. A lovable and irresistible idol, it’s no wonder that Happy creates so much serotonin akin to its creator. It shows us a new side to BTS’s eldest while still radiating all the positive emotions he radiates wherever he goes.

Happy debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, which earned him his first-ever top 10 album on the chart. It also achieved Platinum status from RIA Japan and debuted with 17.8M streams on the Spotify Counter. Meanwhile, in the UK, Happy and Running Wild earned the top spot for Official Singles Sales and Official Singles Downloads, number two on Official Albums Downloads, and number 5 on the Official Trending Chart. We’re so proud of our Jin!

V Thaws Our Hearts With ‘Winter Ahead’

Every ARMY knows that when it comes to the festive season, V will always deliver! This year he dropped two songs, the first being a smooth jazzy song, ‘Winter Ahead,’ with Park Hyo Shin. The duet exudes the cozy and heartfelt atmosphere of the holiday season and features rich instrumentation, including smooth saxophone melodies and elegant trumpet accents.

It debuted on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales at number 1, 14 on Billboard’s Global Excl. US, and 33 on the Global 200. It also debuted at number 99 on the Hot 100, earning V his fifth solo entry on the chart. In the UK it debuted at number 86 on the Official Singles Chart, which gave him his third solo entry on the chart, and it also debuted at number 1 on the Official Singles Downloads chart and number 2 on the Official Singles Sales. The duet also topped the iTunes charts in 80 countries. We’re so proud!

V Kicks Off The Christmas Season With A Collab With The Legendary Late Bing Crosby

Kicking off the festive season and closing 2024, V has been given the incredible opportunity of collaborating with the late crooner legend that is Bing Crosby on the famous and timeless classic ‘White Christmas.’ The cross-generational collaboration gives the 1942 classic a new lease of life. V has admired Crosby since he was a child, and this collaboration was the perfect way to honor his idol. The gorgeous animated music video also pays tribute to V’s late canine best friend, Yeontan, who recently passed away.

Ranked by Billboard as one of the best Christmas songs of the 21st century, the new take of ‘White Christmas’ also topped the Worldwide and European iTunes song charts as well as in over 65 countries and holds the biggest streaming debut for a Christmas song in Spotify history, where it landed at number 25 on Global Spotify with 3.5M plays. It debuted at numbers 2 and 5 on Oricon’s Daily Digital Single Ranking Chart in Japan. V now also holds the record for K-POP Soloist with the most number 1s on the Japan iTunes song chart (12). A very successful and festive end to the year!

Well, there you have it: even when they’re away, BTS still manages to keep us fully occupied with the copious amount of hard work they’ve put into releases before enlisting, and we are forever thankful for everything that they do. This is just some of the many highlights of their 2024, because we’d be here until they return if we added everything!

What’s your favorite moment of BTS in 2024? What are you manifesting for 2025?  Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

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