BTS Members' Solo Albums Shatter Records, Surpassing 5 Million Sales

Apr 25, 2023 | by Deborah Kim

Although their group activities are on pause, BTS's influence and presence continue to shine as their individual solo albums display tremendous success. Sales from the members' solo albums have already surpassed the sales of their last full-group album, 'Proof', released in June last year.

According to data from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA), which operates the Circle Chart, as of April's second week, 'Proof' had accumulated sales of 3,517,707 copies. Solo albums from members J-Hope, Jin, RM, and Jimin alone have racked up sales of 3,937,559 copies, surpassing 'Proof' by 419,852 copies.

Breaking down individual sales, J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box', released last July, recorded sales of 542,120 copies, achieved solely through Weverse platform albums and LP sales without releasing a CD. Jin's 'The Astronaut', released last October, sold 1,046,374 copies, and RM's 'Indigo', released in December, reached 757,067 copies. Last month, Jimin's 'FACE' garnered 1,593,906 in sales.

The results are even more astonishing when adding the sales of Suga's solo album, which is currently in its first week of sales. This achievement surpasses the sales record of BTS's best-selling album, 'MAP OF THE SOUL: 7', which holds the record for the highest sales of a single album in South Korea with over 5 million copies (5,036,619).

As of April 24th, Suga's solo album 'D-DAY', released under the name Agust D on April 21st, recorded sales of around 1.18 million copies. With Suga's sales added, the total sales of the five members' solo albums reach approximately 5.11 million copies, surpassing 'MAP OF THE SOUL: 7'.

This is noteworthy considering V and Jungkook have yet to release their solo albums, yet they have already surpassed the sales record of the full-group album 'Proof'. Symbolic aspects, such as each member's first official solo album since their debut and the possibility of it being their last album before military enlistment, have likely contributed to the increased demand from fans.

The individuality and distinct musical styles showcased by each member are also essential factors in their success. BTS, which debuted in 2013, focused primarily on group activities for an extended period, delaying their solo activities compared to other teams. As a result, both the members and fans have long anticipated these solo albums.

In a video introducing his album 'FACE', Jimin expressed satisfaction and affection for his solo work, stating, "It's another starting point as a singer. 'FACE' is an album with my true self genuinely melted into it, a side of Jimin that has never been revealed anywhere." Similarly, RM shared, "It's a diary-like album that genuinely captures the emotions, sentiments, and concerns I've experienced," and called 'Indigo' "another starting point."

Meanwhile, fans are eagerly anticipating BTS's first animated OST, set for release soon. Timos Media, a comprehensive media company, recently announced that BTS would sing the OST 'THE PLANET' for the 3D action-hero animation 'Bestians,' scheduled to premiere on SBS on May 14th. The song, which will also be released as a single, is expected to console fans during the group's hiatus.