BTS ‘DNA’ MV Hits over 1.1 Billion Views, Makes History Again

“BTS Becomes the 1st Korean Boy Band to have an MV surpass 1.1 Billion Views, this was achieved on On October 5, 2020. The music video for “DNA” premiered on Big Hit’s YouTube channel on September 18, 2017. That same years On November 30, 2017 BTS performed the song on The Late Late Show with James Corden, becoming the first Korean act to do so and they also performed the on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in December 2017. “DNA” was included on the setlist of BTS’ Love Yourself World Tour between 2018 and 2019. The song was played during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. “DNA” was also the the first track by a Korean artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.

BTS has once again etched their name in the annals of music history with another groundbreaking milestone—this time, it’s their iconic music video for “DNA” surpassing 1.1 billion views on YouTube. The achievement places the septet in a league of their own, further solidifying their legacy as one of the most influential and trailblazing artists in the global music scene. “DNA,” which was first released on September 18, 2017, as the title track of their Love Yourself: Her album, marked a turning point in BTS’s career, ushering in a new era of global recognition and mainstream success.

The Love Yourself series was a deeply thematic and ambitious project by BTS, and “DNA” was its vibrant, bold opening statement. A dazzling fusion of electronic dance music and pop, the track showcased the group’s evolving sound—one that was willing to experiment and push beyond the boundaries of traditional K-pop. With “DNA,” BTS presented a fresh, futuristic visual aesthetic, one that matched the song’s cosmic themes of destiny and inevitable love. The colorful visuals, intricate choreography, and high-energy performance captivated both loyal ARMY and new fans around the world, quickly propelling the music video to millions of views within hours of its release.

Now, more than seven years later, “DNA” has crossed the monumental threshold of 1.1 billion views, becoming one of BTS’s most-watched videos and one of the most-viewed K-pop videos of all time. The feat is not merely a number; it reflects the timelessness of BTS’s artistry and the unwavering support of their global fanbase, ARMY. It’s a celebration of their journey—from performing in small venues to filling stadiums and topping global charts. Each view represents a shared memory, a discovered fandom, a moment of joy, or comfort found in their music.

“DNA” is also historically significant because it was BTS’s first foray into the Billboard Hot 100 chart, debuting at No. 85 and marking their official entry into the U.S. mainstream music market. It was the beginning of BTS’s climb toward global superstardom. The group would later go on to score numerous No. 1 hits on the Hot 100—including “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance”—but “DNA” was the door they kicked open. It introduced millions of new listeners to the magnetic synergy of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, each of whom brought something unique to the track.

From a production standpoint, “DNA” was a marvel of modern K-pop. The whistled hook, the dynamic EDM drop, and the complex choreography combined to create a performance that was as exhilarating as it was iconic. The music video, directed by YongSeok Choi of Lumpens, featured neon-hued visuals, galaxy-inspired transitions, and sleek camera work that made each viewing a new experience. The visual theme of intertwining DNA strands reinforced the lyrical message: that love can be encoded in one’s very being, destined to happen like a cosmic event.

For many ARMYs, “DNA” holds a sentimental place in their hearts as the first BTS song they ever heard. It acted as an entry point into the expansive and diverse discography of BTS, leading listeners to explore deeper cuts, learn more about the members, and ultimately become a part of the ever-growing fandom. It’s a song that’s often revisited during BTS anniversaries, concert setlists, and celebratory events. The fact that it continues to accumulate views years after its release shows the song’s enduring impact and replay value.

The milestone also underlines BTS’s extraordinary digital footprint. Few artists in the world can claim multiple videos with over a billion views, and BTS is among the elite few who have done so. Along with “Dynamite,” “Boy With Luv,” “IDOL,” and “MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix),” “DNA” remains a cornerstone of their YouTube domination. BTS doesn’t just release music—they create moments, stories, and universes that fans return to again and again. Their videos become cultural landmarks within the K-pop industry and beyond.

It’s important to note that “DNA” was also pivotal in changing public perceptions of K-pop in the West. At a time when the genre was still making inroads into international markets, BTS’s confident performance and infectious energy won over skeptics and turned casual listeners into dedicated fans. Media outlets began taking notice, major awards shows began extending invitations, and American television shows welcomed them for their first appearances, many of which featured “DNA.” It played a central role in their breakout success overseas.

The success of “DNA” also exemplifies BTS’s commitment to authenticity and storytelling. Even in a song about love and destiny, the group managed to weave in broader themes of self-discovery and cosmic connection. BTS’s lyrical depth is part of what sets them apart from many pop acts—they don’t just write hits, they create messages. “DNA” was a declaration of identity, a bold proclamation that BTS was here to stay, and that their artistry would evolve with each step forward.

As fans continue to celebrate the 1.1 billion milestone, many are also reflecting on how far BTS has come since the “DNA” era. From the bright, youthful confidence of Love Yourself: Her to the mature introspection of Map of the Soul: 7 and the genre-bending experimentation of BE and Proof, BTS has shown time and time again that they are more than just a boy band—they are artists with a vision and a voice. “DNA” may have been one chapter, but it was one that changed everything.

Looking ahead, this achievement adds another crown jewel to BTS’s already illustrious career. Though the group is currently on a temporary hiatus with members fulfilling their mandatory military service, their music continues to resonate, inspire, and break records. The success of “DNA” reminds the world that BTS’s legacy isn’t defined by their current activity but by the timeless quality of the art they’ve already given to the world.

In true BTS fashion, the celebration of this milestone has not been met with complacency. Instead, it acts as motivation—for the group, for ARMY, and for aspiring artists across the globe. It’s a reminder that with sincerity, hard work, and the courage to follow your own path, history can be made, one view at a time.

So as “DNA” continues to rack up millions of views and finds new fans in every corner of the world, it remains a powerful symbol of everything BTS stands for: passion, perseverance, and the infinite possibilities of dreaming big.

As we wait for BTS’ online concert titled Map of the Soul ON:E on October 10 and 11 and the release a new album titled BE in November, watch the chart topping MV below