BTS’ “Dynamite” is Now First Song By Korean Act In History To Surpass 1 Billion Streams

BTS’ “Dynamite” has officially joined the 1 Billion Streams Club on Spotify, becoming the first song by a Korean artist in history to reach this monumental milestone. This achievement not only marks a historic moment for BTS and K-pop but also reaffirms their place among global music legends.

Released on August 21, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Dynamite” was BTS’ first full English-language track. It carried a bright, retro-pop disco sound with vibrant lyrics aimed at uplifting people’s spirits during a globally challenging time. Its irresistible feel-good energy, along with BTS’ undeniable charisma, quickly catapulted the song into the charts and into the hearts of listeners worldwide.

The impact of “Dynamite” was immediate and explosive:

The YouTube premiere of its music video shattered records with 3 million concurrent viewers, the highest ever at the time.
It amassed a staggering 101.1 million views in its first 24 hours, setting a then-record for the biggest YouTube debut.
“Dynamite” became BTS’ first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first all-Korean act to top the chart.
It earned BTS their first Grammy nomination, making them the first K-pop group to be nominated for a Grammy.

Now, with over 1 billion streams on Spotify, “Dynamite” joins the ranks of iconic global hits such as:

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Billie Eilish – “Bad Guy”
Drake – “God’s Plan”
J Balvin & Willy William ft. Beyoncé – “Mi Gente”
The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”
Harry Styles – “Watermelon Sugar”
Dua Lipa – “IDGAF”
Maroon 5 – “Memories”
Ava Max – “Sweet But Psycho”

This elite company is a reflection of how “Dynamite” has transcended language, borders, and genres to become a global cultural moment.

The song was more than just a commercial success it was a beacon of joy during uncertain times. With lyrics like “Cause I, I, I’m in the stars tonight / So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight,” BTS delivered comfort, fun, and hope in a world that needed it most. The retro visuals, the pastel outfits, and the smooth choreography contributed to its timeless appeal.

Since then, BTS has continued to break their own records. Their follow-up English singles, “Butter” and “Permission to Dance,” also achieved unprecedented success, with “Butter” being the only other song to challenge “Dynamite”’s YouTube and streaming premiere records.

But what makes this achievement even more significant is the barrier-breaking nature of BTS’ journey. They’ve gone from performing to small crowds in South Korea to headlining stadiums around the world, redefining what it means to be global artists and paving the way for other Korean and non-English-speaking artists to find success on international platforms.

With “Dynamite,” BTS not only lifted spirits but also opened doors and now, they’ve carved their name into Spotify history. And ARMYs, the group’s devoted fandom, continue to play a pivotal role in every one of these milestones, streaming, sharing, and loving the music that brings people together from all corners of the world. Congratulations to BTS and ARMY on yet another dynamite milestone truly, the fire never fades.