A song that began as a heartfelt contribution to a beloved K-drama has now etched its name in music history. “Sweet Night,” the self-written and self-composed original soundtrack by BTS’ V (Kim Taehyung), has officially surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify, becoming the most streamed Korean OST of all time on the platform. This milestone is not only a testament to Taehyung’s global influence and artistic brilliance but also a celebration of his deep connection with fans around the world who continue to support his music with unwavering dedication.
Released in March 2020 as part of the OST for the JTBC drama “Itaewon Class,” “Sweet Night” instantly captivated listeners with its melancholic yet comforting melody, soothing vocals, and poetic lyrics. Written and produced entirely by V himself, the track was praised for its raw emotion and indie-pop sound, showcasing a side of the artist that went beyond his role as a BTS vocalist. Unlike many OSTs that lean heavily into orchestral arrangements, “Sweet Night” stood out with its acoustic simplicity, gentle harmonies, and Taehyung’s warm, husky tone that carried the weight of the song’s story.
The song’s global impact was immediate. “Sweet Night” became the first Korean solo OST to reach number one on the US iTunes chart, a groundbreaking feat that had never been accomplished before. It quickly climbed to the top of charts in countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. What followed was a record-shattering streak that no artist Korean or otherwise has matched to date.
“Sweet Night” eventually achieved 118 number ones on iTunes singles charts worldwide, setting a new record as the only song in the world to do so. This phenomenal achievement made Kim Taehyung the only artist in history to hold such a distinction with a single track. The song’s success wasn’t driven by traditional promotions or industry pushes. It was powered by genuine admiration, organic word-of-mouth, and the devotion of fans who recognized the emotional depth and artistry embedded in every note.
Taehyung’s accomplishment is all the more remarkable considering that “Sweet Night” was a solo release tied to a drama, rather than a BTS group project or a full album debut. Its performance defied expectations, crossing over linguistic and cultural barriers to become a universal anthem of comfort. Whether listeners understood the lyrics or not, the mood of the song resonated—conveying longing, introspection, and a kind of bittersweet hopefulness that struck a chord with people navigating difficult times.
Adding to the song’s accolades, “Sweet Night” won “Best OST” at the 2020 APAN Star Awards, further affirming its critical acclaim and impact within the Korean entertainment industry. It stood out among a highly competitive field of K-drama soundtracks, most of which are backed by large-scale productions and often performed by veteran artists. That a self-produced track by a K-pop idol claimed this honor speaks volumes about V’s talent as a songwriter, producer, and vocalist.
One of the most compelling elements of “Sweet Night” is how closely it reflects Taehyung’s personal artistry. Known for his love of jazz, R&B, and vintage soul, he infused the track with his unique musical taste. The soft guitar, minimalistic arrangement, and emotionally layered vocals are trademarks of his solo aesthetic. In interviews, Taehyung has often expressed his desire to make music that heals and comforts. “Sweet Night” is perhaps the purest expression of that mission a quiet moment of peace offered through sound.
Since its release, “Sweet Night” has become more than just an OST. It is a staple on late-night playlists, a comfort song during hard days, and a reminder of how deeply music can connect people. The track continues to trend periodically as new listeners discover it and long-time fans revisit its warmth. With 200 million streams on Spotify, it has officially reached a monumental benchmark, joining a prestigious league of iconic tracks while remaining deeply personal and understated.
It’s also worth noting that Taehyung achieved all this with no music video, no official promotions, and minimal exposure outside the context of “Itaewon Class.” The song thrived purely on the strength of its artistry and the love of fans. This makes the success of “Sweet Night” even more special it’s not a story of mass media hype but one of genuine appreciation for good music.
As fans around the world celebrate this milestone, the hashtag #SweetNight200M and #TaehyungOSTLegend have been trending across platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Fans are sharing their favorite lyrics, personal stories tied to the song, and artworks inspired by its soft, dreamy atmosphere. Some are even rewatching “Itaewon Class” to experience the song in its original context, recalling the emotional scenes where it first played.
For many, “Sweet Night” also serves as a precursor to the kind of solo music they hope to see from V in the future. His ability to weave emotion, melody, and storytelling into a single track has raised anticipation for his upcoming solo work. While he has yet to release a full solo album, “Sweet Night” and his other solo tracks like “Scenery,” “Winter Bear,” and “Snow Flower” have already established him as a thoughtful and sincere artist in his own right.
In the world of K-pop, where visuals, choreography, and group synergy often take center stage, “Sweet Night” is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of a single voice and a heartfelt song. Taehyung’s achievement is a celebration not just of his success but of quiet strength, emotional honesty, and the timeless beauty of music that speaks directly to the soul.
As we look ahead to what BTS and V have in store next, one thing is clear “Sweet Night” will forever hold a special place in music history and in the hearts of millions around the world.
“Sweet Night” is an OST for Netflix’s South Korean romantic drama “Itaewon Class” “Sweet Night,” which was composed, written, produced and sung by V was the second English release after “Winter Bear”which he released Soundcloud and a music video on YouTube. Another song by the vocalist is “Scenery” which is his third self-composed solo song.
He also co-wrote and co-produced with RM the song “4 O’Clock” V now has three OST’s “Sweet Night,” and his recent release, “Christmas Tree” (solo projects) and “Its Definitely You” a duet with fellow band member Jin.
V now joined PSY as the only Korean Male Soloist to reach 200M streams on Spotify History and the third solo artist overall to reach the milstone. Solo songs by Korean soloists that reached 200 Million streams on Spotify include 1. Solo (Jennie) — 353M 2. Gangnam Style (PSY) — 306M 3. Sweet Night (V) — 200M
Fans celebrated by trending #SweetNight200M
CONGRATULATIONS V!
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