ALL Of BTS’ Top 10 Hits On Billboard Hot 100 Chart

BTS’ success on the Billboard Hot 100 is historic, proving their global influence. With six #1 hits and multiple Top 10 entries, they are one of the biggest acts in modern music.

Few artists have redefined global music success like BTS. Over the past decade, the South Korean septet has shattered records. They have transcended language barriers. They have revolutionized the Billboard Hot 100 in ways few could have imagined. While non-English songs have historically struggled to make a mark on the U.S. charts, BTS has systematically rewritten the rules. They proved that talent, dedication, and an engaged fanbase can break even the most entrenched industry norms. Their dominance on the Hot 100 is not just about numbers. It represents a shift in the global music industry. It also reflects the evolving tastes of audiences worldwide.

BTS first entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017 with “DNA,” which peaked at #67. This debut, while seemingly modest, was historic—marking one of the highest-charting K-pop songs at the time. It was a sign of what was to come, as BTS steadily built their presence in the U.S. market. Subsequent releases like “Mic Drop” (Steve Aoki Remix) and “Fake Love” helped push them further into mainstream recognition. The latter peaked at #10, becoming BTS’ first Top 10 hit in 2018, a significant milestone for a non-English song. But these early successes were only the beginning.

The real game-changer arrived in August 2020 with “Dynamite.” As their first English-language single, “Dynamite” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first all-South Korean act to achieve this feat. This wasn’t just a win for BTS; it was a cultural moment.

Why was “Dynamite” so significant?

First All-Korean Act at #1: While K-pop had long been growing internationally, no Korean artist had ever topped the Hot 100.
Major Radio Play: Historically, BTS had struggled with U.S. radio airplay, but “Dynamite” changed that. It received heavy rotation, proving that BTS could succeed on a platform that had previously sidelined them.
Global Appeal: The song’s retro, disco-pop vibe, along with its feel-good energy, made it an instant global hit, resonating beyond their dedicated fanbase.

The success of “Dynamite” signaled that BTS was no longer just a phenomenon confined to social media; they were mainstream pop powerhouses. The song spent 32 weeks on the Hot 100, showcasing its longevity.

After “Dynamite,” BTS embarked on a record-breaking streak that cemented their dominance on the Hot 100:

“Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) Remix” (2020) – Their remix with Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo topped the chart, giving BTS their second #1 within weeks.
“Life Goes On” (2020) – This emotional ballad debuted directly at #1, making history as the first non-English song ever to debut at the top of the Hot 100.
“Butter” (2021) – A smooth, addictive pop anthem that dominated the charts for 10 non-consecutive weeks, breaking records for the longest-running #1 song by an Asian act.
“Permission to Dance” (2021) – Co-written by Ed Sheeran, this track replaced “Butter” at #1, demonstrating BTS’ ability to control the charts.
“My Universe” (2021) – A collaboration with Coldplay that brought them another #1, proving their versatility and ability to merge with other global acts.

These hits weren’t just fleeting moments; they were testaments to BTS’ unparalleled ability to engage and mobilize listeners across the world.

What Makes BTS’ Hot 100 Success Unique?

While multiple artists achieve Hot 100 success, BTS’ journey is uniquely impressive for several reasons:

They Achieved Six #1 Hits Without Industry Privilege
- Many Western artists benefit from heavy radio play, streaming playlist promotions, and industry backing. BTS, coming from a non-English background, had to fight against these structural barriers. Their success came primarily from fan-driven efforts, organic streaming, and social media engagement.
They Have the Most #1 Debuts for a Group
- With five songs debuting at #1, BTS holds the record for the most No. 1 Hot 100 debuts by a group. This places them alongside music legends who have historically dominated the industry.
They Broke Barriers for Non-English Songs
- Before BTS, it was rare for a non-English song to even enter the Top 10, let alone debut at #1. “Life Goes On” shattered industry myths, proving that language is not a barrier when music is universally relatable.

Despite their success, BTS’ dominance has faced criticism from some in the industry. Detractors have pointed to their strong fanbase-driven sales as the reason behind their chart-topping hits, downplaying their achievements. However, this argument ignores the fact that every successful artist relies on fan engagement. The difference is that BTS has mastered modern digital engagement, creating a level of fandom-driven success that traditional Western artists are still catching up to.

Billboard itself has adjusted rules multiple times in ways that disproportionately affect BTS’ charting abilities—such as altering the way digital sales impact rankings. This raises questions about whether the industry is uncomfortable with a non-Western act holding so much power in an arena long dominated by English-language artists.

With BTS currently on group hiatus for military service, their presence on the Hot 100 has slowed. However, individual members have already made impressive solo debuts:

Jimin’s “Like Crazy” (2023) debuted at #1, making him the first Korean soloist to top the Hot 100.
Jungkook’s “Seven” (2023) debuted at #1, proving BTS’ solo impact is just as powerful.
Other members like Suga, V, and RM have also made significant chart appearances.

When BTS reunites, their potential on the Hot 100 remains limitless. Given their past success, it’s likely they will return stronger than ever, possibly setting even more records in the years to come.

Final Thoughts: BTS’ Enduring Legacy on the Hot 100

BTS’ success on the Billboard Hot 100 is not just about numbers—it is about breaking cultural, linguistic, and industry barriers. In a market that historically favored Western artists, BTS proved that a South Korean group could not only compete but dominate. Their chart-topping hits have challenged long-standing industry norms and expanded the definition of mainstream pop.

Perhaps the most impressive part of BTS’ journey is that they achieved all of this while staying true to themselves. Their music has never been solely about commercial success; it carries themes of self-love, youth struggles, and social awareness. Whether through Korean or English songs, their impact is deeply felt, not just streamed.

BTS has already left an indelible mark on the Billboard Hot 100, and their legacy is far from over. As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: BTS will remain one of the most influential artists of their generation, with records that will stand the test of time.

Are you excited for their return? Do you think they’ll break even more records? Let’s discuss!

Fake Love (2018)

Fake Love (2018) – #10

Released: May 18, 2018
Album: Love Yourself: Tear
Genre: Emo hip-hop, pop-rock
Impact: This song marked BTS’ first-ever Top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100. It showcased an emotional and dark theme about love turning into pain. With an intense rock-influenced sound and powerful choreography, Fake Love solidified BTS’ presence in the U.S. music industry.

Boy With Luv (2019)

Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey) (2019) – #8

Released: April 12, 2019
Album: Map of the Soul: Persona
Genre: Funky pop, upbeat hip-hop
Impact: A bright, fun love song featuring Halsey, this track became a commercial success globally. It held the record for the most-viewed 24-hour debut on YouTube at the time. The song’s cheerful energy and accessible lyrics helped BTS gain even more mainstream recognition.

ON (2020)

ON (2020) – #4

Released: February 21, 2020
Album: Map of the Soul: 7
Genre: Hip-hop, marching band anthem
Impact: ON is one of BTS’ most powerful anthems, symbolizing their journey and challenges as artists. The track’s Kinetic Manifesto Film showcased BTS’ signature synchronized choreography. Despite minimal radio play in the U.S., it still debuted at #4 on the Hot 100.

Dynamite (2020)

Dynamite (2020) – #1

Released: August 21, 2020
Album: BE
Genre: Disco-pop
Impact: Dynamite was BTS’ first English-language song and first Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit. It became an instant global success, breaking records for the most YouTube views in 24 hours and staying on the charts for 32 weeks. The upbeat, retro sound made it a feel-good anthem during the pandemic.

Savage Love (Laced Siren Beat) (2020)

Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat) [Remix] (2020) – #1

Released: October 2, 2020 (Remix)
Original Artist: Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo
Genre: Tropical pop
Impact: BTS hopped on this viral TikTok hit, adding Korean verses and giving the song new life. The remix helped push it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. While not a BTS original, their contribution played a major role in the track’s success.

Life Goes On (2020)

Life Goes On (2020) – #1

Released: November 20, 2020
Album: BE
Genre: Alternative hip-hop, soft pop
Impact: This song made history as the first non-English song to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody provided comfort during the pandemic, reinforcing BTS’ connection with fans worldwide.

Butter (2021)

Butter (2021) – #1

Released: May 21, 2021
Album: Butter (Single)
Genre: Dance-pop, funk
Impact: A massive summer hit, Butter debuted at #1 and stayed there for 10 non-consecutive weeks! Its catchy melody and smooth vibe made it one of BTS’ biggest English-language singles. The song was also performed at the Grammy Awards in 2022.

Permission to Dance (2021)

Permission to Dance (2021) – #1

Released: July 9, 2021
Album: Butter (CD)
Genre: Pop, dance
Impact: Co-written by Ed Sheeran, this uplifting song encouraged listeners to dance freely and find joy. It debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 but was later replaced by Butter, marking BTS’ dominance on the chart.

My Universe (ft Coldplay) (2021)

My Universe (Coldplay X BTS) (2021) – #1

Released: September 24, 2021
Album: Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres
Genre: Synth-pop, rock
Impact: A groundbreaking collaboration between BTS and Coldplay, this bilingual song brought together fans of both bands. It became BTS’ sixth Hot 100 #1 and showcased their ability to blend genres seamlessly.

Bad Decisions (2022)

Bad Decisions (Benny Blanco, BTS & Snoop Dogg) (2022) – #10

Released: August 5, 2022
Album: Benny Blanco’s Single
Genre: Pop, R&B
Impact: This fun, lighthearted track was a collaboration with Benny Blanco and Snoop Dogg. It was BTS’ final Top 10 hit before their group hiatus.

Do you have a favorite song from this list? Or do you think another track should have made it to the Top 10?