BTS’s V Achieves 500 Million Spotify Streams with Solo Hit ‘FRI(END)S’
V, also known as Kim Tae-hyung of the global K-pop sensation Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), has once again cemented his status as a global music powerhouse. His digital single “FRI(END)S,” released on March 15, has officially surpassed 500 million streams on Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming platform — an extraordinary feat accomplished in just under two months.
The track, a soulful blend of pop and R&B, showcases V’s signature baritone paired with a velvety falsetto, earning praise for its smooth, elegant vocals and witty lyrics. The song’s emotional depth and sonic sophistication reflect V’s ability to blend artistry and popular appeal with ease.
“FRI(END)S” made a remarkable debut on multiple global charts. On the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at No. 65, while on the Billboard Global 200 it soared to No. 5, and landed at No. 3 on the Billboard Global Excluding U.S. chart. Across the Atlantic, V broke into the UK Official Charts at No. 13, maintaining his spot for two consecutive weeks, and stunned fans by securing No. 3 on the Official Big Top 40 with just two days of tracking.
On iTunes, “FRI(END)S” reached No. 1 in over 100 countries, setting a new milestone by becoming the first 2024 release to achieve this worldwide dominance. Making history yet again, the track debuted at No. 7 on the Spotify Global Chart, earning the longest-charting K-pop solo song accolade.
The music video, filmed in the UK, made waves on YouTube, holding the No. 1 spot on the platform’s World Trending Music chart for 14 consecutive days. V also became the first K-pop artist to top the Tidal Top Video chart in the U.S., adding another first to his booming solo career.
His visual artistry didn’t go unnoticed. V’s video is nominated for “Best Pop International” at the prestigious UK Music Video Awards (UKMVA) 2024, highlighting his talent not just as a singer but as a multidisciplinary artist.
With “FRI(END)S,” V has reiterated his influence across charts, platforms, and countries. Bridging emotion, sound, and performance with unmatched elegance, he continues to be a force in both the artistic and commercial arenas of global pop music. Fans worldwide now eagerly await what’s next in his ever-evolving musical journey.
