BTS’ “Idol” Hits 1.4 Billion Views on YouTube, Marking Group’s 5th All-Time Milestone in “Joseon EDM”

“Joseon EDM” shows no signs of slowing down… BTS’ 5th 1.4 billion-view record

The mega hit by the group “BTS”, the “Idol” (IDOL) music video, has surpassed 1.4 billion YouTube views, setting another major milestone in K-pop history.

According to its agency, BigHit Music, the music video crossed the 1.4 billion mark around 9:20 p.m. on the 29th. It is the group’s fifth all-time achievement of reaching 1.4 billion views, following “Dynamite”, “Boy With Luv”, “DNA”, and “MIC DROP” remix. Beyond just a numerical rise, it is seen as clear evidence of the global syndrome that has kept its momentum even long after the song’s release.

The title track “Idol” from the repackaged album “LOVE YOURSELF 結 Answer”, released in August 2018, is a song in which South African beats and traditional Korean rhythms intertwine in a striking way. At the time of its release, it drew praise under the label “Joseon EDM” and became the focus of attention from music critics. In particular, by putting unique Korean crowd-chant interjections such as “Eo-sso, jo-ta” and “Ji-hwa-ja jo-ta” front and center, it captured people’s ears worldwide with the most distinctly Korean color.

The visuals are equally unmatched. The visual spectacle created by sets that combine tropical savanna grasslands with Bukcheong lion dance performances and Korean traditional architectural styles was already proved in its own right when it won the “Music Video of the Year” category at the 2018 U.S. “E! People’s Choice Awards”. Currently, the song is set as a core setlist item for “ARIRANG”, the largest new world tour by K-pop that has been running since last April, delivering a burst of energy to audiences around the world.