BTS dropped the first video teaser for "Butter," their upcoming new single, on YouTube and it quickly gained a million likes in one hour.
According to a report from Chart Data, the 23-second video reached a million likes in a shorter time frame than when BTS released "Life Goes On" in November 2020. As of press time, the new teaser has nearly 2.5 million likes and over 13 million views.
Based on the very short clip, "Butter," their second all-English song, sounds like a pop disco tune that will likely become the "Song of the Summer." According to analysts, the song has a potential to attract new listeners who have yet to pay attention to these global superstars.
"Butter" will also have immense advantage in radio play and social media push in the next few weeks, driving its chances for becoming another hit. It remains to be seen, however, if the song will surpass the record-breaking release of "Dynamite," with their first all-English song which amassed 265,000 downloads in the first week and stayed at the Billboards chart as number one for nine weeks.
It's clear that nothing can stop the success of BTS as the septet have been working harder than any other group. The band's leader, RM, reflected that they were mocked in the beginning as they were still trying to create their identity in the music business. However, RM said he's quite proud of their achievements today and to stand in the center of a metaphorical hurricane in their industry.
But perhaps the only thing holding back BTS is the pandemic. Vocalist Jin said that he felt a huge sense of loss when they were unable to go on tour because of the lockdown. BTS was supposed to kick off their world tour last April 2020 but they have been staying put in South Korea since the pandemic shook the world.
Jin said it took them awhile to process how they will not be able to perform live for the fans for some time since mass gatherings are considered a virus superspreader. Instead, the group has been performing virtually and spending a lot of their downtimes making new songs and recording their own solo hits.
BTS told Rolling Stones that working has help them cope with the anxiety brought on by the pandemic. Despite the restrictions, they will continue to bring something new that will have fans truly excited about.
Meanwhile, the group is set to perform at the virtual stage for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. They will actually debut "Butter" from a remote location in South Korea on May 23.
Incidentally, BTS is vying for four awards at this year's event, sucha s Top Duo or Group, Top Social Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, and Top-Selling Song for "Dynamite." The group has been winning the Top Social Artist award in the last four years and this year could be their fifth win. This category is chosen via public vote.
The Billboard Music Awards will air on Sunday, May 23. BTS's "Butter," on the other hand, will hit the airwaves on May 21.