BTS's iconic song 'Spring Day' has captured the summit of the U.S. charts six years after its release.
As of the morning of December 12th, according to iTunes, 'Spring Day' topped the main song chart in a total of 36 regions, including the United States.
Released in February 2017 as part of the extended play 'WINGS' and its follow-up 'YOU NEVER WALK ALONE,' 'Spring Day' is an alternative hip-hop track blending Brit rock sensibilities with electronic sound.
Upon release, 'Spring Day' immediately dominated eight major domestic music sites, including Melon, and entered at number 15 on Billboard's 'Bubbling Under Hot 100' chart, a testament to its popularity both in Korea and overseas. From 2017 to 2021, it consistently appeared in Melon's monthly TOP 100, maintaining a presence in the main chart TOP 100 for over five years and earning BTS several grand prizes at end-of-year award ceremonies, including the 2017 'MMA' (Melon Music Awards).
Its re-entry into the U.S. iTunes Song Chart marks a significant achievement, 6 years and 10 months in the making. Previously, 'Spring Day' had reached number 8 on this chart in February 2017, marking BTS as the second Korean artist and the first K-pop group to enter the chart since Psy's 'Gangnam Style.'
The song's first ascent to number 1 on the chart is credited to the dedicated support of ARMY (BTS's official fandom), even surpassing Mariah Carey's perennial Christmas favorite 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' in the U.S. 'Spring Day' holds special significance for both BTS members and fans. BTS described it as "a song written while thinking of our fans on a cold winter day." In the 2020 'MMA', after winning the grand prize, they expressed their hope to survive the long winter and live through the coming spring days together with their fans.
The relationship between BTS and ARMY encapsulated in 'Spring Day' remains relevant today. Fans continue to express their commitment to wait for BTS, quoting lyrics like "How much longer do I have to wait? How many more nights do I have to stay up? Until I see you, until I meet you?" signaling their intent to stand by until they can reunite and sing together once more.
Meanwhile, all seven members of BTS have entered their military service period, with V and RM enlisting on December 11th, and Jimin and Jungkook following on December 12th. Jin, J-Hope, and Suga, who are already serving, took leave to bid farewell to RM and V at the Nonsan Army Training Center, stirring emotions among fans.
Jin enlisted last December and is currently serving as an instructor at the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. J-Hope enlisted this April and is serving as an instructor at the 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, Gangwon Province. Suga began his service as a public service worker this September.
BTS's group activities are expected to resume after June 2025. Big Hit Music previously stated that they hope for a complete BTS comeback around 2025, but the exact timing is currently uncertain.
BTS signed their second contract with Big Hit Music in September last year, built on a strong trust relationship. HYBE stated, "With this contract renewal, we will be able to join BTS in their complete group activities planned around 2025. HYBE and Big Hit Music will provide all possible support to further strengthen BTS's stature."
Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, released his first solo album 'GOLDEN' on November 3rd and shared his expectations for 2025 in an album introduction video for the press: "Like the other members, I think we have become stronger in many ways by releasing solo singles and albums. These activities are also a part of BTS. I can assure you of one thing: if BTS reunites in 2025, it will be truly amazing. I am looking forward to it more than the fans."
