Even after four years since its release, BTS’ iconic single “Butter” continues to make history in the global music scene.
Originally released on May 21, 2021, the disco-pop and dance-pop track remains a defining moment in K-pop’s international expansion.
As of October 2025, “Butter” still holds the record for the largest single-week streaming count on the Billboard Global 200, cementing BTS’s enduring global dominance.
A Record That Refuses to Fade
According to Billboard data, “Butter” maintains its status as the song with the largest single-week streams in Global 200 history, recording an astonishing 289.2 million streams during its release week in 2021.
Even as musical trends evolve, no other artist has surpassed this monumental record as of the October 18, 2025 chart update.
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This achievement underscores BTS’s rare staying power in a highly competitive industry, proving that the group’s musical impact extends far beyond its original release cycle.
Fans continue to stream the track enthusiastically, keeping its legacy alive through playlists, social media trends, and fan-led streaming events worldwide.
BTS’ Solo Members Keep the Flame Alive
Despite the group’s temporary pause in collective activities due to South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS members have individually maintained a strong presence on global music charts.
Members Jimin, Jungkook, Jin, and J-Hope have each launched successful solo careers, releasing songs that have topped global streaming and sales charts.
Their continued success reflects the group’s unmatched ability to thrive both collectively and individually.
Jungkook’s “Seven” in particular became a major milestone, setting records for streaming and digital sales, while Jimin’s “Like Crazy” and Jin’s “The Astronaut” also captured international acclaim.
The group’s hiatus hasn’t slowed their momentum — instead, it has strengthened each member’s connection to fans, collectively reinforcing BTS’s cultural and commercial dominance even while serving their military duties.
A Competitive Landscape of Record Breakers
While BTS holds the crown, several K-pop and international artists have joined the race to challenge its records.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé, with her 2025 collaboration “APT” featuring Bruno Mars, achieved the largest streaming week for a female solo artist on the Billboard Global 200, registering 224 million streams.
This remarkable feat placed Rosé in direct competition with Jungkook’s “Seven,” which continues to hold the record for the largest sales debut in Global 200 history with 217.1 million streams.
These inter-artist achievements illustrate the growing influence of K-pop globally, with artists like BTS and BLACKPINK leading the movement to the forefront of the international pop industry.
Both groups have transformed global listening patterns and reshaped the perception of non-English music in mainstream charts.
Fan Reactions: BTS ARMY Keeps the Legacy Alive
BTS’s fandom, known as the ARMY, has played a crucial role in sustaining “Butter’s” ongoing success.
Following the October 2025 announcement that the track still holds its streaming record, fans flooded social media platforms with celebratory posts.
One fan tweeted, “The question is, will BTS be able to break BTS’ record with their next comeback, because only they can do it,” while another remarked, “Butter is still on top waiting for BTS to break this record. And JK is still on top waiting to break his own record — it’s going to be insane when they come back.”
These fan comments reflect not only admiration for the song but also confidence in BTS’s future achievements.
The group’s dedicated following continues to actively stream their older tracks, organize online campaigns, and purchase physical albums, keeping BTS consistently relevant in global music discussions.
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A Global Phenomenon Since 2021
When “Butter” first dropped in May 2021, it immediately became a cultural and musical sensation.
The song’s upbeat rhythm, catchy hook, and high-energy choreography helped it top charts in multiple countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, India, Mexico, and Vietnam.
It also reached the top 10 in more than 30 countries, proving BTS’s universal appeal.
The song’s fusion of disco-pop, dance-pop, and EDM elements resonated with fans worldwide, offering an optimistic and joyful sound during a time when much of the world was recovering from the pandemic.
Its bright tone and slick choreography quickly made it a global anthem, dominating not only the Billboard charts but also YouTube and Spotify records.
Looking Ahead: BTS’ 2026 Comeback
The excitement around BTS’s achievements with “Butter” has only fueled anticipation for their planned 2026 comeback.
According to reports, the group will return with a new album and a world tour in spring 2026, marking their first full-group release after completing military service.
Fans expect the comeback to be one of the biggest global music events of the year.
Many speculate that BTS may even surpass their previous records — including the one set by “Butter” — with their next release.
The upcoming year promises to be a turning point for the band as they reunite to reclaim their place at the top of the global charts, potentially redefining pop music trends yet again.
“Butter” isn’t just a song — it’s a milestone in the global expansion of K-pop. Four years after its release, it continues to dominate music charts and fan hearts alike.
BTS’s ability to sustain relevance during a hiatus, alongside the success of their solo projects, underscores their unrivaled influence in modern pop culture.
As the world awaits BTS’s return in 2026, one thing is clear: the group’s golden era never truly ended — it simply evolved.
With “Butter” still ruling the Billboard Global 200, BTS has once again proven that their legacy is more than a fleeting trend — it’s a cultural revolution that continues to inspire millions across the globe.
