BTS’ Kim Taehyung Makes History with Solo Debut Album “Layover”
Kim Taehyung, known as V from BTS, achieved a remarkable milestone with his solo debut album, Layover, which became the first album by an Asian solo artist to reach the No. 1 position in 110 countries on the iTunes Top Albums Chart for the decade starting from 2020. This impressive feat underscores Taehyung’s global appeal and the album’s widespread acclaim.
Global Reach and Chart-Topping Success
The countries where Layover topped the charts include diverse locations such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, Bahrain, Colombia, and Canada, among many others. This significant achievement highlights the international fanbase BTS and its members have cultivated.
As reported by the Twitter user @v_hotrends on March 29, 2025, Taehyung’s success closely follows that of fellow BTS member Suga, whose mixtape D-2 also reached the top position in 110 countries, further showcasing the dominance of BTS artists in the music industry.
A Closer Look at “Layover”
Released on September 8, 2023, through BigHit Music, Layover comprises six captivating tracks, including Rainy Days, Blue, Love Me Again, Slow Dancing, For Us, and a piano version of Slow Dancing. Each song showcases Taehyung’s unique artistry and vocal prowess.
Updates from the Artist on Weverse
On March 23, 2025, Taehyung engaged with fans on the South Korean platform Weverse, sharing a glimpse into his fitness journey. He posted images from the gym, including a mirror selfie and lifting equipment, captioning:
“Still recently..I lost a lot of weight right? I lost 10 kg…hihihihi…I’ll try ever harder.”
Recent Milestones in Kim Taehyung’s Career
In another exciting update, Taehyung was promoted to the rank of Sergeant during his mandatory military service. He shared this milestone on February 23 through an Instagram post, celebrating with twelve photos in his army uniform, stating:
“I came to report Sergeant Kim’s survival. It’s D-107. The scary winter is over, and I’ll take care of yourself in the warm spring and get ready for it.”
For context, Taehyung began his military service on December 11, 2023, alongside his fellow member Kim Namjoon. After completing five weeks of basic training, he enrolled in the Army Administration School for an additional three-week period.
By February 8, 2024, he was assigned to the Ssangyong Unit of the 2nd Corps and served within the Special Task Force of the Military Police Corps, demonstrating his commitment both as an artist and a soldier.
Noteworthy Collaborations and Releases
In the realm of new music, BigHit Music released Taehyung’s collaborative track Winter Ahead with Park Hyo-shin on November 29, 2024. This jazz-inflected piece came complete with two music videos available on HYBE’s official YouTube channel.
Additionally, he showcased his versatility with a rendition of Bing Crosby’s classic White Christmas, which was released on December 6, 2024, under Geffen Records. Earlier in March 2024, he also dropped the digital single FRI(END)S, highlighting his ongoing artistic output even during his military service.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects
Fans eagerly anticipate Taehyung’s discharge from mandatory military service, which is expected in June 2025. His return is likely to be marked by even more exciting projects, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in the global music scene.