BTS V continues to show his strong global impact as his first solo album ‘Layover’ has officially surpassed 2.5 billion streams on Spotify.
Released on September 8, 2023, Layover crossed the 2.5 billion streaming mark on February 11 on Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming platform, highlighting its steady and lasting popularity.
The album achieved major milestones upon release. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest debut for a K pop solo artist at the time. It also became the first K pop solo album to have all tracks chart on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts.
In addition, every track on the album surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, another first for a K pop solo album.
On global platforms, Layover topped the iTunes Album chart in 110 countries, while all tracks reached No. 1 on Spotify’s global weekly charts, showing wide international support.
The album also received strong certification results. It earned Platinum certification from the Japan Record Association. The track ‘Love Me Again’ received Gold certification from the RIAA for over 500,000 units sold and later surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, joining the platform’s Billions Club. Both ‘Slow Dancing’ and ‘Love Me Again’ also received Gold certifications in Canada and New Zealand.
Music critics praised the album for showcasing V’s unique tone and personal style. Major outlets such as Billboard and Rolling Stone recognized the project, with Billboard ranking it No. 2 on its “25 Best K pop Albums of 2023” list. UK magazine Time Out included Layover in its “30 Best Albums of 2023.”
The album was also named Favorite Debut Album at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, while Rolling Stone ranked the track ‘Rainy Days’ at No. 58 on its “100 Best Songs of 2023” list, the highest ranking for a K pop solo track that year.
With 2.5 billion streams and multiple chart and award achievements, V’s Layover continues to stand as one of the most successful K pop solo albums in recent years.
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