BTS Earns Sixth No. 1 Album With ‘Proof’ After Announcing Hiatus

by · Forbes

Topline

K-pop supergroup BTS earned their sixth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart days after announcing they were going on a hiatus to focus on solo projects.

Jimin, J-Hope, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Suga, and V of BTS perform onstage during the 2021 American Music ... [+] Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.Getty Images for MRC

Key Facts

BTS’ album Proof debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, which tracks the commercial success of albums.

Proof, an anthology album, was released on June 10, and its success during the week ending June 16 was driven largely by CD sales—the physical version of the album included exclusive tracks not available on streaming.

Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti, Harry Styles’ Harry’s House, Post Malone’s Twelve Carat Toothache and Future’s I Never Liked You completed the chart’s top five, respectively.

Key Background

Just days after dropping Proof, BTS announced last week they would be taking an indefinite hiatus to focus on solo projects, but assured fans the break was not a break up. “We promise we will return someday,” band member Jungkook said. The group has taken several recent hiatuses, including one at the start of this year.

Tangent

BTS’ reign over the Billboard 200 could be short-lived. Drake dropped a surprise dance album Honestly, Nevermind on Friday, which after one hour became the biggest dance album in Apple Music history. Songs from the album dominated nearly the entirety of Spotify’s top 10 songs on Friday in the U.S.

Further Reading

BTS Announces Hiatus—Not A Breakup—To Focus On Solo Careers (Forbes)

Here’s Why BTS Is Meeting With Biden At The White House (Forbes)

BTS Lands Sixth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With ‘Proof’ (Billboard)