1. Introduction: Jimin's Solo Success

Jimin, a member of the global group BTS, is establishing a significant position in the global music market, excelling not only in group activities but also as a solo artist. Recently, his solo song 'Who' set a new K-pop history record by charting on the US Billboard main single chart, the 'Hot 100', for 33 weeks, the longest duration ever, once again proving his global popularity and influence.

This report aims to provide an in-depth look at the significance of this achievement by analyzing the records Jimin's 'Who' set on the Billboard charts, the reactions from Japanese and US media, its Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certification status, and comparing it with previous K-pop record-holding songs. Furthermore, by examining the Billboard chart performance of Jimin's other solo songs, we will grasp the contextual importance of this record within his overall solo activities.

2. Record-Breaking Run: 'Who' on the Hot 100

Jimin's solo track 'Who' etched its name into K-pop history by achieving an unprecedented 33-week run on the Billboard Hot 100 chart [1]. This remarkable feat officially makes it the longest-charting K-pop song ever on the prestigious chart. Even deep into its run, on the chart dated March 18, 2025, 'Who' ranked 29th, showcasing incredible staying power long after its release [1].

While its peak position was number 12 [3], achieved shortly after release, the sheer longevity of its chart presence is exceptional. This 33-week record surpasses the previous K-pop solo benchmark set by Psy's 'Gangnam Style' (31 weeks) and even eclipses the overall K-pop record held by BTS's own global hit 'Dynamite' (32 weeks) [1]. This accomplishment signifies that Jimin has delivered the most enduringly loved K-pop song on the Hot 100 to date, demonstrating influence that extends far beyond initial fandom hype into the mainstream US music market. Such sustained charting suggests the song's inherent appeal resonated consistently with a broad audience over time.

'Who' on Billboard Hot 100

3. Japanese Media Spotlight

Jimin's record-breaking achievement with 'Who' did not go unnoticed in Japan. On April 2, 2025, the prominent Japanese culture media outlet 'Real Sound' featured Jimin's accomplishment in a column titled "K-POP Artists Breaking Records" [7]. The article specifically highlighted Jimin's 33-week Hot 100 run as a significant recent event, emphasizing that 'Who' surpassed the legendary records of both Psy's 'Gangnam Style' and BTS's 'Dynamite' to claim the title of the longest-charting K-pop song in history [7].

'Real Sound's focus on Jimin within an article dedicated to record-breaking K-pop artists indicates a highly positive evaluation of his success and its historical significance [7]. Beyond 'Real Sound', numerous other Japanese media outlets reported on the news, often under headlines like "Feeling the Reality of a Global Top Artist," according to StarNews [7]. These reports also frequently mentioned 'Who' receiving 'Gold' streaming certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), further proving Jimin's substantial popularity within Japan itself [9, 10]. This widespread coverage demonstrates that Jimin's global success, particularly this Billboard milestone, is being received with considerable interest and recognition in the influential Japanese music market.

Key Points from Japanese Media Coverage:

• 'Real Sound' Feature: Highlighted Jimin's 33-week record in "K-POP Artists Breaking Records" column [7].
• Record Emphasis: Stressed that 'Who' surpassed 'Gangnam Style' and 'Dynamite' for the K-pop longevity record [7].
• "Global Top Artist": Headlines reflected recognition of Jimin's worldwide status [7].
• RIAJ Gold Certification: Noted 'Who's streaming success within Japan [9].
• Widespread Interest: Multiple outlets covered the Billboard achievement, showing significant interest in Japan [8, 10].

4. US Media Reaction & Forbes Analysis

Jimin's historic chart run also captured significant attention from major US media outlets. Forbes magazine, in particular, provided extensive coverage in an article titled "Jimin's Hot 100 Success Is Unparalleled" [15]. Forbes lauded Jimin as a "global superstar" who has achieved "incredible success on the Hot 100 for years," praising his consistent ability to produce hits both with BTS and as a solo artist [17]. The article emphasized Jimin's unique solo achievements, stating, "Working solo, Jimin stands out in every respect," and highlighting his attainment of several historic firsts on the chart [17].

Forbes explicitly reiterated that 'Who' holds the K-pop longest-charting record, adding high praise: "What Jimin has managed throughout his solo career with only two projects is incredibly impressive" [17]. Forbes interpreted this record not just as chart performance, but as proof of Jimin's global superstar status and his potential for independent success, suggesting he possesses the capability to thrive in the mainstream US market even outside the group context [17]. Other US outlets like The Times of India and Times Now also reported on 'Who' surpassing 'Dynamite' and 'Gangnam Style' [20, 22], while Korea Daily noted Jimin making history even during his military service [23], and Inquirer.net highlighted the song's steady performance [24]. This collective US media recognition underscores the perceived significance of Jimin's musical achievements and influence stateside.

5. RIAA Certification: Proof of Popularity

Beyond chart longevity, Jimin's 'Who' also demonstrated significant commercial success in the United States, achieving Double Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) [26]. This prestigious certification marks substantial sales and streaming milestones within the US market.

According to RIAA criteria, Platinum certification is awarded for 1 million units sold or streamed, while Double Platinum signifies 2 million units [26]. 'Who' reached the Platinum milestone (1 million units) as of September 30th and subsequently achieved Double Platinum status (2 million units) by December 27th [26, 27]. Reaching over 2 million units in a relatively short period provides concrete evidence of the song's widespread popularity, resonating strongly not only with Jimin's dedicated fanbase but also with the broader American public. This RIAA certification serves as a key indicator of Jimin establishing himself as a commercially successful solo artist in the mainstream US music landscape.

RIAA Certification Milestones for 'Who'

6. Chart Comparison & Solo Context

Comparing 'Who' to other iconic K-pop hits highlights the unique nature of its success. Psy's 'Gangnam Style' peaked at number 2 on the Hot 100 and charted for 31 weeks [4], a groundbreaking feat at the time. BTS's 'Dynamite' became the first song by a Korean group to debut at number 1 and lasted 32 weeks [2, 35]. Jimin's 'Who', while peaking lower at number 12 [3], surpassed both in longevity, charting for 33 weeks [1]. This suggests 'Who' achieved success through sustained public appeal over a longer period, rather than solely relying on explosive initial popularity. It demonstrates a different model for K-pop success on the Hot 100 – long-term resonance.

This record is particularly significant within the context of Jimin's burgeoning solo career. He had already made history with 'Like Crazy', the title track from his first solo album 'FACE', becoming the first Korean solo artist to debut at number 1 on the Hot 100 [3]. Other tracks like 'Set Me Free Pt. 2' (#30) and 'Smeraldo Garden Marching Band' (#88) also charted [39], showcasing his consistent solo presence. The longevity of 'Who', coupled with the peak performance of 'Like Crazy', proves Jimin's multifaceted ability to achieve both immediate impact and sustained popularity as a solo artist, building anticipation for his future musical endeavors even while serving in the military. His records across the Hot 100, Billboard 200 (with 'Muse'), and Artist 100 charts solidify his unparalleled status [5].

Jimin's Notable Solo Billboard Hot 100 Entries:

• 'Like Crazy': Debuted at #1 (First Korean Soloist) [3].
• 'Who': Peaked at #12, Charted for 33 Weeks (Longest K-Pop Song) [1, 3].
• 'Set Me Free Pt. 2': Peaked at #30 [39].
• 'Smeraldo Garden Marching Band': Entered at #88 [39].