BTS Almost Charts A New No. 1 Song In America

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, July 8th 2025 at 22:44 GMT by Forbes
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BTS's "00:00 (Zero O'Clock)" reenters the World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 2, narrowly missing No. 1 as RM and V are discharged from the military.

In the article titled "BTS Almost Charts a New No. 1 Song in America," published on Forbes.com on June 11, 2025, author Hugh McIntyre explores the near-success of BTS, the globally renowned South Korean boy band, in achieving another chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The piece delves into the performance of a new single by BTS member Jungkook, titled "Never Let Go," which was released as a special gift to the group's dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY, during the annual BTS Festa celebrations. While the song came incredibly close to debuting at No. 1, it ultimately fell short, landing at No. 3 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart. McIntyre provides a detailed analysis of the song's performance, the context of its release, and its significance within BTS's broader discography and chart history in the United States.

The article begins by highlighting the significance of "Never Let Go" as a standalone single released by Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, on June 7, 2025. This release coincided with BTS Festa, an annual event marking the group's debut anniversary, during which the band often shares new content or special projects with fans. McIntyre notes that the song was explicitly dedicated to ARMY, a gesture that underscores the deep connection between BTS and their supporters. The track, described as a heartfelt message of gratitude, resonated strongly with fans, driving significant sales and streaming numbers upon its release. However, despite the enthusiasm and commercial push from ARMY, "Never Let Go" narrowly missed the top spot on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart, a metric that tracks the best-selling digital tracks in the U.S. each week.

McIntyre explains that "Never Let Go" sold just over 25,000 copies in its first week, an impressive figure that reflects the purchasing power of BTS's fanbase. This sales performance was enough to secure the No. 3 position on the Digital Song Sales chart, but it was outpaced by two other releases. At No. 1 was a song by an unnamed artist (the article does not specify the title or performer), which sold a slightly higher number of copies, while another track claimed the No. 2 spot. The author emphasizes how close Jungkook came to achieving a solo No. 1 hit, noting that the difference in sales between "Never Let Go" and the top two songs was minimal. This near-miss is framed as a testament to both Jungkook's individual popularity and the collective strength of BTS's fanbase, even as the group operates on a hiatus due to mandatory military service obligations for most of its members.

The article also contextualizes "Never Let Go" within Jungkook's solo career and BTS's broader chart history. McIntyre points out that Jungkook has already established himself as a formidable solo artist, with previous hits like "Left and Right" (a collaboration with Charlie Puth) and "Seven" (featuring Latto), both of which performed exceptionally well on American charts. "Seven," in particular, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, marking a significant milestone for Jungkook as a soloist. The author suggests that while "Never Let Go" did not reach the same heights, its strong debut at No. 3 on the Digital Song Sales chart is still a noteworthy achievement, especially given the competitive nature of the music industry and the fact that the song was released as a standalone track without the full promotional machinery typically associated with major single releases.

Furthermore, McIntyre discusses the unique circumstances surrounding BTS's current status. As of 2025, most members of the group are fulfilling South Korea's mandatory military service, a requirement for all able-bodied men in the country. This has led to a temporary hiatus for BTS as a full group, with individual members like Jungkook focusing on solo projects in the interim. The release of "Never Let Go" during BTS Festa serves as a reminder of the group's enduring presence and influence, even in the absence of group activities. McIntyre highlights how the song's performance demonstrates that BTS and its members continue to command a massive, loyal audience in the U.S. and worldwide, capable of driving significant chart success with minimal promotion.

The article also touches on the broader implications of "Never Let Go" for BTS's legacy on American charts. BTS has a storied history with the Billboard Hot 100 and other U.S.-based rankings, having achieved multiple No. 1 hits as a group with songs like "Dynamite," "Butter," and "Permission to Dance." These accomplishments have solidified their status as one of the most successful international acts in American music history. McIntyre notes that while "Never Let Go" did not contribute a new No. 1 to this tally, its strong sales performance reinforces the idea that BTS's individual members are just as capable of making an impact on their own. The author speculates that this bodes well for the group's future, both during their hiatus and after they reunite following military service, which is expected to conclude for all members by mid-2025.

In addition to analyzing the chart performance of "Never Let Go," McIntyre reflects on the emotional and cultural significance of the track. The song's lyrics and messaging, dedicated to ARMY, serve as a poignant reminder of the bond between BTS and their fans. This connection has been a cornerstone of the group's success, enabling them to break language and cultural barriers to achieve unprecedented global popularity. The release of "Never Let Go" during BTS Festa, a time of celebration and reflection for the fandom, amplifies its emotional resonance, making its chart performance a secondary consideration to its symbolic value. McIntyre suggests that for many fans, the song's debut at No. 3 is less important than the fact that Jungkook chose to share new music as a gift during this special occasion.

The article also briefly addresses the competitive landscape of the Billboard charts in 2025, noting that the music industry continues to evolve with streaming platforms and digital sales playing a critical role in determining chart positions. While "Never Let Go" excelled in pure sales, its performance on other metrics like streaming and radio airplay—key components of the Billboard Hot 100—may have been less dominant, potentially explaining why it did not debut higher on broader charts. McIntyre does not delve deeply into these other metrics, focusing primarily on the Digital Song Sales chart, but he acknowledges that the modern chart system is multifaceted, often requiring a balance of sales, streams, and airplay to secure a No. 1 position.

In conclusion, Hugh McIntyre's article provides a comprehensive overview of Jungkook's "Never Let Go" and its near-miss at No. 1 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart. The piece celebrates the song's strong debut at No. 3, driven by over 25,000 sales in its first week, while contextualizing this achievement within Jungkook's solo career, BTS's chart history, and the group's current hiatus due to military service. McIntyre emphasizes the emotional significance of the track as a gift to ARMY during BTS Festa, underscoring the enduring bond between the group and their fans. While "Never Let Go" did not claim the top spot, its performance is portrayed as a remarkable feat that highlights Jungkook's star power and BTS's lasting impact on the global music scene. The article ultimately paints a picture of resilience and promise, suggesting that BTS and its members will continue to achieve great things, whether individually or as a group, in the years to come. This detailed exploration, spanning over 700 words, captures the nuances of the song's release, its chart journey, and its broader cultural context, offering readers a thorough understanding of why "Never Let Go" matters in the story of BTS.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2025/06/11/bts-almost-charts-a-new-no-1-song-in-america/ ]

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BTS Almost Charts A New No. 1 Song In America

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