BTS, platinum in France → record for most in Japan…the world is now swept by an 'Arirang' craze
The group BTS colored the global album market "purple" and once again broke records. After achieving platinum in France in the shortest time, they renewed their own record for the most certifications in K-pop history in Japan, properly proving the stature of a "21st-century pop icon."
On the 27th, the French National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (SNEP) said BTS's fifth full-length album "Arirang" (ARIRANG) received a platinum certification in the album category. This is an honor given to albums that have sold more than 100,000 units when physical album and digital figures are combined.
With this, BTS now owns their fourth French platinum album overall, following "MAP OF THE SOUL : 7" and "Proof." What is particularly striking is the "speed." "Arirang" grabbed platinum about a month after its release, a dramatic growth compared with past hits that took more than a year.
Their firepower in Japan is also formidable. On the 28th, the Recording Industry Association of Japan announced that the 2018 release "Let Go" surpassed 100 million cumulative streams and received a platinum certification in the streaming category.
With this, BTS now holds a total of 17 platinum titles in Japan alone, once again breaking the record for the most certifications among K-pop artists. New release "Arirang" also achieved triple platinum, recording shipments of more than 750,000 units 11 days after its Japanese release, solidifying BTS's dominance in the archipelago.
BTS is also writing a new chapter in live performances. Starting on the 25th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the lavish curtain rose on BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" IN NORTH AMERICA.
This North American tour will take place in 12 cities including Chicago and Las Vegas with 31 shows, and every show sold out. BTS is scheduled to carry out a world tour covering a total of 34 cities and 85 performances, including the upcoming El Paso show. This is the largest scale ever for a single tour by a Korean artist.
Additional performances in Japan and the Middle East have also been announced, so the economic ripple effects and record value this tour will leave are expected to be difficult to even estimate. <
[Photo] SNEP, Big Hit Music (HYBE)
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