Jung Kook's Historic Hit Continues To Chart, Years After Its Smashing Debut

Forbes

4 days ago

Two years after topping the Hot 100, Jung Kook's 'Seven' remains a landmark hit that helped define ... More the global rise of K-pop soloists in the U.S. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 08: Jungkook of BTS performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on November 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by)
Two years ago, one of the biggest stars in the world made a bold move by launching his solo career. In July 2023, Jung Kook stepped out from BTS's shadow and into the global spotlight with a single that made history from the moment it reached the charts. A pair of summers later, and 'Seven' should be remembered as a historic chart-topper – one which represented a turning point in the rise of K-pop musicians in the United States.
A Hot 100 No. 1 Right Out of the Gate
Jung Kook's solo single 'Seven,' featuring Latto, launched at No. 1 on the Hot 100. As it arrived on the chart dated July 29, the South Korean superstar became only the second K-pop soloist to reach the summit of the busy chart. He did so just months after his BTS bandmate Jimin managed the same showing with 'Like Crazy.' No other solo musician from that part of the world has led the charge since, so Jung Kook and Jimin continue to stand alone in this regard.
'Seven' Ushered in the Golden Era
Released on July 14, 2023, 'Seven' introduced Jung Kook's debut solo album Golden to the world. The track's immediate success helped power the full-length to strong first-week numbers and long-lasting popularity. Golden eventually produced several more hit singles, including '3D' with Jack Harlow and 'Standing Next to You,' which both peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 – but it all began with his pop/hip-hop hybrid cut.
A Rare Radio Breakthrough
'Seven' didn't just dominate the charts thanks to sales and streaming activity. The tune also gained traction on pop radio in the U.S., reaching the top 20 on multiple Billboard tallies. For a track by a South Korean soloist, that kind of airplay success is rare, and the popularity of 'Seven' on mainstream American stations helped widen its reach well beyond K-pop's usual audience. It also made the single a longstanding one, instead of a quick smash.
A Worldwide Win That Broke Records
From the moment it dropped, 'Seven' proved to be a global sensation, as well as an American favorite. The song hit No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. The cut, which long ago disappeared from Billboard's U.S.-based rosters, can still be found regularly on the worldwide tallies to this day.
A Defining Anniversary — and a Look Ahead
Two years after it reached No. 1 in America, the continued popularity of 'Seven' serves as a reminder of just how massive Jung Kook's solo breakthrough truly was. He only needed a few months to emerge as one of the most successful soloists in that space, and years later, he still holds records that no other K-pop act has approached.
Now that all seven BTS members have finished their mandatory military service, the group is getting ready for a new chapter. In fact, the septet scores a new top 10 album on the Billboard 200 this week with a live set, and new music is expected in early 2026.