BTS member Jimin achieved a significant global milestone as a solo artist in 2023.
Jimin's song "Like Crazy" became the fastest Korean solo track to receive platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), accomplishing this feat in just 251 days.
BLVSH, a co-songwriter, shared the joy on Instagram, stating, " 'Like Crazy,' which achieved one million units in August this year, has finally received platinum certification." The news quickly trended worldwide on platforms like Twitter, where 'LIKE CRAZY RIAA CERTIFICATION' claimed the top spot, and fans worldwide joined in the celebrations.
In reality, "Like Crazy" had already surpassed one million units in the United States on August 26th, making it the first solo track by a Korean artist released in 2023 to achieve platinum status. However, due to the necessary requirements that the agency had to submit to the association, the final certification was only obtained on November 30th, three months later.
Previously, "Like Crazy" had the distinction of being the first Korean solo track in the past decade to receive a 'Gold Single' certification from Music Canada. Jimin's album "Face" also earned a 'Million Album' certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) and a 'Platinum Album' certification for the Weverse version, which sold over 250,000 copies.
Additionally, in Japan, "Face" became the first and only Western album to achieve 'Golden Disc Platinum' certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) with sales exceeding 250,000 copies. With these achievements, Jimin set a unique record by obtaining platinum certification in the United States, Japan, and gold certification in Canada, following his Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping success.
Having been the first Korean solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 and making history as the only Korean soloist to claim the top spot on the Billboard Artist 100 chart, Jimin secured his place on the Billboard Year-End Chart, earning entries in a record-breaking 13 categories.
Moreover, on the United World Chart, "Face" emerged as the best-selling debut solo album among Korean solo albums released in 2023, while "Like Crazy" topped the iTunes charts in 119 countries worldwide. Jimin's numerous achievements garnered immense love globally, culminating in his win for Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA Awards.
Jimin, who actively participated in the entire creative process, creating a solo album with solo tracks and no collaborations, has illuminated the global music charts throughout the year, solidifying his position as a pioneering solo artist representing K-pop at its peak.
Written by Mun Wan SikTranslated by Lee So Yun