BTS V's 'FRI(END)S': A Global Hit Shattering Records from Military Service
Even during his military service, BTS's V (Kim Taehyung) continues to dominate the charts. Discover how his solo single 'FRI(END)S' surpassed 540 million Spotify streams, conquered Billboard, and even appeared in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'.
While serving his mandatory military duty, BTS’s V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has once again proven his unwavering global influence. His digital single, “FRI(END)S,” a heartfelt gift to his fans, has not only been received with love but has gone on to shatter records, dominating music charts and streaming platforms worldwide.
As of September 2025, “FRI(END)S” has officially surpassed an astounding 540 million streams on Spotify, marking a monumental achievement for a song released while the artist is on hiatus. This pop-soul R&B track, which beautifully narrates the journey from friendship to love, continues to captivate listeners for over a year after its release on March 15, 2024.
A Global Chart Phenomenon
From the moment it dropped, “FRI(END)S” made its presence felt on the world’s most competitive music charts. The single made a proud debut on the U.S. Billboard ‘Hot 100’ at number 65. It soared even higher on other Billboard charts, landing at #3 on the ‘Global (Excl. US)’ and #5 on the ‘Global 200’.
Its success wasn’t limited to the U.S. In the United Kingdom, “FRI(END)S” entered the prestigious ‘Official Singles Chart’ at number 13 and charted for two consecutive weeks. It also demonstrated incredible initial power by hitting #3 on the ‘Official Big Top 40’ with only two days of tracking data.
Dominating Digital Platforms and Playlists
The records didn’t stop there. “FRI(END)S” became the first song of 2024 to hit #1 on the iTunes Top Song chart in 100 different countries, a testament to the truly global reach of V’s music.
This sustained popularity caught the attention of major music curators. Both Amazon Music and Apple Music recognized the track’s impact by including it in their “Best K-Pop of 2024” lists.
More recently, the song found a new audience after being featured in Season 3 of the hit Amazon Prime Video drama, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ introducing V’s soulful voice to a wider mainstream audience and further cementing the song’s status as a global hit.
More Than a Song: A Cinematic Experience
The accompanying music video for “FRI(END)S,” filmed in the UK, was praised for its cinematic storytelling and V’s compelling, multi-layered acting performance. It resonated instantly, topping the YouTube World Trend music category for 14 consecutive days. In a historic first, V also became the first K-pop artist to top the U.S. ‘Tidal Top Video’ chart.
The continued success of “FRI(END)S” is a powerful reminder of V’s artistry and the incredible dedication of his fanbase, ARMY. It’s a track that not only serves as a comforting gift but also stands as a global hit in its own right.