BTS V’s Solo Album 'Layover' Tops iTunes Charts in 109 Countries on Its First Anniversary

‍

BTS member V’s first solo album, Layover, marked its first anniversary by topping the iTunes album charts in 109 countries, solidifying his global popularity and solo career.

On September 9, Layover hit No. 1 on the iTunes album chart in France, bringing the total to 109 countries where the album has reached the top.

On the anniversary of its release, it reclaimed No. 1 in major markets such as the UK, Germany, Australia, and Japan.

V joins an exclusive club of just five Asian solo artists who have achieved No.

1 in over 100 countries with their albums, showing his unique blend of artistic merit and mass appeal.

Layover has seen success beyond iTunes.

It debuted at No. 1 on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart and became the first album by an Asian solo artist to surpass 100,000 units sold for all its tracks in the U.S.

V also made waves on the Billboard charts.
Layover debuted in the Top 3 of the U.S. Billboard Album Sales Chart, making V the only K-pop soloist to stay on the chart for three consecutive weeks. He also became the first K-pop soloist to chart every track from an album on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excluding U.S. charts.

Layover's influence was also recognized by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

Despite only being released in September 2023, the album made it into the Top 10 on the 2023 IFPI Global Album Sales Chart by year-end.

The album’s impact in Japan is equally impressive,

as it became the best-selling Korean album by a K-pop solo artist in Oricon’s history.

It also made V the first solo artist to achieve two consecutive weeks of chart dominance across multiple markets like the U.S., Japan, and China.

Layover received critical acclaim for its musicality.

Recently, Portuguese media outlet FNAC recommended Layover as one of the "Top 10 Must-Know Albums," praising its blend of jazz, soul, pop, and R&B influences, with lyrics centered on timeless themes of love, sorrow, and intimacy.

A year after its release, the album remains popular, ranking in Apple Music’s Top 200 in 30 countries.

The recently opened LP pre-orders sold out multiple times, showing no signs of slowing down.

Music industry experts have praised V’s achievements.

One insider commented, “V’s success with his first solo album showcases his musical talent and the power of his global fandom.” Another added, “It’s another example of BTS members succeeding individually and proof that K-pop’s global influence remains strong.”

V’s solo success has expanded the possibilities for K-pop solo artists in the global market.

Fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see what his next musical steps will be and how he will continue to push the boundaries of K-pop's global impact.