BTS’s Jimin has made a remarkable entry into the UK music scene, achieving a historic milestone as a K-pop soloist. On March 24, 2023, the UK Official Charts announced that Jimin’s pre-release track “Set Me Free Pt. 2” debuted at No. 30 on the Official Singles Chart. This achievement marks Jimin as the highest-charting K-pop solo artist in the UK, making him the first to secure a solo entry in the top 30.
Just weeks prior, Jimin’s fellow BTS member J-Hope had set a record of his own, debuting at No. 37 with his collaboration “on the street” featuring J. Cole. With this latest accomplishment, Jimin becomes the fifth member of BTS to enter the UK top 100, joining Jin, Jungkook, and RM, who have also made their mark on the charts with their solo projects.
BTS as a group has seen significant success in the UK, with four songs reaching the top 10 of the Official Singles Chart, including hits like “Dynamite,” “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” and “My Universe” in collaboration with Coldplay. Additionally, the group has two No. 1 albums on the UK Official Albums Chart, namely “Map of the Soul: Persona” and “Map of the Soul: 7.”
On the same day as his chart debut, Jimin released his highly anticipated solo debut album “FACE,” which features the title track “Like Crazy.” The album has been met with excitement from fans and critics alike, showcasing Jimin’s artistic evolution and personal journey.
“FACE” is a reflection of Jimin’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that brought about feelings of self-doubt and emotional struggle. The album comprises five tracks, all co-written by Jimin, and delves into themes of loneliness, self-discovery, and the quest for freedom. The lead single “Set Me Free Pt. 2” was released a week prior to the album and has been described as an intense and powerful track that encapsulates Jimin’s desire to break free from his inner turmoil.
The music video for “Set Me Free Pt. 2” features Jimin at the center of a dynamic choreography routine, surrounded by a group of dancers. The visuals are striking, with flashes of light and an energetic performance that highlights Jimin’s charisma and stage presence. The song’s lyrics convey a message of determination and resilience, resonating with listeners who have faced their own challenges.
Following the release of “FACE,” Jimin made appearances on various platforms to promote his album. He was featured on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he performed “Like Crazy” for the first time on U.S. television. His performances have been met with enthusiasm, further solidifying his status as a solo artist.
The album “FACE” has not only made waves in the UK but has also achieved significant commercial success in other regions. In South Korea, it broke sales records, selling over 1 million copies on its first day and surpassing 1.45 million in its first week. This achievement makes Jimin the first solo artist in Hanteo Chart history to reach such sales figures.
In Japan, “FACE” debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart, with all six tracks charting in the top 10 of the Digital Singles Chart. The album’s success extends to the U.S. as well, where it debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting album by a South Korean solo artist in Billboard history.
Critics have praised “FACE” for its emotional depth and musical diversity. The album explores various genres, including pop, hip hop, and R&B, showcasing Jimin’s versatility as an artist. Songs like “Face-Off” and “Alone” highlight his ability to convey complex emotions, while “Like Crazy” captures a sense of dreamy intoxication intertwined with feelings of loneliness.
Jimin’s journey as a solo artist has been marked by personal growth and artistic exploration. He has expressed that the creative process for “FACE” allowed him to confront his feelings and emerge stronger. The album serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to evolve beyond his identity as a member of BTS.
As Jimin continues to break records and make history, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for him as a solo artist. His debut on the UK Official Albums Chart with the highest solo singles rank is just the beginning of a promising new chapter in his career.
Congratulations to Jimin on this incredible achievement!
Source: Various sources
