BTS's 'Butter' receives prestigious diamond certification from RIAJ in Japan

BTS ’s influence in Japan is undeniable. As of June 2024, the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has awarded BTS's smash hit "Butter" a Diamond certification , surpassing 500 million streams. This is BTS’s second Diamond certification, following their earlier hit "Dynamite."

In addition, BTS's tracks are earning Gold certifications. "Blue & Grey" from the 2020 album BE, "Run BTS" from the 2022 anthology Proof, and Jungkook's solo single "3D (feat. Jack Harlow)" from 2023 have all been recognized for exceeding 50 million streams.

RIAJ certifications are given based on stream counts: Gold for over 50 million, Platinum for over 100 million, and Diamond for over 500 million.

Jimin is also making waves in Japan. His second solo album MUSE, released on July 19, debuted at No. 1 on the Weekly Digital Album Ranking and ranked third on both the Weekly Album and Combined Album Rankings. The album’s lead single, "Who," secured fifth place on the Weekly Digital Single Ranking.

"Butter," which first topped the Billboard Hot 100 on June 5, 2021, held the No. 1 spot for seven weeks straight and reached the top ten times in total, setting a record for the most weeks at No. 1 in 2021.

Adding to the excitement, the Disney+ original series "Are You Sure?!" (이게 맞아?!) will showcase a special trip featuring BTS members Jimin and Jungkook before their military service. The series premieres on August 8 with two episodes, followed by weekly releases every Thursday starting August 15.

Formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, BTS consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Originally a hip hop group, BTS has expanded their musical style to include various genres. Their lyrics often address mental health, youth challenges, self-love, and the effects of fame.

BTS's impact has been monumental, both in South Korea and globally. Their album "Wings" (2016) was the first to sell a million copies in South Korea. They broke into the U.S. market in 2017, becoming the first Korean group to receive a Gold certification from the RIAA for "Mic Drop" and topping the Billboard 200 with "Love Yourself: Tear" (2018).

In 2020, BTS became the fastest group since The Beatles to chart four U.S. number-one albums in less than two years. Their single "Dynamite" topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts. They are South Korea's best-selling musical act, with over 40 million albums sold, and have achieved numerous milestones, including selling out Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl.

Their accolades include multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and five Grammy nominations. They have addressed the UN General Assembly, partnered with UNICEF for the Love Myself campaign, and received the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit.