BTS’s V continues to dominate the global music scene as his song “Winter Ahead (with Park Hyo Shin)“ has officially crossed 216 million streams on Spotify. This milestone highlights the song’s enduring popularity and V’s undeniable influence as a solo artist.
On February 26, “Winter Ahead” achieved this impressive feat, marking its 91st consecutive day on the Global Spotify Chart and Europe’s Apple Music Daily Song Chart. The song, released on November 29, 2023, has consistently performed well, making a significant impact on year-end charts in 2024.
Chart-Topping Success
“Winter Ahead” debuted at No. 99 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and claimed the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Holiday Digital Song Sales chart. It also secured No. 62 on Billboard’s Holiday Top 100. In the UK, the song entered the Official Singles Chart at No. 86 while topping the Official Singles Downloads Chart and ranking No. 2 on the Singles Sales Chart.
The song’s success isn’t limited to streaming platforms. Its music video, featuring V as a sculptor, captivated fans with its emotional storytelling and stunning visuals. Despite its 6-minute and 22-second runtime, the video trended worldwide, reaching No. 1 on the “Music Video Trending Worldwide” chart.
Global Dominance on TIDAL
On TIDAL, a platform known for high-quality streaming, “Winter Ahead” made history as the longest-running K-pop song at No. 1 on the Global Top Video chart. It also topped video charts in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, Australia, and Singapore.
Critical Acclaim from Billboard
Billboard praised “Winter Ahead” in its list of “The 27 Best Winter Songs for the Season,” describing it as a track that “evokes the feeling of the first day of winter, with harmonies as fresh as a snowflake.” The publication also noted that its impact would “last far beyond December 25.”
Additionally, “Winter Ahead” was voted No. 1 on Billboard’s 2024 Fan-Favorite Songs list, further cementing its place in fans’ hearts.
V’s Holiday Music Legacy
With “Winter Ahead,” V has now charted three songs on Billboard’s Holiday Hot 100, following “Christmas Tree” (2021) and his cover of “White Christmas.” He is the only K-pop artist to achieve this milestone. Moreover, he holds the record as the only K-pop artist to have three songs reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Holiday Digital Song Sales chart.
Fan Reactions
Fans worldwide have celebrated V’s achievements, flooding social media with praise for “Winter Ahead.”
“V’s voice in ‘Winter Ahead’ is like a warm hug on a cold day. I’m so proud of him!”
“The music video is a masterpiece. V’s acting and the song’s vibe are just perfect.”
A Lasting Impact
“Winter Ahead” continues to shine globally, proving V’s status as the “Winter King” of K-pop. With its record-breaking streams, chart-topping success, and critical acclaim, the song has solidified V’s position as a global music icon.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
