BTS main vocalist Jungkook is proving his global power once again. A deep album cut from his 2023 solo debut is back at number one on global music charts. This new success comes at a very emotional time for the singer and his fans. Just days after a candid and controversial late-night livestream where he spoke about receiving death threats, the BTS member’s song “Please Don’t Change” surged to the top of the iTunes Worldwide chart on February 26 .
The timing has sparked a massive reaction from the ARMY fandom. Supporters are flooding social media with the phrase “JUNGKOOK IS BIGGER THAN KPOP.” They see this chart reversal not just as a musical win, but as a powerful show of support for the artist during a moment of personal vulnerability . The track, a collaboration with French DJ Snake, is now the first Asian B-side track to reach number one on both the Worldwide and European iTunes charts in 2026 .
A B-Side Track Becomes a Global Number One Hit
“Please Don’t Change” is not a single. It is a B-side track from Jungkook’s debut solo album GOLDEN, which was released back in November 2023 . Despite being over two years old, the song climbed past new releases by major global stars to claim the top spot.
According to chart data from February 26, the track hit number one on the iTunes Worldwide Song Chart and the European Song Chart . It also topped the charts in 23 different countries, including major music markets like Brazil, Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. In the United States, the song reached a strong number five .
This achievement is rare because B-side tracks—songs not promoted as singles—usually do not see this level of mainstream success so long after release. The fact that it happened in 2026 shows the sustained demand for Jungkook’s music. Alongside this, his album GOLDEN re-entered the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart at number 18, continuing its record-breaking run as the longest-charting K-pop solo album in history .
The Weverse Live That Changed Everything
The reason for this sudden surge in streaming and purchasing is directly linked to a personal moment Jungkook shared with fans. In the early morning hours of February 26 (KST) , the 26-year-old star went live on the Weverse app . The broadcast lasted about 90 minutes and showed Jungkook in a relaxed setting with friends.
However, the conversation took a serious turn. Jungkook opened up about the pressures of his fame. He mentioned that he is aware there are people who wish him harm. According to translations shared widely online, he stated, “Honestly, there must be a lot of people who don‘t support me and don’t like me and want to belittle me…and people who want to kill me. There must be a lot of people who hate me. But so what? I don’t care” .
He also spoke about feeling restricted by his company. He wanted to be honest about personal things, like quitting smoking, but felt he could not without causing issues. “I’m 30 now,” he explained. “I quit after making a huge effort. I’d like to talk about that as well, but the moment I do, the company will make a big fuss” . At one point, he made gestures and used language that caused some debate online, but many fans focused on his emotional honesty rather than the minor controversies .
The livestream was later deleted, but clips spread like wildfire across X (Twitter) and other platforms .
Fans Unite: “JUNGKOOK IS BIGGER THAN KPOP”
The reaction to the livestream was immediate. While some media outlets focused on his drinking or his gestures during the broadcast, his fans focused on his safety and his emotional state .
Supporters were particularly upset that the singer had to mention receiving death threats. They turned their concern into action by streaming and buying his music. The goal was to send a clear message of love and support. As “Please Don’t Change” started climbing the charts, the phrase “JUNGKOOK IS BIGGER THAN KPOP” began trending among the fandom .
Fans argue that his success transcends the typical boundaries of the K-pop genre. They point out that his music competes on charts with global pop icons like Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber, not just other K-pop acts . His solo hits like “Seven” and “Standing Next to You” have already broken records on Spotify and Billboard, placing him in a league of his own .
One fan reaction summed up the sentiment: “Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars ties Jungkook… EXACTLY, Jungkook is way bigger than Kpop and things like this article prove it for the 100th time! Global Pop Star, Main Pop Boy is all Jungkook” . The chart success of “Please Don’t Change” just days after his emotional live is seen as proof that his fanbase is massive, dedicated, and motivated by more than just the music—they are motivated by protecting the artist they love.
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What’s Next for Jungkook and BTS
This moment of solo success comes right before a historic group comeback. Jungkook is currently preparing to reunite with his BTS members. The group will release their new full-length album titled ARIRANG on March 20, 2026 . This marks their first project as a complete seven-member group since completing their military service.
Following the album release, BTS will hold a global concert titled BTS The Comeback Live Arirang, which will be streamed live on Netflix on March 21 . A world tour is also expected to follow .
Despite the upcoming group activities, Jungkook’s solo power remains undeniable. His ability to move global charts with a two-year-old B-side track, during a week filled with personal controversy, highlights his unique position in the music industry. He is not just a K-pop idol; he is a global pop star whose fans respond to his voice—both in song and in honest conversation—at every turn.
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