- By Srishti Pandey
- Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:15 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
BTS, the Kpop group known for its global impact, continues to leave an indelible mark not just in the music world but on South Korea's economy, even as most members are currently enlisted in the military. According to recent reports, the band has now surpassed 40 million album sales worldwide. This impressive milestone underscores BTS's remarkable popularity and commercial success, with the group estimated to contribute around $5 billion USD to South Korea’s economy each year.
A recent interview published on October 7, 2025, by The New Yorker featured industry figures like Scooter Braun and HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, highlighting BTS’ unprecedented journey. Reflecting on their global success, the discussion revealed the substantial impact BTS has made both domestically and internationally. With over 40 million albums sold, BTS has established itself as one of the most successful acts in music, transcending borders and redefining Kpop's global reach.
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Beyond record-breaking sales, BTS’ contribution to the South Korean economy demonstrates the group’s significance as cultural ambassadors. Their estimated $5 billion annual economic impact showcases how BTS’s influence reaches far beyond entertainment, shaping worldwide perceptions of Kpop and strengthening South Korea's cultural presence globally.
BTS, comprised of members RM, Suga, Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, V and J-Hope, debuted in 2013 and quickly became a global sensation. Their hits, including Blood Sweat Tears, Dynamite, Butter, ON and Black Swan, have propelled them to unparalleled fame, and they’re also the first Kpop act to earn a Grammy nomination.
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The group recently celebrated its 11th anniversary with a special two-week FESTA event in July 2024, where fans enjoyed a range of activities commemorating their journey. Despite their current military enlistments—Jin and J-Hope are already serving, while other members are set to complete their service by 2025—BTS remains a significant presence in the music industry.
According to BIGHIT Music, discussions with the members regarding future plans are ongoing, with more specific updates to come. Fans eagerly anticipate BTS’s much-awaited full-group comeback in 2025, a reunion that will mark another major chapter in the group’s legacy.