
BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)'s Jin surpassed the initial sales of his previous work (album sales volume based on the release date for one week) in just one day after the new album's release. According to the album sales aggregation site HANTEO chart on the 16th, Jin's solo album 'Happy' sold 845,690 copies on its first day (15th), going straight to number one on the daily album chart. This is a significantly higher figure than the initial sales of his solo single 'The Astronaut' (770,126 copies) released in 2022, proving Jin's unwavering popularity. 'Happy' topped the iTunes 'Top Albums' chart in 48 countries/regions including Japan, Mexico, and Ecuador as of 9 AM on the 16th. The title track 'Running Wild' recorded number one on the iTunes 'Top Songs' chart in 70 countries/regions including Australia, Finland, and Brazil. Other tracks such as 'I'll Be There', 'Another Level', 'Falling', 'Heart on the Window (with WENDY)', and 'I will come to you' also ranked high on the iTunes 'Top Songs' in various countries and regions. On the 16th, Jin started activities for his solo album 'Happy' with fans. Over two days, on the 16th and 17th, he held a fan showcase 'Jin 'Happy' Special Stage' at the Changchun Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul. This fan showcase was held to celebrate the new album's release and to spend meaningful time with ARMY (the name for BTS fans). At the fan showcase, fans could see a special stage for ARMY. He served as both a performer and the main MC for the special stage. The set utilized objects that appeared in the new album's concept photos and music videos, enhancing the connection to the album. He will publicly perform all tracks from the album for the first time, including 'Running Wild', at the fan showcase.
Justin and Hailey Bieber completed their schedule in Korea and returned home via Incheon International Airport. The text also mentions BTS member Jungkook’s impressive physique and visible abs on stage, which drew attention and even prompted a reaction from Justin Bieber, and notes that Korean fashion brand Dunst is making its first Japan debut with a pop-up in Shibuya starting February 6.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
According to Spotify, BTS’s 5th full album ARIRANG passed 5 billion cumulative streams as of the 14th, the most among 2026 releases. Every one of its 14 tracks topped 200 million streams, and the title track SWIM neared 1 billion. The album also set Billboard 200 records, including three straight weeks at No. 1.
Park Sae-mi suddenly announced that she will get married this week, posting wedding photos on SNS. She expressed affection for her groom-to-be, florist Kim Joon-young, and apologized for not being able to notify everyone personally. The couple, who met through a trainer, reportedly dated for about two years.
BTS’s “ARIRANG” Japan tour Blu-ray and DIGITAL CODE will go on preorder on October 2, 2026, and be released on December 23, 2026. It includes the Tokyo Dome Day 1 performance from April 17, featuring songs like “Hooligan,” “FAKE LOVE,” and “Butter,” plus an 84-minute behind-the-scenes video.
The Recording Academy has decided to keep the controversial Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 Grammys. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the decision followed weeks of talks with Asian music leaders and creators, including critics and supporters, and that the Academy believes it is the right choice for the music industry.
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