BTS’ V’s Layover Surpasses 2.5 Billion Streams on Spotify — A Solo Era That Keeps Expanding

BTS’ V has reached another major global milestone. His first solo album Layover has officially surpassed 2.5 billion streams on Spotify, proving its remarkable longevity in the global music market.

Released on September 8, 2023, Layover continues to grow steadily years after its debut, reinforcing V’s presence as a solo artist beyond group activities.

A Record-Breaking Debut That Redefined K-Pop Solo Success

From the moment it was released, Layover showed powerful chart impact.

The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest debut ranking for a K-pop solo artist at the time. It also made history on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, where every track from the album entered simultaneously a first for a K-pop solo album.

On Spotify, Layover became the first K-pop solo album to have all tracks exceed 100 million streams. Every song also topped the platform’s global weekly charts, highlighting the album’s wide international reach.

The album dominated the iTunes album charts in 110 countries, confirming its immediate global appeal.

Certifications and International Recognition

The album’s achievements extended well beyond streaming numbers.

In Japan, Layover received Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. The track “Love Me Again” earned Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America after surpassing 500,000 units in sales.

In December 2024, “Love Me Again” crossed 1 billion streams on Spotify, joining the platform’s prestigious Billions Club. Both “Love Me Again” and “Slow Dancing” also received Gold certifications in Canada and New Zealand.

These milestones reflect sustained global consumption rather than short-term hype.

Critical Acclaim from Global Music Publications

Beyond commercial performance, Layover earned praise from major international music outlets.

Time Out UK included the album in its “Best Albums of 2023” list, highlighting its refined production and cohesive atmosphere. Billboard ranked it No. 2 on its “Best K-Pop Albums of 2023,” noting that the project demonstrates a distinct artistic identity unique to V.

British music magazine NME praised V’s vocal tone and emotional depth, describing his voice as lyrical and particularly striking in lower registers. The publication emphasized the album’s polished sound and understated sophistication.

Meanwhile, Rolling Stone placed “Rainy Days” at No. 58 on its “100 Best Songs of 2023” list, the highest ranking achieved by a K-pop solo track that year.

Layover also won “Favorite Debut Album” at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, further solidifying its impact.

A Solo Artist with a Defined Musical Identity

Reaching 2.5 billion Spotify streams with a debut solo album is a rare achievement. For V, it signals more than strong fan support. It reflects consistent global listening patterns and an expanding audience beyond BTS’ group identity.

With Layover, V established a softer, R&B-influenced sound that differentiates his solo direction from mainstream K-pop trends. The album’s continued growth suggests long-term resonance rather than momentary virality.

As streaming numbers continue to rise, one question remains: how far can this solo chapter go?