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| V of BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music |
By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS' V achieved million-seller status with his debut solo album, "Layover," while also capturing global acclaim by dominating iTunes charts across the globe upon its release.
Released on Sept. 8, the album's sales recorded a staggering 1.67 million copies on the day, according to a domestic sales tracking website. The achievement broke the previous record for the highest release-day sales by a K-pop solo artist, set by his BTS colleagues.
BTS members now occupy the top three spots in first-week sales for K-pop solo artists, with V's leading record followed closely by Jimin's "FACE" with 1.45 million and Suga's "D-DAY" with 1.28 million copies sold.
As of 7 a.m., Sept. 9, the album's title track, "Slow Dancing," secured the number one position on iTunes' Top 100 Songs charts in 75 countries. The album itself also claimed the top spot on iTunes' Top 100 Albums charts in 65 countries.
V's debut marks the completion of solo debuts for all seven members of the K-pop sensation BTS.
The title of the album, "Layover," symbolizes the idol's desire to pause and reflect on his past journey while contemplating his final destination as an artist. Amid the unprecedented success of the septet, his solo debut serves as a platform for him to reconnect with fans, sharing previously unexplored pieces of his identity beyond the stage.
V described "Layover" as an album that encapsulates his authentic self in a statement released by his agency BigHit Music.
"It was an album that contained the charm of the human version of Kim Tae-hyung," he said. "I have showcased vibrant and colorful performances onstage, but this new album represents my effort to set aside the flashy elements and reveal my true colors."
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