According to the list of finalists for the ‘2024 Billboard Music Awards’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘BBMAs’) announced on the 25th (local time), Jimin and Jungkook were named ‘Top Global K-Pop Artist’ and ‘Top Global K-Pop Artist’. It was selected side by side in the ‘Top Global K-Pop Song’ category.
Continuing from last year, they were nominated for ‘BBMAs’ for their solo activities again this year, proving their unwavering status.
Jimin’s 2nd solo album ‘MUSE’ title song ‘Who’ was nominated for the ‘Top Global K-Pop Song’ award. Immediately after its release, ‘Who’ went straight to 14th place on Billboard’s main song chart ‘Hot 100’, becoming Jimin’s 6th ‘Hot 100’ song based on solo songs. This song is still loved by many people and has been on the ‘Hot 100’ chart for 17 consecutive weeks.
Jungkook aims to win the same category for the second year in a row with his solo single ‘3D (feat. Jack Harlow)’ and the title song ‘Standing Next to You’ from his solo album ‘GOLDEN’. In addition, ‘Standing Next to You’ was also listed in the ‘Top Selling Song’ category. ‘3D (feat. Jack Harlow)’ and ‘Standing Next to You’ both entered the 5th place on Billboard’s ‘Hot 100’.
‘Golden’ was also included in the nominations for the ‘Top K-Pop Album’ award. This album ranked on Billboard’s main album chart ‘Billboard 200’ for 24 consecutive weeks, setting a record for the longest period of time for a Korean solo album to appear on this chart.
Thanks to this popularity, Jungkook became the first K-pop solo singer to be nominated in the ‘Top Song Sales Artist’ category. Jungkook was selected as a finalist in a total of 6 categories, becoming the person with the most nominations at ’BBMAs’ among K-pop singers this year.
Meanwhile, BTS, which they belong to, is ranked ‘Top Social Artist’ (2017-2021), ‘Top Duo/Group’ (2019, 2021-2022), ‘Top Song Sales Artist’ (2021-2022), and ‘Top Selling’ in ‘BBMAs’. He held a total of 12 trophies, including ‘Song’ (2021-2022). Additionally, at the ‘2023 BBMAs’, Jungkook won ‘Top Global K-Pop Song’ for his solo single ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’.
‘BBMAs’ is considered one of the four major American pop music awards ceremonies, along with the ‘Grammy Awards’, ‘American Music Awards’, and ‘MTV VMAs’. This year’s awards ceremony, which will be held on December 12, will be aired on FOX and Amazon Fire TV channels in the United States, and will also be streamed on Paramount+ at a later date.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo News 1
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What impact do solo careers have on the overall success of K-Pop groups like BTS?
Time.news Editor: Good evening, and welcome to our special segment on the 2024 Billboard Music Awards! Joining us today is renowned K-Pop expert, Dr. Jae Kim, who has been analyzing the global impact of K-Pop for over a decade. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kim!
Dr. Jae Kim: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the vibrant world of K-Pop, especially during such significant events.
Editor: Absolutely! The excitement is palpable, especially with BTS members Jimin and Jungkook both being nominated for ‘Top Global K-Pop Artist’ as well as their songs competing for ‘Top Global K-Pop Song’. What does it signify for their careers that they continue to receive these nominations?
Dr. Kim: It’s an incredible achievement! Their continued presence in the BBMAs highlights their individual artistry and influence in the global music scene. Jimin’s success with his solo album, ‘MUSE’, and its title track ‘Who’, which debuted at 14th on the Hot 100, shows how far they’ve come. It underscores not just their talent but also how they have cultivated a loyal fan base that passionately supports their music.
Editor: Speaking of Jimin’s track ‘Who’, it’s remarkable that it has remained on the ‘Hot 100’ for 17 consecutive weeks. What do you think has contributed to this sustained popularity?
Dr. Kim: Jimin’s ability to connect emotionally through his music plays a huge role. ‘Who’ is a song that resonates with many listeners due to its themes of love and longing. Additionally, K-Pop draws a huge international crowd, and Jimin’s dedicated fan group, ARMY, actively promotes his work, ensuring steady streaming and airplay. The production quality and Jimin’s performance skills also contribute significantly.
Editor: And what about Jungkook? With his solo single ‘3D’ and the track ’Standing Next to You’, he’s also a strong contender this year. What sets his contributions apart?
Dr. Kim: Jungkook has a unique blend of vocal talent and charisma that captures audiences worldwide. His collaborations, particularly with artists like Jack Harlow, bring in diverse musical influences that appeal to a broad set of listeners. Moreover, ‘Standing Next to You’ is introspective yet catchy, making it a staple in playlists. His innovative approach to music, as well as his ability to adapt to current trends, positions him well in such a competitive environment.
Editor: It’s fascinating how both artists manage to keep their individual styles while remaining part of the BTS legacy. How do you see this duality impacting the future of K-Pop?
Dr. Kim: It’s actually quite promising. This duality allows for greater creative freedom, letting artists explore personal narratives while building their own identities. This approach not only enriches the K-Pop genre but also sets a precedent for other artists within the industry. I believe it encourages emerging talents to follow suit, leading to further innovation in music styles and concepts.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what do you predict for the future of these solo activities from K-Pop artists in relation to their group identities?
Dr. Kim: I think we’ll see more artists embracing solo careers while maintaining their group identities. The sustainable growth of K-Pop hinges on this balance. As long as the artists remain true to their roots and maintain the connection with their fan base, K-Pop will continue to thrive both domestically and internationally. It’s an exciting time for the genre.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insights! As we anticipate the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, we can certainly celebrate the achievements of Jimin and Jungkook and the evolving landscape of K-Pop.
Dr. Kim: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how they both shine at the ceremony.
Editor: Likewise! Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the BBMAs!