BTS’ V has achieved a remarkable feat with his solo debut album, “Layover,” setting a new record in the K-pop industry. The album sold an astounding 2.1 million copies during its first week of release, from September 8 to September 14.
This achievement makes V the first K-pop soloist to reach double-million seller status in such a short time, as reported by Hanteo Chart on September 15. The previous record holder for first-week sales among K-pop soloists was Jimin with “FACE,” which sold 1.4 million copies.
Anticipation for Billboard 200 Ranking
V’s “Layover” is poised to make a significant impact on the U.S. Billboard’s main album chart, the Billboard 200. The chart’s rankings, expected to be revealed by September 17, are likely to feature V’s album prominently, if not at the top. This marks a significant achievement for V and reflects the global anticipation for his music.
#V 'For Us' MV
2023.9.16. 0:00 (KST)#뷔 #V_Layover #ForUs pic.twitter.com/V8DP8sukSJ— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) September 14, 2023
Live Performances and Tiny Desk Korea
V is not only making waves with his album sales but also through live performances. He recently appeared on KBS 2TV’s music program, Music Bank, where he showcased his musical talents and engaged with his audience. Another standout performance was on Tiny Desk Korea, released on September 15. During this performance series, hosted by NPR Music, a renowned U.S. public radio station, V sang the title track “Slow Dancing” from “Layover” and two b-side tracks, including “Love Me Again” and “For Us.” Notably, this was the first live performance of “For Us.”
Captivating Performances
In his Tiny Desk Korea performance, V demonstrated his musical prowess with finesse. He started with “Love Me Again,” creating a deep and immersive atmosphere with the help of a live band’s beautiful instrumental accompaniment. The title track, “Slow Dancing,” was delivered in a stunning manner, with V’s vocals harmonizing seamlessly with the clarinet and trumpet performances, captivating the audience.
The performance reached its climax with “For Us,” where V’s baritone vocals blended beautifully with the classical piano and other instruments, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The evident musical synergy between V and the band contributed to an exceptional performance that showcased their musical compatibility.