Looking Back At The History BTS Made On The U.K. Charts With ‘Butter’

Last week, BTS scored the highest debut on the singles chart in the U.K. with their latest must-hear tune “Butter,” which quickly became a smash in many territories all around the world. The cut opened at No. 3, leading a top 10 filled with new hits from some of the biggest musicians in the market. 

With another top 10 hit (and one that launched as high as it did) to their name, BTS made history in a handful of different ways in that one country, as they so often do whenever they collect a new placement on the most competitive chart in the U.K.

Tied The Highest Placement By A South Korean Group

It looked for a minute like “Butter” might have had a shot at opening at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart, but when all was said it done, not only did it not lead the charge, it didn't quite manage to improve the band’s own bests showing on the tally. The summer smash launched at No. 3 in the U.K., which is a fantastic start, but it’s a little disappointing for the group, as it’s a position they’ve reached before.

Last year, BTS made history when their single “Dynamite” rose to No. 3, establishing a new peak not just for them but for all South Korean groups. When “Butter” debuted, they matched their own most impressive performance, and now that it’s down at No. 7, it looks like the group may have to wait until next time to attempt to hit No. 2 or even No. 1.

Tied As The Second-Highest-Charting Song By A South Korean Act

Just one song released by a South Korean musician has climbed further than either “Dynamite” or “Butter,” and for years it has stood as the highest-charting track among act from that part of the world. Back in 2012, Psy’s “Gangnam Style” surged all the way to No. 1, and it’s performance hasn’t been matched yet.

Fourth Top 10 Hit By A South Korean Group

Looking solely at the songs released by groups hailing from South Korea, it appears like there are now only four tracks that have managed to break into the top 10 on the U.K. singles list. In addition to BTS’s “Butter” and “Dynamite,” the same septet’s own “Life Goes On” went right to No. 10. Pinkfong, which counts as something of a brand/band hybrid, pushed the inescapable “Baby Shark” to No. 6 during its heyday.

Broke A Tie With Psy For The Most Top 10 Hits Among South Korean Musicians

Before last week, BTS and Psy were tied with one another for the most top 10 hits in the U.K. among South Korean superstars. Both had seen a pair of cuts land somewhere between Nos. 1 and 10...but now BTS have pulled ahead, with their third smash single in the country. Psy is steady with two wins, and will likely remain as such for a long time (and possibly forever).

As Many Top 10 Hits As All Other Korean Acts Combined

BTS only claim three top 10 hits in their discography (when looking at the U.K. charts), but that’s the same number as all other South Korean musicians combined. As is mentioned above, Psy has sent two tracks (“Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman”) into the loftiest space, while Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark” did the same. So far, those are the only releases fronted by artists of any kind from the Asian nation (that aren’t BTS) to appear in the top 10 in the U.K., but that will surely change in the coming months and years.