BTS has shattered yet another digital ceiling. As of March 30, 2025, the South Korean supergroup officially became the first group in YouTube history to have eight different music videos surpass one billion views each. Their latest addition to this exclusive club is the hypnotic and artful “Blood Sweat & Tears”, which crossed the milestone at approximately 3:38 p.m. KST, according to ARMYs around the globe.
Released on October 10, 2016, “Blood Sweat & Tears” took nearly eight and a half years to reach the billion mark. The video is celebrated for its lush visuals, baroque symbolism, and choreography that straddles the line between vulnerability and temptation. The achievement marks not just another record, but a testament to the group’s lasting influence and the unwavering commitment of their fanbase.
A Legacy Etched in Billions
With this new milestone, BTS now stands alone at the summit of YouTube stardom. Their elite list of billion-view videos includes “DNA”, “Boy With Luv”, “Dynamite”, “MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)”, “Fake Love”, “IDOL”, and “Butter”. Each video not only encapsulates a different sonic era of the band but also serves as a marker for the evolution of the global K-pop phenomenon.
As noted by Billboard, BTS continues to redefine success in an industry often dictated by fleeting trends. Their billion-view count isn’t just a vanity metric; it’s a cultural footprint. The group’s artistry in “Blood Sweat & Tears” set new standards for K-pop visuals, drawing influence from literary sources like Hermann Hesse’s Demian and featuring museum-grade aesthetics that challenged what a pop video could be.
More Than Views: A Visual Philosophy
The symbolism embedded in “Blood Sweat & Tears” has kept fans revisiting the video for years, unpacking its layers of meaning. According to Rolling Stone, the MV is not just a performance clip but a “short film that immerses viewers into a Jungian dreamworld of temptation and loss.” This intellectual and artistic ambition has differentiated BTS from their contemporaries.
By achieving this level of success with such a conceptual piece, BTS has proven that high art and pop appeal are not mutually exclusive. Their billion-view badge is not merely a trophy; it’s validation of creative risk-taking in an industry that often plays it safe.
What Comes After Eight?
As BTS continues their group and solo activities during their temporary hiatus, this record offers a poignant reminder of their collective power. The billion-view benchmark for “Blood Sweat & Tears” speaks to the endurance of their legacy and the strength of the ARMY, who have tirelessly streamed and supported their content over the years.
With eight videos in the billion club, the question is no longer whether BTS will make history—it’s what kind of history they will make next. Could “Spring Day”, long regarded as an emotional touchstone for fans, be the ninth?
One thing is certain: in the story of YouTube, K-pop, and modern music, BTS isn’t just participating. They’re writing the chapters.
