Exclusive: BTS Reflect on the Massive Success of ‘Dynamite' in India

The South Korean septet take a moment to express their surprise and gratitude towards their Indian ARMYs

- Riddhi Chakraborty

WHILE 2020 HAS been full of pain, canceled plans and sorrow for the entire world in the wake of COVID-19, global superstars BTS are doing their best to bring in some much-needed cheer and light. “It is about having hope even in the toughest of times,” the South Korean group tells Rolling Stone India about their latest record-breaking single “Dynamite.” Adding, “We think that many people, regardless of their cultural background, relate themselves to these messages we want to deliver and enjoy our music.”

On the day of its release (August 21st), the vibrant, uplifting music video for “Dynamite” saw the biggest YouTube live premiere in the website’s history, raking three million concurrent viewers and going on to tally a total of 101.1 million views within its first 24 hours. BTS–comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook– also went on to make history on September 1st, when “Dynamite” debuted at Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making the group the first South Korean act to achieve this feat and the first Asian act to do so in over 57 years. While the track’s success in America was somewhat obvious, what truly surprised many was how much it resonated here in India.