IDOL

“IDOL” was the lead single from South Korean boy band BTS and their third compliation album “ Love Yourself: Answer” which was released in 2018. The song is a mix between K-Pop and EDM, and was written by Bang Si-hyuk, Roman Campolo, Kang Hyo-won, Nam-joom, Shin Dong-hyuk and Ali Tamposi, with production done by Pdogg. An alternative version was released featuring American rapper Nicki Minaj.

“IDOL” explores the concept of identity and being an idol for yourself, rather than anyone else. After the track’s release, it inspired an internet dance challenge called the “Idol Challenge”, showing fans dancing along to the chorus of the song to the song’s choreography.

The music video for “IDOL” was uploaded to YouTube on the 24th August 2018 through Big Hit Labels channel. Directed by YongSeok Choi, the video shows BTS in bright and colourful backgrounds with animated sea life behind them, while they travel through colourful various locations. As of late October 2020, the video has 773.3 million views and over 13 million likes.

Release Date: 24th August 2018 (KOR) & 3rd July 2019 (JPN)

Songwriter/s: Bang Si-hyuk, Roman Campolo, Kang Hyo-won, Nam-joom, Shin Dong-hyuk & Ali Tamposi

Producer: Pdogg

Label: Big Hit

Music Video Release Date:

Music Video Director: YongSeok Choi

Chart Rankings, Certifications, Awards & Accolades: After its release, “IDOL” charted at:

– #35 in Australia
– #38 in Estonia
– #2 and #20 in Hungary
– #33 in Ireland
– #11 in Japan
– #1 in Malaysia
– #2 in New Zealand
– #10 in Scotland
– #1 in Singapore
– #61 in Slovakia
– #5 in South Africa
– #1 in South Korea
– #71 in Spain
– #60 in Sweden
– #3 & #21 in the UK

“IDOL” is certified Gold in Australia and Platinum in South Korea and the US, as well as having won a total of 6 awards:

– 2 awards at the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards: “Song of the Year” and “Music Video of the Year”

– 2 awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards: “TikTok Best Music Video” and “Favourite Music Video”

– 2 awards at the 2018 MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards: “Dance Track (Male)” and “Best Music Video”

“IDOL” has also gathered many accolades:

– #7 on Elite Daily’s list of “The 12 Best New Songs of 2018”
– #2 on Gallup Korea’s list of “The Best Songs in 2018”
– #8 on JawaPos’ “9 K-Pop Songs Popular Throughout 2018”
– #3 on Nación Rèx’s “Top 10: The Best Music Videos of 2018”
– #4 on Playground’s “The best songs of 2018”
– ¢1 on SBS PopAsia’s “Top 100 Asian pop songs of 2018”
– #16 on Spotify’s “Best of 2018: K-Pop”
– #9 on YouTube’s “Top 10 Most Popular Music Videos in Korea Released in 2018”; and #4 on YouTube’s “Top 10 Most Popular Music Videos in Korea From 2018”

The lyrics to “IDOL” can be accessed here: LINK

Spotify: LINK

Apple Music: LINK