The holiday season just got a whole lot more exciting for fans of K-pop and classic crooners alike. BTS member V’s collaboration wiht the legendary Bing Crosby on a reimagined version of “White Christmas” is proving too be a massive global hit, dominating charts and captivating listeners worldwide.
In the UK, the duet, officially titled “White Christmas (with V of BTS),” charted impressively for two consecutive weeks, reaching number 47 on the Official Singles Sales Chart as of December 20th. Its success extended beyond digital platforms; the song also secured the number 10 spot on the Vinyl Singles chart and number 15 on the Physical Singles chart,solidifying V’s status as a true ”Winter Boy” sensation.
The momentum continued on Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming service. “White Christmas (with V of BTS)” landed at number 192 on the Weekly Top Song Global chart (December 13th-19th), marking its second week on the prestigious ranking. This success isn’t isolated to this single collaboration; V’s recent duet with Park Hyo-shin, “Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN),” also enjoyed a three-week run on the chart, peaking at number 68.
The success extends beyond V; other BTS members are also experiencing chart triumphs. Jin’s solo album, “Happy,” featuring the title track ”Running Wild,” reached number 42 on the Weekly Top Song Global chart.Jimin’s second solo album,”MUSE,” with its hit song “Who,” soared to number 11,while Jungkook’s debut solo single,”Seven (feat. latto),” claimed the number 98 spot. On the Weekly Top Album Global chart, “MUSE” ranked 14th, “Happy – :’) (Remixes)” secured 49th place, and jungkook’s “GOLDEN” album landed at number 51.
Jin’s “Happy” album also made critically important waves in Japan. Oricon’s Annual Ranking 2024 (December 11, 2023 – December 8, 2024), released on December 20th, placed “Happy” at number 14, marking the highest ranking achieved by a Korean solo artist this year, with impressive sales of 239,778 copies.
The remarkable success of V and Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” underscores the enduring appeal of classic holiday music and the global reach of K-pop. This collaboration is a testament to the power of bridging generations and musical styles, creating a truly unforgettable holiday hit.
K-Pop Meets Christmas classics: Expert Breaks Down BTS V’s chart-Topping success
World Today News Senior Editor, Sarah Jenkins, sits down with music industry analyst, Dr. Min-June Kim,to discuss the surprising success of V’s collaboration with Bing Crosby and its impact on the global music landscape.
Sarah Jenkins: Dr. Kim, thanks for joining us today.BTS V’s reimagined “White Christmas” featuringbing crosby is making waves across the charts.Were you surprised by this level of success?
Dr. Min-June Kim: Not entirely.While a modern K-pop star collaborating with a legend like Bing Crosby is unprecedented, it taps into several powerful trends. Firstly, K-pop’s global reach is undeniable. V himself has a massive international fanbase eagerly anticipating his solo work. Secondly, there’s a resurgence in gratitude for classic holiday music, frequently enough reimagined in fresh ways. This combination creates a unique selling point.
Sarah Jenkins: its certainly resonating with listeners worldwide. Can you elaborate on the specific chart performance and what it signifies?
Dr. Min-June Kim: V’s “White Christmas” debuted impressively on the UK Singles Sales Chart, proving its appeal extends beyond digital streaming. Its ranking on the vinyl Singles chart is particularly noteworthy. It indicates a nostalgic element at play, with fans yearning for a tangible connection to music’s past.
Furthermore, V’s continued chart presence on Spotify’s Global Top 50 alongside other BTS members solidifies the group’s dominance in the streaming era. It highlights their ability to engage a diverse global audience across platforms.
Sarah Jenkins: You mentioned nostalgia. Beyond the “classic music” angle, is there something specific about V’s approach that resonates so strongly?
Dr. Min-June Kim: I think V’s vocal style lends itself perfectly.He possesses a warmth and vulnerability that complements Bing Crosby’s legendary baritone. It’s a respectful homage that feels authentic, not merely a superficial remix.
Sarah Jenkins: it seems this collaboration is not only a success for V but also reflects the wider appeal of K-pop. What are your thoughts on how this
impacts the genre’s global image?
Dr. Min-June Kim: This type of cross-generational, cross-cultural collaboration breaks down barriers. It demonstrates K-pop’s versatility and willingness to embrace musical traditions from other eras and cultures. It positions K-pop not just as a passing trend but as a force in global music with lasting impact.
Sarah Jenkins: Thank you, Dr. Kim. Your insights are truly fascinating, and I think we can all agree that V’s “White Christmas” is a testament to the timeless power of music.
