BTS Solo Careers Ranked: Who Thrived & Who Struggled?

With BTS’s upcoming compilation album ‘7 Moments’ set to drop on April 2, 2025, fans are celebrating the group’s long-awaited return. But before they reunite as seven, let’s take a moment to evaluate how each member fared on their own.

Since their military enlistment announcement in 2022, BTS members have pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success. Some broke records, topping global charts, while others had more niche or experimental releases that didn’t gain as much mainstream traction.

So, who dominated the solo scene and who struggled to keep the momentum going? Let’s break it down.

Disclaimer: I ranked BTS solo ventures by their commercial performance and recognition, at least that’s how I define success 🙂

1. Jungkook – The Breakout Global Solo Star

Biggest Hits: Seven (feat. Latto), 3D, Standing Next to You

Achievements:

• Seven debuted #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200, with 217 million streams in its first week.
• His debut album GOLDEN became the most streamed album by a K-pop soloist in its first week on Spotify.
• Multiple collaborations with Western artists like Latto, Jack Harlow, and Usher, expanding his global reach.

Jungkook’s success was almost inevitable—he was the golden maknae after all. But what made his solo career stand out was how effortlessly he transitioned into a full-fledged pop star, independent of BTS’s brand. His music dominated Western charts, TikTok trends, and global radio, something no other BTS member fully achieved on their own.

2. Jimin – Record Breaker & Pop Culture Icon

Biggest Hits: Like Crazy, Set Me Free Pt.2

Achievements:

• Like Crazy became the first song by a Korean soloist to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• His album Face sold 1.45 million copies in its first week, proving his massive fanbase power.

Jimin’s sensual, moody sound and his deep connection with fans propelled his solo career forward. While his streaming numbers weren’t as high as Jungkook’s, his Billboard #1 feat remains a defining moment. However, his songs had less longevity, and his album didn’t maintain the same impact over time.

3. Suga – The Artistic Visionary & Touring Powerhouse

Biggest Hits: Haegeum, People Pt. 2 (feat. IU), Daechwita

Achievements:

• His album D-DAY topped charts and earned critical praise for its mature themes and unique sound.
• Embarked on a successful solo world tour, performing as Agust D in sold-out arenas across the US and Asia.
• Became the first BTS member to hold a full solo concert tour, proving his strong global demand.

Suga’s strength lies in his artistry and authenticity rather than mainstream appeal. While he didn’t have viral chart-toppers like Jungkook or Jimin, he proved himself as a powerful solo force, especially in live performances.

4. V – The Aesthetic Storyteller

Biggest Hits: Love Me Again, Slow Dancing

Achievements:

• His debut album Layover debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200.
• Focused on jazz, blues, and soft R&B, taking a very different musical direction from other BTS members.
• Collaborated with major brands like CELINE and Cartier, reinforcing his fashion icon status.

V’s solo music reflected his personal taste rather than mainstream trends. While he was praised for his artistry, his album didn’t generate the same buzz or chart longevity. His luxury brand partnerships and aesthetic appeal remain his biggest strengths, but musically, he took a quieter route.

5. J-Hope – The Experimental Trailblazer

Biggest Hits: MORE, Arson, On the Street (feat. J. Cole)

Achievements:

• Jack in the Box was praised for its bold sound and artistic risk-taking.
• Performed at Lollapalooza 2022, making history as the first South Korean artist to headline the festival.

J-Hope was the first BTS member to go solo, setting the tone for others. However, his experimental approach meant his music wasn’t as commercially successful as Jungkook’s. While his Lollapalooza set was legendary, he lacked a mainstream breakout hit.

6. RM – The Thoughtful Lyricist

Biggest Hits: Wild Flower (feat. Youjeen), Indigo

Achievements:

• Indigo was praised for its deep, introspective lyricism.
• Collaborated with Anderson .Paak, Erykah Badu, and other respected artists.

RM’s solo work focused on mature, poetic storytelling, which resonated deeply with fans but didn’t generate commercial success or mainstream charting power.

7. Jin – The Shortest Solo Run

Biggest Hit: The Astronaut

Achievements:

• Collaborated with Coldplay, bringing a unique rock-ballad sound to K-pop.
• The Astronaut debuted at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold 700K+ copies in its first week.

Jin’s early enlistment cut his solo career short, limiting his ability to compete on the same level as his bandmates. Had he been able to promote fully, he could have ranked higher.

Final Ranking: BTS’s Solo Success from Most to Least

1. Jungkook
2. Jimin
3. Suga
4. V
5. J-Hope
6. RM
7. Jin

Now, with ‘7 Moments’ on the horizon, will BTS manage to thrive as a group again?