BTS leader RM, also known as Kim Nam-joon, has achieved a historic milestone in his solo career by becoming the first K-Pop soloist to have 30 entries on Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart. This accomplishment underscores his significant influence and enduring popularity in the global music scene, even during his mandatory military service.
RM's latest feat was propelled by the release of "Stop The Rain," a collaboration with Epik High's Tablo on May 2nd. The emotionally resonant track, lauded for its poignant lyrics and intriguing hidden meanings, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Rap Digital Song Sales Chart. This not only marked RM's third track to top the chart, following "Still Life" and "Neva Play," but also solidified his position as a leading figure in the K-Pop and Asian music landscape.
"Stop The Rain" also made significant strides on other Billboard charts, securing the #4 spot on Digital Song Sales, #116 on Billboard Global Excl. US, and #178 on Billboard Global 200. These achievements collectively contributed to RM's record-breaking 30th entry on the Billboard Digital Song Sales Chart. With this, he became the Asian solo act with the most entries on the chart, and the Asian act with the second most entries overall, only behind his group, BTS. Furthermore, the song quickly surpassed 20,000 Shazams, indicating its widespread recognition and popularity among music enthusiasts.
RM's journey as a solo artist has been marked by several significant milestones. He debuted as a soloist with “Indigo” in December 2022, which reached number three on the Billboard 200, marking the highest chart position attained by a Korean solo artist at the time. In 2024, he released “Right Place, Wrong Person”, which explored personal and artistic themes and received critical acclaim for its depth and maturity. RM also made history as the first Korean rapper to be nominated at the American Music Awards, with a nod for 'Best K-Pop Artist' at the 2025 ceremony.
RM's solo work has consistently garnered attention on Billboard charts. His mixtape "Mono" (2018) peaked at number 26 on the Billboard 200, which was the highest-charting album by a Korean solo artist in the United States at the time. In June 2024, RM earned his first No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rap Albums chart with "Right Place, Wrong Person," which also debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. Additionally, his collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion on "Neva Play" in September 2024 resulted in multiple chart entries, including No. 36 on the Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Other BTS members have also achieved considerable success as soloists on Billboard charts. J-Hope tied with Jungkook for the most solo entries by a K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100, with seven songs each. V (Kim Taehyung) reached a new milestone in his solo career in December 2024, becoming the Korean artist with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. Jimin set a record in March 2025 as the longest-charting K-pop solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 with his track "Who."
RM's recent accomplishments, particularly his 30 Billboard chart entries, highlight his continued growth and influence as a solo artist. Despite being in military service, his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in the K-Pop industry. As fans eagerly anticipate his return from military service and future musical endeavors, RM's latest achievements serve as a testament to his enduring talent and global impact.
