Forbes recently spotlighted 20 major accomplishments by BTS V during his mandatory military service, proving that his star power hasn’t dimmed in fact, it may have grown brighter.
In an article by Jeff Benjamin, a global pop columnist for Billboard, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Variety, Forbes praised V’s unwavering impact during his 18-month enlistment. According to the report, despite being away from the public eye, V continued to dominate global music charts, release new content, collaborate with other artists, and contribute to social causes.
Forbes emphasized, “V’s star never faded even in the military, he remained as influential and creative as ever.”
Among the 20 accomplishments highlighted:
- His solo album “Layover” ranked as the highest-charting solo artist release on Japan’s Oricon Chart just days after he enlisted in late 2023.
- His collaboration with UMI, “Wherever U R” (released December 30), charted on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales and Hot R&B Songs.
- He won two awards at the Seoul Music Awards: Main Award and Fan Choice of the Year.
- Appeared in IU’s hit music video “Love Wins All,” which received global acclaim and showcased his acting versatility.
- Won the Male Idol Variety Star Award at the 2024 Korea Brand Awards for shows like “In the Soop” and “Jinny’s Kitchen.”
- Released the single “FRI(END)S” in March 2024, which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #13 on the UK Official Charts.
- Won “Favorite Debut Album” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for “Layover.”
- Published a self-curated photobook titled “TYPE 1,” which he fully directed and produced.
- Achieved a TMA hat trick—winning at the Fact Music Awards for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025.
- Won “Trend of the Year – Solo Artist” at the Korea Grand Music Awards and was listed in MAMA’s Fan’s Choice Male Top 10.
Additional achievements include collaborations with Park Hyo-shin and Bing Crosby. His duet with Park, “Winter Ahead,” entered the Billboard Hot 100, while his holiday collaboration “White Christmas” with Crosby topped the Holiday Digital Song Sales Chart.
Lastly, V made headlines for his philanthropy, donating ₩200 million KRW (approx. $145,700 USD) to aid wildfire recovery efforts in Korea, further proving his positive influence both as an artist and a citizen.
Even while serving his country, V continues to inspire fans worldwide with his artistry, generosity, and unwavering dedication.
