BTS’ Suga’s ‘Haegeum’ music video crosses 100 million views on YouTube

BTS rapper and producer Suga has added another major milestone to his solo career. His music video for Haegeum, the lead single from his first full-length solo album D-Day, has officially crossed 100 million views on YouTube, according to his agency BigHit Music on Sunday.

This marks Suga’s third solo video to enter the 100-million-view club, following Agust D (2016) and Daechwita (2020), both released under his alter ego, Agust D. The achievement reinforces Suga’s popularity as not only a member of BTS but also as a solo artist with a distinct artistic identity.

Released in April 2023, Haegeum quickly gained attention for its bold concept, hard-hitting rap verses, and symbolic use of traditional Korean culture. The title itself holds a double meaning. On one hand, it refers to the haegeum, a two-stringed Korean traditional instrument with a sharp, piercing tone. On the other, it alludes to the Korean word meaning “lifting of bans or restrictions.” By fusing these layers of meaning, Suga crafted a song centered on freedom—freedom from societal norms, personal limitations, and external control.

The track blends modern hip-hop with the sounds of the haegeum, creating a distinctive sonic texture that underscores Suga’s ability to merge tradition with innovation. Lyrically, Haegeum takes aim at censorship, hypocrisy, and conformity, encouraging listeners to break free from imposed boundaries.