Lim Young-woong breaks BTS' record with 13.5 Billion streams on Melon; becomes the most-streamed artist

In doing so, he has overtaken global K-pop superstars BTS, ending the group’s long-standing reign at the top of the platform’s cumulative streaming chart.

• Lim Young-woong becomes Melon's most-streamed artist ever
• He surpasses BTS with over 13.5 billion streams as a solo artist
• Lim to hold solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex in September

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South Korean singer Lim Young-woong has created a record by becoming the most-streamed artist in the history of Melon, the country’s largest music platform.

In doing so, he has overtaken global K-pop superstars BTS, ending the group’s long-standing reign at the top of the platform’s cumulative streaming chart.

According to Melon’s data, as of 9 a.m. on the 11th, Lim Young-woong’s songs have collectively been streamed more than 13.5 billion times on the platform.

With this achievement, he has become the only Korean artist to cross the 13.5 billion streaming milestone, marking a major moment in the country’s music industry.

Just a few days earlier, at around 9 a.m. on the 9th, Lim had already surpassed the previous cumulative streaming record held by BTS.

This milestone achievement is specially noteworthy has he did this by himself as a solo artist, while BTS' record is the collective effort and success of the seven-member boy band which has huge popularity worldwide.

Following the news, Lim Young-woong shared an emotional message with fans through his official fan cafe ‘Hero Era.’ He expressed his gratitude to his fans and supporters who made the achievement possible.

“The number 13.5 billion still feels surreal even now,” Lim said. “All of this was only possible because of the ‘Hero Era’ family. I am deeply grateful for your passionate love, beyond what words can express.”

The singer had also thanked fans when he first reached the top spot on Melon’s cumulative streaming chart on the 9th.

“I believe that within the number 13.49 billion lies the immeasurable hearts of each of you,” he said.

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“Thinking that each person’s precious time is embedded within, it cannot be anything less than invaluable.” He added, “I will repay you with music that can be cherished for a long time and remain forever in your precious moments. This is not a record I made, but one that you all created. I sincerely congratulate you and cannot express my gratitude enough.”

Meanwhile, fans will soon have the chance to see the singer live. Lim Young-woong is scheduled to meet his supporters during his upcoming solo concert “IM HERO-THE STADIUM 2,” which will take place at the Goyang Sports Complex in September.