[K-enter] “My Universe” surpasses 1.5 billion streams on Spotify

Let's get right into it. And today Walter, we are all about boy groups! Who are we starting off with?

Let's start with BTS and Coldplay’s collaboration track "My Universe", 'You, you are, my Universe' a tribute to the old Arirang opening to News Generation. Released in September 2021, "My Universe" has officially surpassed 1.5 billion streams on Spotify as of Sunday. It is now BTS’s second group song to achieve this milestone on the platform, following “Dynamite.”

The song appears on Coldplay’s ninth studio album, "Music Of The Spheres", with both groups taking part in its writing and composition. Upon release, “My Universe” debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, marking BTS’s sixth chart-topper, and reached No. 3 on the UK Official Singles Chart.

It's such a fun song and I remember when Coldplay came to Korea in April this year and played "My Universe" with Jin.

Moving onto NCT WISH!

NCT WISH, the Japanese-Korean sub unit group of NCT, have released their new mini-album “COLOR,” which features seven tracks, title track "COLOR", the pre-released track “Surf,” and “WICHU,” a nostalgic 2000s-inspired R&B number that samples Chris Brown’s hit “With You.” The title track stands out as an electro-pop song with striking synth sounds and dynamic shifts in the chorus rhythm. Its lyrics convey the group’s determination to paint the world in their own colours and protect that identity with confidence.

NCT WISH expressed their excitement about the comeback, explaining that they had spent the past five months preparing to showcase their growth. They emphasised that their main goal with this album is to clearly deliver the message of colouring the world with their own shades.

Finally, let's talk about ZEROBASEONE.

Yes, last but certainly not least, ZEROBASEONE hosted a media showcase on Monday in Seoul, to mark the release of their first full-length album "NEVER SAY NEVER". The album captures the moment of their transition from boys to artists, while conveying the message that “nothing is impossible” and broadening the scope of the group’s story and identity.

Reflecting on releasing a full album only two years after their debut, the members shared personal thoughts. Kim Tae-rae noted that beyond simply showing growth, they wanted to firmly present ZEROBASEONE’s unique colour. Sung Han-bin added that the record embodies the collective narrative built by all nine members since their formation.

Thanks for the news Walter. Now let's both take a look at what our AI anchor Ari has for us with more culture news. Ari, take it away!