BTS continue to make history with their fifth studio album ARIRANG, which has now become the first K-pop album to go platinum in Italy.

The achievement was announced by their agency Big Hit Music on November 3, following confirmation from the Federation of the Italian Music Industry (FIMI). The threshold for an album to go platinum in Italy is set at 50,000 equivalent units, combining physical sales, digital downloads and audio/video streaming – a number that BTS has recently surpassed in the country for the first time in their career.

ARIRANG has already broken numerous records, many of which on a similar genre-wide, international scale. The album has spent 32 weeks and counting on the Billboard 200, still ranking within the Top 100 at number 57 on the November 7 chart months after its debut at number one. The record also topped the UK’s Official Albums Chart Top 100 and reached number one on the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 88 regions. However, a new achievement in Italy carries particular significance given their track record.

A platinum certification adds to BTS’ already established success in Italy. Before ARIRANG, five of the group’s previous albums had achieved gold status: Love Yourself: Answer, Map of the Soul: Persona, Map of the Soul: 7, BE, and Proof. Each of those were awarded for surpassing 25,000 sales. ARIRANG, though, has doubled that number in just eight months, blowing their previous sales figures out of the water.

Reaching that figure marks another major milestone for the seven members as they continue to expand their international influence. BTS have reinforced their popularity in Europe since their reunion, with the ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG’ grossing approximately $128 USD across 10 sold-out stadium shows. Interestingly, none of those shows took place in Italy, but that only emphasises how impressive this new milestone is with no visit to back it up. It showcases that BTS’ reach is stretching beyond even the many locations that they have performed in this year.

Additionally, for the album to become the first overall K-pop album to gain a platinum certification both proves that BTS remain at the top of the industry after their hiatus, and that the popularity of K-pop is still growing across Europe. 

BTS recently wrapped up the South America leg of the ARIRANG world tour, concluding the five-city run in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 31, but there are still more shows to go. As the album ARIRANG continues to make headlines, BTS are set to extend celebrations across Asia, beginning with three concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on November 19. Some of the shows in Kaohsiung and later in Jakarta will also be broadcast to cinemas worldwide, for all international fans to enjoy – including those in Italy.

ARIRANG is available on streaming services now.