BTS is already dominating the charts again before they’ve even come back.
With their full-group comeback set for next spring, the group’s 2021 hit “Permission to Dance” has just exceeded 700 million views on YouTube, becoming BTS’s 10th music video to cross the milestone.
The song, released in July 2021, became a global comfort anthem during the pandemic. Its message “you don’t need permission to dance” encouraged millions to reclaim joy and hope during difficult times.
A Feel-Good MV That Became a Global Moment
The music video highlights BTS’s bright energy and includes a now-iconic scene where all seven members perform choreography using International Sign Language, symbolizing peace, happiness, and inclusivity.
The track also made headlines when BTS performed “Permission to Dance” at the 76th UN General Assembly, dancing through the UN Headquarters in a cinematic stage that spread positivity across the world.
Dominating Charts & Earning Major Certifications
“Permission to Dance” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for seven consecutive weeks.
The track also earned an RIAA Gold certification for surpassing 500,000 units in combined sales and streams.
BTS Continues Winning Big Before Their Reunion
On December 6, BTS received the “AAA 10 Legendary (Group)” award at the 2025 Asia Artist Awards, once again proving their unmatched influence despite being on military hiatus.
Fans Brace for the Biggest Comeback of 2026
With older hits suddenly surging again, anticipation for BTS’s full-group comeback and world tour is reaching explosive levels.
Search trends, streaming numbers, and social media buzz all point to one thing:
BTS is about to take over the world again.
Editor’s Insight
The “700 million” mark for Permission to Dance hitting exactly as we enter the 2026 comeback season is no coincidence—it’s a testament to the “hiatus-proof” nature of the BTS brand. While many expected a dip in engagement during their military service, the opposite has happened. The fact that they secured the “AAA 10 Legendary (Group)” award in late 2025 without even being in the building shows that the industry still revolves around their orbit. We aren’t just seeing a return; we are seeing a coronation.
What’s truly fascinating about the current hype is the transition from nostalgia to anticipation. With the release of the Arirang album and the 82-date world tour just around the corner, the 2021 pandemic anthem Permission to Dance has taken on a new meaning. It’s no longer a song about waiting for the world to open up; it’s a song about the world waiting for BTS to open up its next chapter. From an industry perspective, BigHit’s strategy of keeping the members visible through solo projects and “Legendary” award nods has built a pressure cooker of demand that is likely to shatter every existing record the moment they step onto that Gwanghwamun Square stage for their Netflix special. Prepare yourselves—the “Purple Era” of 2026 is officially here.