A Decade Later, BTS’ ‘I NEED U’ Original MV Surpasses 200M Views

More than a decade after its release, BTS' "I NEED U" continues to reach new milestones. On June 23, the music video for "I NEED U (Original ver.)" surpassed 200 million views on YouTube, becoming the group's 27th music video to achieve the feat.

According to BIGHIT MUSIC, the original version of the music video for "I NEED U," which is the title track from BTS' 2015 mini album "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.1", exceeded 200 million views at approximately 2:56 a.m. KST on June 23.

The music video carries a restricted rating within South Korea and runs roughly two minutes longer than the standard version of the video. It aims to portray a detailed example of youth, the uncertainty and the emotional struggles that come with it as well. The standard version of the music video has already passed this milestone and has now accumulated over 250 million views.

"I NEED U" is an electro-hip hop track that combines an emotional melody with hip-hop elements while exploring themes of fading love and youth. Furthermore, the song marked a complete turning point in BTS' career as it earned them their first No. 1 trophy on a major music program three years after their debut in 2013.

Abroad, "I NEED U" became one of the tracks which drew in a broad global audience thanks to both the song and music video's in-depth storytelling. Some claim that before "DNA's" Western success it was actually "I NEED U" and "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.1" in general became the catalyst for their global fanbase. It was thanks to this that BTS was able to successfully bring their "The Red Bullet Tour" to places such as the United States after the album’s release.

Moreover, BTS continues to hold the record for the most music videos with over 100 million views among Korean artists. Amongst them are tracks such as "Dynamite," "Boy With Luv ft. Halsey," "DNA" and "Mic Drop (Steve Aoki Remix)."