Love Yourself
The development chapter where self-love blossoms into the joy of falling in love.
Love Yourself: Her is the fifth extended play by South Korean boy group BTS, released on September 18, 2017, by Big Hit Entertainment. Marking the first release following their July 4, 2017 brand identity reveal and new simplified logo, the album features nine tracks across four versions with "DNA" as its lead single. This EP represents the "承" (development) phase of the group's narrative sequence, focusing on the joy and happiness of falling in love while exploring a dual sonic identity of electro-pop and hip-hop.
- Release Date
- September 18, 2017
- Label
- Big Hit Entertainment
- Lead Single
- DNA
- Pre-orders
- 1,051,546
- Gaon Album Chart Peak
- Number one
- Gaon Digital Chart Peak (DNA)
- Number two
- US Billboard 200 Debut
- Number seven
- UK Albums Chart Peak
- Number 14
- Oricon Albums Chart Peak
- Number one
Lore & Background
As part of the "Love Yourself" series utilizing the "起承轉結" (giseungjeongyeol) narrative sequence, this EP specifically embodies the "development" or "承" stage. RM identified this release as a major turning point in BTS' career. Sonically, it acts as a dual exploration: the first half emphasizes vocal-driven dance tracks, while the second half delivers powerful rap performances that bring the group's hip-hop side forward earnestly. The narrative within these tracks describes the specific emotions of falling in love, bridging their previous concepts with this new phase of enlightenment.
In Their Own Story
The release on September 18, 2017, coincided with the music video for "DNA," which shattered records by garnering 21 million views in its first 24 hours. This achievement made BTS the first K-pop group to surpass 20 million views within a single day. Commercially, the album achieved a historic milestone by securing 1,051,546 pre-orders between August 25 and 31, making BTS the first K-pop act to cross one million pre-orders for a single album. It debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart, while "DNA" reached number two on the Gaon Digital Chart, with every track placing in the top 40.
Reader's Guide
The EP opened at number seven on the US Billboard 200 with 31,000 album-equivalent units (18,000 pure sales), marking the biggest sales week for a K-pop album and setting a new record for the highest-charting K-pop album in history until "Love Yourself: Tear" arrived. It remained on the chart for 44 weeks, the first Korean album to do so. In Japan, it peaked at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart in its second week, while in the UK, it earned BTS their debut entry at number 14. By April 2020, over 2.2 million copies had been sold on the Gaon Chart, making it the highest-selling album for BTS at that time.
Did You Know?
- The music video for 'DNA' became the first K-pop group video to reach over 20 million views in 24 hours, hitting 21 million.
- Love Yourself: Her was the first album in 16 years to exceed 1.2 million copies sold since g.o.d's Chapter 4 (2001).
- BTS became the first Asian artist in seven years to debut within the top ten of the US Billboard 200, surpassing Charice's 2010 record.
- Following a 2023 vinyl reissue, the album sold an additional 21,000 units and earned BTS their first number one on the Vinyl Albums chart.
- The EP is considered by RM to be one of the major turning points in BTS' career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Love Yourself?
Love Yourself is not a character but the overarching narrative concept for BTS, representing a journey from self-discovery to loving others. The 'Her' album specifically marks the development phase of this story, focusing on the joy and excitement of falling in love.
When was Love Yourself: Her released?
The extended play was officially released by Big Hit Entertainment on September 18, 2017. This date marked the group's first major project after unveiling their new brand identity and simplified logo earlier that year.
What is the lead single of this chapter?
DNA serves as the lead single for Love Yourself: Her, blending electro-pop and hip-hop to reflect the album's dual sonic identity. The track achieved massive success, peaking at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.
How does Love Yourself: Her fit into the larger story?
This album represents the 'development' phase of the narrative sequence where self-love blossoms into the happiness of romantic love. It acts as a crucial bridge in the group's lore, moving characters from introspection toward connection with others.
How successful was Love Yourself: Her commercially?
The EP debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and generated over 1 million pre-orders before its release. Its commercial performance solidified BTS's status as a global force while advancing their complex storytelling universe.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in the BTS universe
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