A Song Reborn After Nearly a Decade
Every once in a while, the music industry witnesses something extraordinary—a track from years past suddenly surges back into the spotlight, propelled not by marketing budgets or radio play, but by the sheer will of fans. This week, BTS’s 2016 anthem “21st Century Girl” has achieved just that, soaring to No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes chart nearly nine years after its original release.
The resurgence is more than a nostalgic comeback. It’s a testament to the enduring influence of BTS and the unwavering dedication of ARMY, proving once again that BTS’s music has no expiration date.
The Chart Surprise: iTunes Top 3
On August 25, 2025, industry trackers confirmed that “21st Century Girl” had reached No. 3 on the iTunes U.S. Top Songs chart, marking one of the most surprising reversals in recent K-pop history.
Even more impressively, the track registered as a “Top New Entry” on iTunes charts worldwide and across Europe. In a digital ecosystem dominated by new releases, the appearance of a nearly decade-old song among the highest ranks speaks volumes about the cultural momentum behind BTS.
The Song’s Original Legacy
First released in 2016 as part of BTS’s album Wings, “21st Century Girl” was never marketed as a lead single. Instead, it served as an empowering B-side that highlighted BTS’s trademark combination of social commentary and youthful energy.
The lyrics encouraged young women to embrace their identity and reject societal pressures, declaring lines like “You worth it, you perfect, you deserve it, just work it.” This message resonated deeply with fans, and over time, the song gained cult-favorite status among ARMY.
While it may not have topped charts during its initial release, its timeless theme of empowerment is exactly what makes it ripe for rediscovery today.
ARMY’s Role: The Engine Behind the Revival
So how does a nine-year-old song climb back into global charts? The answer, of course, is ARMY.
Fans around the world launched coordinated streaming and purchasing campaigns, fueled by nostalgia and a collective desire to celebrate BTS’s discography during the group’s hiatus. Hashtags like #21stCenturyGirl and #ARMYPower trended across social platforms, with fans sharing stories of how the song impacted their lives when they first heard it years ago.
Many noted that in 2025, its message of self-love and resilience feels more relevant than ever. Through TikTok edits, Instagram reels, and viral threads, ARMY amplified the track’s reach until it could no longer be ignored by the charts.
More Than Numbers: Cultural Impact
While hitting No. 3 on iTunes is an impressive achievement, the true story lies in the song’s enduring cultural resonance. “21st Century Girl” represents BTS’s ability to connect across generations, creating music that speaks to both teenagers discovering it for the first time and long-time fans who’ve carried it with them for years.
This resurgence also underscores BTS’s unique discography strategy. Unlike many pop acts who focus only on singles, BTS’s albums have always been designed as full narratives. As a result, even non-title tracks like “21st Century Girl” have the depth to inspire renewed interest years later.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for BTS’s Legacy
With BTS expected to make a group comeback in 2026, the timing of this resurgence couldn’t be better. It reminds the industry and the world that BTS’s back catalog is still alive, still relevant, and still powerful enough to dominate global charts without any formal promotion.
For ARMY, this moment is not just about chart positions. It’s about demonstrating their collective strength and showing BTS that the connection between artist and fandom remains unbreakable—even during times when the group is less active.
And for BTS, it’s proof that their songs are not tied to a release cycle but live on as evergreen anthems that can rise again whenever the world needs them.
Wrap-Up: ARMY Power, Timeless Music
The story of “21st Century Girl” climbing back into the iTunes Top 3 after nine years is not simply about numbers—it’s about faith, dedication, and timeless artistry.
As one ARMY wrote in a viral post:
“They said it was just a B-side. We said it was our anthem. Nine years later, the charts finally agree.”
In the end, BTS’s music proves, once again, that it doesn’t just belong to a moment in time—it belongs to generations. And when ARMY decides to act, even the past can become the present.
