In a remarkable testament to the global reach and influence of K-pop, ROSÉ of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars have achieved a significant milestone with their collaborative track “APT.” The song has ascended into the top five on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, marking it as only the second K-pop song to do so, following BTS’s groundbreaking hit “Dynamite.”

“APT.” combines the unique vocal styles of ROSÉ, known for her melodious and expressive singing, with the funky, soulful beats of Bruno Mars, creating a track that resonates across diverse musical tastes. This collaboration not only showcases the versatility of both artists but also highlights the growing acceptance and integration of K-pop into mainstream Western music markets.

BTS’s “Dynamite” was a watershed moment for K-pop, breaking into the top five of the Pop Airplay chart in August 2020. It was the first song by a South Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, setting a precedent for K-pop artists and proving that language and cultural barriers could be transcended through the universal language of music.

A select five K-pop hits have climbed to the Pop Airplay top 10, beginning with PSY’s “Gangnam Style” in 2021. That viral smash and “APT.” are the only such songs billed to solo artists. Here’s a recap:

• No. 5, “APT.,” ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, Jan. 18, 2025
• No. 5, “Dynamite,” BTS, Dec. 19, 2020
• No. 7, “Cupid,” Fifty Fifty, Aug. 5, 2023
• No. 7, “Butter,” BTS, Aug. 7, 2021
• No. 10, “Gangnam Style,” PSY, Oct. 27, 2012

The success of “APT.” on the Pop Airplay chart, which measures the number of audience impressions by pop radio stations across the U.S., signifies more than just chart success. It reflects a broader trend where K-pop continues to infiltrate and influence the music industry’s mainstream. This chart achievement comes at a time when K-pop’s popularity is soaring, with fans worldwide celebrating the genre’s rich performances, intricate choreography, and compelling storytelling.

The collaboration between ROSÉ and Bruno Mars is also indicative of the cross-cultural exchanges happening in music today. Bruno Mars, with his established reputation in pop and R&B, paired with ROSÉ, a leading figure in the K-pop scene, has not only created a hit but has also bridged different musical worlds, appealing to fans of both genres.

This achievement underscores the evolving landscape of global music where artists from different backgrounds are not only sharing platforms but also creating music that resonates on an international level. As “APT.” joins “Dynamite” in the annals of K-pop history on American charts, it opens doors for more collaborations and opportunities for K-pop artists to gain recognition and acclaim in one of the world’s largest music markets.

The journey of K-pop from niche to mainstream continues to be an inspiring narrative, with “APT.” being the latest chapter in this ongoing story, showcasing that the genre’s impact is not just fleeting but is here to stay, influencing and reshaping the contours of global pop music.