In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, ROSÉ of BLACKPINK and global superstar Bruno Mars have etched their names into the history books with their collaboration, “APT.” The single has climbed to No. 5 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, joining BTS’s “Dynamite” as the only K-pop-related songs to achieve such a ranking.
A Solo Milestone for ROSÉ
“APT.” marks ROSÉ’s debut entry on the Pop Airplay chart as a solo artist. While she has previously charted with BLACKPINK, this achievement takes her individual career to new heights. BLACKPINK’s best performance on the chart peaked at No. 21, underscoring the significance of ROSÉ’s ascent alongside Bruno Mars.
A Small but Powerful Group of K-pop Hits
K-pop’s presence on the Pop Airplay chart has been limited but impactful. Only five tracks have managed to reach the top 10, a testament to their wide-ranging influence:
- “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (No. 5, 2025)
- “Dynamite” – BTS (No. 5, 2020)
- “Cupid” – Fifty Fifty (No. 7, 2023)
- “Butter” – BTS (No. 7, 2021)
- “Gangnam Style” – PSY (No. 10, 2012)
Of these, “APT.” and PSY’s “Gangnam Style” are the only tracks credited to solo artists, further highlighting the rarity of ROSÉ’s achievement.
Radio Waves and Global Charts
“APT.” owes its radio success to stations like KMVQ San Francisco, which has championed the track with over 1,300 plays since its release on October 18, 2024. Other top stations, including Z100 in New York and KIIS in Los Angeles, have also propelled its reach.
Beyond the Pop Airplay chart, “APT.” dominates the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for an impressive 11 weeks. It has also secured its No. 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making ROSÉ the first female K-pop artist to achieve a top-five hit on the prestigious ranking.
A Collaboration for the Ages
The success of “APT.” underscores the power of collaboration, blending ROSÉ’s unique artistry with Bruno Mars’ signature charm. As the track continues to break barriers and gain momentum, it not only elevates ROSÉ’s solo career but also further solidifies K-pop’s global influence.
“APT.” is more than a song—it’s a statement, proving that K-pop and its artists are here to stay, thriving at the intersection of global music and pop culture.