ROSÉ x Bruno Mars New APT., Hits No. 1 K-Pop on Billboard’s Pop Airplay Chart

In an exciting milestone for both K-pop and global pop music, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ hit collaboration, “APT.,” has soared to the top of Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, marking the first No. 1 by a K-pop artist and fans are excited.

The song climbed three spots to take the top position on the February 1-dated chart, showcasing the growing influence of K-pop on mainstream American radio.

But that’s not all—this chart victory is also a major career milestone for Bruno Mars, who now holds the title for the most Pop Airplay No. 1s among male soloists, with an impressive 11. He surpasses Justin Bieber, making history since the chart’s inception in 1992. While Taylor Swift reigns supreme with 13 No. 1s, Bruno is tied with other superstars like Maroon 5, Rihanna, Katy Perry, and more.

Meaning Behind the Song

“‘APT.’ is not just a catchy tune—it’s also a playful nod to a Korean drinking game called apateu (아파트), which means ‘apartment’ in Korean. The game is often played among friends in apartments, where participants chant apateu and follow a series of playful rules. Rosé, who loves the game, shared how she introduced it to Bruno Mars during their studio time, and the two decided to turn the fun into a song. The lyrics are filled with flirtation and energy, as Rosé and Bruno sing about their attraction to each other, inviting one another to meet up at the ‘apartment’ for a night of carefree fun. The track blends catchy beats with Korean phrases like 건배 (“cheers”), adding a touch of cultural flair while keeping the vibe lighthearted and playful.”

A Groundbreaking Achievement for ROSÉ and K-Pop

“APT.” has not only made waves for Bruno Mars, but it also marks a huge achievement for ROSÉ as a solo artist. As a member of BLACKPINK, ROSÉ had already tasted success on the Pop Airplay chart, but this is her first time claiming the No. 1 spot on her own. Her earlier tracks with BLACKPINK, such as “How You Like That” and “Kill This Love,” reached the top 40, but “APT.” is her first solo chart-topping hit in this category.

Before “APT.,” the highest-charting K-pop song on the Pop Airplay chart was BTS’ “Dynamite.” In 2020, BTS made history by breaking into the Top 10 of the Pop Airplay chart with their smash hit, marking their first appearance on the chart. This achievement highlighted their growing influence across U.S. radio, as “Dynamite,” with its energetic, retro-inspired sound, resonated widely with mainstream pop audiences. The success was not only a triumph for BTS but also a landmark moment for K-pop, proving that the genre could dominate the airwaves of major global markets like the U.S. 

The song’s success showcased how the group’s unique musical style was transcending language and cultural barriers, capturing the attention of listeners from all walks of life.

As ROSÉ has recently made her mark with her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the charts, BTS’s Pop Airplay success in 2020 speaks to the broader global trend of K-pop artists gaining recognition in the West. BTS’s momentous debut on this chart was more than just a commercial win—it marked a turning point for K-pop, with the group leading the charge in reshaping the global pop music landscape. This achievement, in many ways, paved the way for other K-pop acts, like ROSÉ, to further break into the mainstream and solidify their places as international pop icons.

The Power of “APT.”

“APT.,” which is part of ROSÉ’s solo album rosie, has also taken over the global charts. The track has been dominating the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for an incredible 11 and 12 weeks, respectively. On the Billboard Hot 100, the song peaked at No. 5, making ROSÉ the first female K-pop artist to break into the top five.

The success of “APT.” isn’t just limited to chart numbers. Major radio stations across the U.S., including San Francisco’s KMVQ (99.7 Now), New York’s WHTZ (Z100), Los Angeles’ KIIS-FM, and SiriusXM’s Hits 1, have played the track extensively, helping it reach audiences far and wide.

A History of K-Pop Success on Pop Airplay

With “APT.” now claiming the No. 1 spot, it joins an exclusive list of K-pop tracks that have made their mark on the Pop Airplay chart. PSY’s viral hit “Gangnam Style” was the first K-pop song to break into the top 10, peaking at No. 10 back in 2012. Other K-pop hits that have made an impact include BTS’ “Dynamite” and “Butter,” as well as Fifty Fifty’s “Cupid,” which peaked at No. 5 and No. 7, respectively.

“APT.” is only the second solo K-pop track to make it into the top 10, following in the footsteps of PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” It’s a significant achievement, further solidifying K-pop’s reach beyond its roots in Korea and into the global mainstream music scene.

ROSÉ: A Solo Superstar

ROSÉ’s solo journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After gaining worldwide fame as a member of BLACKPINK, one of the most successful K-pop groups of all time, ROSÉ ventured out on her own with rosie, showcasing her distinctive voice and musical identity. Her first solo single “On The Ground” was a global hit, and now, with “APT.,” she has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the pop world.

Bruno Mars, meanwhile, continues to dominate the music scene as one of the most versatile and accomplished artists of his generation. His smooth vocals and eclectic musical style have won him a massive fanbase worldwide, and his continued success on the Pop Airplay chart cements his status as a pop legend.

Together, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars have created a track that is capturing hearts around the globe and proving once again that music has no boundaries. The success of “APT.” is not just a win for the artists, but a monumental moment for the global music community.

So, here’s to more chart-topping collaborations boundary-breaking moments in the world of music.