Blackpink singer Rosé joins BTS as the only K-pop musical acts to hit the top 10 on Billboard’s competitive Radio Songs chart, where her single “Apt.” soars to No. 7 this week. Radio is a notoriously tough format for newcomers to crack in America.
While not as pivotal as it once was, millions still tune in daily, making airplay an essential factor in turning a successful track into a certified smash. Even for established stars, radio can be a difficult terrain to navigate, especially for K-pop artists who have been largely ignored by American radio programmers despite their success on other Billboard charts. Rosé makes history this week as her single “Apt.” becomes a rare true smash on radio stations across the country.
The single lifts from No. 11 to No. 7 on the Radio Songs chart, entering the top 10 for the first time and helping her achieve what only one other K-pop musical act has managed.
“Apt.” is just the second top 10 hit by any artist usually associated with K-pop and the first from a soloist to crack the uppermost tier on Billboard’s list that tracks the largest audience across all radio formats in the nation. Before Rosé, only BTS had reached the top 10 on the Radio Songs chart. The septet’s “Dynamite” peaked at No.
10 back in 2020. This achievement now makes Rosé the highest-rising K-pop star on American radio stations. Rosé wasn’t born and raised in South Korea but in New Zealand.
Rosé’s radio milestone with Apt.
“Apt.” doesn’t strictly adhere to the K-pop genre, leaning more towards pop punk and alternative pop. However, Rosé is still primarily thought of as a K-pop artist due to her career with Blackpink.
“Apt.” has been rising on the Radio Songs chart for 10 weeks, marking a historic win for Rosé. The track also features fellow superstar Bruno Mars, earning him his twentieth placement between Nos. 1 and 10 on the chart.
This places Mars in a tie with Lil Wayne for the seventh-most appearances in that chart region among all acts. Rosé’s success on American radio highlights her versatility and the growing acceptance of K-pop stars in mainstream music formats. It showcases her ability to break barriers and connect with audiences beyond her core fan base.
As K-pop continues to gain global popularity, Rosé’s achievement serves as a milestone for the genre and paves the way for more artists to follow in her footsteps. The impact of “Apt.” extends beyond just Rosé’s personal success. It represents a shift in the music industry, where artists from diverse backgrounds are increasingly being recognized for their talent and contributions.
Rosé’s breakthrough on American radio is a testament to the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers. As Rosé celebrates this historic moment, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see what the future holds for her and other K-pop artists. With the door now open for greater mainstream acceptance, the possibilities seem endless.
Rosé’s success is not only a win for herself but for the entire K-pop community, as it demonstrates the genre’s potential to captivate audiences worldwide.