First female Kpop artist to enter Top 10 Billboard Hot 100
Billboard has just announced that the song “APT.” by Rose (Blackpink) and Bruno Mars debuted at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 - the weekly chart of the most popular singles in the US.
With this achievement, Rose became the highest-ranking female Kpop artist on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing Blackpink with the song “Ice Cream” featuring Selena Gomez (ranked 13th). At the same time, Rose is the 5th Kpop artist to enter the Top 10 of this chart, after PSY, BTS, Jimin and Jungkook.
In its first week in the U.S., “APT.” earned 25 million streams, reached 6.4 million radio listeners, and earned 14,000 song downloads.
“APT.” set the record for the biggest US streaming week for any song by a K-pop solo artist in Billboard Hot 100 history, surpassing Jungkook and Latto’s “Seven” with 21.9 million streams.
Additionally, “APT.” debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts.
This is Rose’s second song to top both charts simultaneously, following “On The Ground” (2021). To date, no female K-pop solo artist other than Rose has topped both charts at the same time, or reached the Top 1 on the Billboard Global 200.
“APT.” recorded 224.5 million streams on the Billboard Global 200 this week. Rose surpassed Jungkook’s “Seven” with 217.1 million streams, becoming the K-pop solo artist with the biggest streaming week on the chart. Overall, “APT.” is second only to BTS’s “Butter” with 289.2 million streams.
“APT.” criticized by the Malaysian Ministry of Health
According to Sports Kyunghyang, the Malaysian Ministry of Health recently unexpectedly rated “APT.” by Rose and Bruno Mars as a potentially harmful song.
On its official social media account, the Ministry of Health Malaysia asked: "Have you heard 'APT.' by Rose and Bruno Mars?".
They point out: "In the song, the phrase 'apartment' is used as a place of temptation, normalizing behavior that goes against traditional Eastern values.
What is even more worrying is that the song is often used in social media videos, integrated into everyday life. Children may unconsciously sing along to the lyrics.”
They also advise parents: “As parents, educators, and members of society, we should be cautious about accepting cultural influences without discrimination.
While there may be different interpretations and opinions from fans defending this song, it is important to analyze the lyrics and make your own judgment.”
Despite the controversy, “APT.” not only debuted at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, but is currently still at the top of major music platforms worldwide including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube…
