The song Apartment (APT.), a collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and American singer Bruno Mars, has achieved international success, ranking No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's rise highlights the growing global influence of K-pop.

Rosé, who previously became the first female K-pop solo artist to reach No. 3 on the Hot 100, reaffirmed her popularity with this latest entry.

Record-Breaking Performance

According to Billboard, Apartment held the No. 1 spot on the Global 200 chart for 15 consecutive weeks, surpassing the previous record set by Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You.

The song’s music video also reached 1 billion views on YouTube in just 105 days, breaking the previous record set by PSY’s Gangnam Style as the fastest K-pop video to achieve the milestone.

Key to Success: Strong Collaboration and Network

Industry experts attribute the song’s success to its catchy melody and the collaboration with Mars. Analysts highlight Rosé’s extensive international music industry connections as a key factor in securing the partnership.

Based on the "strength of weak ties" theory, Rosé has effectively built relationships beyond the K-pop industry, allowing her to expand into the global music market.

K-Pop’s Expanding Global Reach

Lisa, another BLACKPINK member, also made an impact with her solo single Born Again, which debuted at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. Featuring pop stars Doja Cat and Raye, the song also entered the UK Official Singles Chart at No. 13, reflecting K-pop’s continued presence in the Western music industry.

Rosé shared on social media that 2024 was the most rewarding year of her career. "I achieved many of my long-held dreams and learned invaluable lessons along the way," she said. She promised to take on new challenges in 2025, growing alongside her fans.

K-Pop's Growing Influence in the Global Music Market

The success of Apartment is not just a personal achievement for Rosé but a milestone for K-pop’s increasing prominence in the global music industry. Once a niche genre, K-pop has now secured a firm position in mainstream Western markets, topping charts, filling stadiums, and shaping international pop culture trends.

With BLACKPINK and other K-pop acts expanding their global reach, industry analysts expect K-pop’s influence to continue growing in the coming years.

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