20 Iconic K-Pop Hits: Charting Their Rise on the Billboard Hot 100
Hello, music lovers and K-Pop enthusiasts!
The global phenomenon of K-Pop continues to break barriers, captivate audiences, and redefine the landscape of popular music. At the heart of this incredible expansion is its growing presence on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart – the definitive ranking of the most popular songs in the U.S. We often hear about how K-Pop has "gone global," but what does that truly mean on a statistical level?
Today, we're diving deep into the history books to explore 20 iconic K-Pop songs that have left their indelible mark on the Billboard Hot 100. We'll rank them by their peak position, and in cases of a tie, we'll honor the song that achieved its success earlier. This isn't just a list; it's a testament to the talent, dedication, and universal appeal of Korean artists and their music. Let's explore the records they broke, the stories behind their popularity, and the cultural impact they've made on the global music industry.
The #1 Chart-Toppers: K-Pop's Crowning Achievements
1. BTS - "Dynamite" (August 2020) - Peak: #1 BTS made history with "Dynamite," becoming the first K-Pop act to ever debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This vibrant, disco-pop track, performed entirely in English, arrived at a crucial time during the global pandemic, offering a much-needed dose of joy and positivity. Its catchy melody and retro-inspired music video resonated universally, shattering YouTube records for views and solidifying BTS's status as a global powerhouse. "Dynamite" paved the way, proving that a K-Pop group could not only top the most competitive chart but sustain that success.
2. BTS - "Savage Love" (Laxed – Siren Beat) (Remix) (October 2020) - Peak: #1 Though originally a song by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo, the remix featuring BTS propelled "Savage Love" to the coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This collaboration showcased BTS’s incredible influence and their ability to elevate an already popular track to new heights. Their contributions, including new Korean verses, significantly amplified its reach, demonstrating the power of cross-cultural musical synergy and expanding the definition of a "K-Pop hit" on the global stage.
3. BTS - "Life Goes On" (November 2020) - Peak: #1 Following "Dynamite," BTS achieved another historic feat with "Life Goes On," becoming the first Korean-language song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This heartwarming and reflective track offered comfort and resilience during a challenging year, directly connecting with fans through its poignant lyrics about perseverance. It reaffirmed BTS's unique ability to communicate profound messages through their native language, resonating deeply with a global fan engagement that prioritizes sincerity.
4. BTS - "Butter" (May 2021) - Peak: #1 "Butter" cemented BTS's dominance on the Billboard Hot 100, spending an astounding ten non-consecutive weeks at number one. This smooth, summery, and irresistibly catchy track further showcased their versatility and appeal. Performed in English, "Butter" broke multiple streaming and sales records upon release, highlighting the immense dedication of their K-Pop fanbase (ARMY) and their strategic approach to creating universally appealing K-Pop songs that transcend genre.
5. BTS - "Permission to Dance" (July 2021) - Peak: #1 Co-written by Ed Sheeran, "Permission to Dance" marked BTS's fourth number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This uplifting and optimistic track, featuring universally understood dance moves, became an anthem of hope and freedom in a world eager for normalcy. Its positive message and inclusive choreography further expanded their reach, cementing their status as global cultural ambassadors who use their platform to spread joy and positive influence.
6. BTS & Coldplay - "My Universe" (October 2021) - Peak: #1 A dream collaboration between two of the world's biggest bands, "My Universe" debuted at number one, marking BTS's sixth chart-topper. This bilingual track beautifully blends English and Korean lyrics, symbolizing unity and connection beyond language barriers. The song's success underscored the growing convergence of Western and K-Pop music industries, proving that authentic artistic collaborations can produce truly groundbreaking global hits.
Top 10 High-Flyers: Breaking Through the Ceiling
7. PSY - "Gangnam Style" (July 2012) - Peak: #2 Before BTS, PSY exploded onto the global scene with "Gangnam Style," spending seven weeks at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This satirical dance track became a true cultural phenomenon, breaking the then-unimaginable record of being the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. Its infectious horse-riding dance and catchy melody transcended language, making K-Pop a household name worldwide and setting the stage for future K-Pop success.8. BTS - "On" (February 2020) - Peak: #4 From their album 'Map of the Soul: 7', "On" showcased BTS's artistic evolution and powerful performance. Despite being primarily in Korean, its cinematic music video and dynamic choreography propelled it to number four on the Hot 100. This achievement was significant as it demonstrated that a largely Korean-language track could achieve immense mainstream success without relying solely on English lyrics, highlighting the increasing global appetite for authentic Korean music.
9. BTS - "Boy With Luv" (feat. Halsey) (April 2019) - Peak: #8 This collaboration with American singer Halsey marked BTS's first top 10 hit, peaking at number eight. "Boy With Luv" combined BTS's signature vibrant sound with Halsey's unique flair, creating a widely accessible and incredibly popular track. Its colorful aesthetic and record-breaking YouTube views upon release solidified BTS's status as a formidable force in the global music charts and cemented their pathway to consistent K-Pop hit making.
10. BTS - "Fake Love" (May 2018) - Peak: #10 "Fake Love" was a watershed moment for BTS and K-Pop. It was the first song by a K-Pop group to break into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number ten. This dark, emotional, and powerful track showcased their introspective songwriting and intense choreography. Its success was driven by raw emotion and a compelling narrative, proving that complex themes resonated deeply with their expanding K-Pop audience beyond language.
Beyond the Top 10: Expanding K-Pop's Footprint
11. BTS - "Idol" (feat. Nicki Minaj) (August 2018) - Peak: #11 The highly anticipated collaboration with Nicki Minaj helped "Idol" reach number 11 on the Hot 100. The vibrant, traditional Korean-inspired visuals and the energetic fusion of genres made it a celebratory anthem. This track highlighted BTS’s pride in their Korean heritage while seamlessly blending it with global hip-hop elements, showcasing the unique cultural synthesis often found in K-Pop compositions.
12. BLACKPINK - "Ice Cream" (with Selena Gomez) (August 2020) - Peak: #13 This sweet and playful collaboration with Selena Gomez marked BLACKPINK's highest-charting song at number 13 on the Hot 100 at the time. "Ice Cream" captivated audiences with its vibrant aesthetics and catchy pop melodies. The collaboration brought together two global forces, introducing BLACKPINK to new audiences and expanding their commercial appeal in the Western music industry, becoming a memorable K-Pop collaboration.
13. BLACKPINK - "Pink Venom" (August 2022) - Peak: #22 "Pink Venom" debuted at number 22, showcasing BLACKPINK's signature blend of fierce hip-hop and captivating visuals. This powerful pre-release single from their album "Born Pink" reasserted their strong global presence and their ability to generate massive buzz with every release. The song's dramatic flair and commanding presence contributed significantly to the global recognition of female K-Pop artists.
14. BLACKPINK - "Shut Down" (September 2022) - Peak: #25 Another impressive entry from BLACKPINK, "Shut Down" reached number 25. This track masterfully sampled classical music while delivering a powerful hip-hop beat, a testament to K-Pop's innovation. Its commanding lyrics and confident delivery reinforced BLACKPINK's unique brand, further cementing their status as a global phenomenon with a distinct artistic identity.
15. BLACKPINK - "How You Like That" (June 2020) - Peak: #33 With its intense beat and empowering message, "How You Like That" charted at number 33, solidifying BLACKPINK's global appeal. The song broke multiple YouTube records, showcasing their incredible online reach and the dedication of their Blinks fandom. It was a pre-release single that set high expectations for their upcoming album, proving their ability to consistently deliver chart-topping K-Pop anthems.
16. ITZY - "WANNABE" (March 2020) - Peak: #39 (Global 200 Excl. US) While "WANNABE" didn't hit the Hot 100, it achieved significant global recognition, charting at #39 on the Billboard Global 200 (Excl. US). Its viral "shoulder dance" and empowering message of self-love resonated strongly, especially among younger audiences worldwide. ITZY’s energetic performance and relatable lyrics about individuality propelled it to become a global favorite and a major K-Pop viral song.
17. (G)I-DLE - "Queencard" (May 2023) - Peak: #75 (Global 200 Excl. US) "(G)I-DLE's" self-affirming anthem "Queencard" was a global sensation, reaching #75 on the Billboard Global 200 (Excl. US). With its catchy melody and message of unapologetic confidence, it became a massive hit, particularly gaining immense popularity through TikTok trends. The group's unique charm and playful lyrics resonated widely, cementing their position as innovative Korean girl group icons.
18. Wonder Girls - "Nobody" (October 2009) - Peak: #76 A truly historic moment, "Nobody" was the first K-Pop act to ever enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 76. This retro-inspired track and its iconic choreography introduced a generation of American listeners to K-Pop. Their brave move to promote an English version in the U.S. showed pioneering ambition and paved the way for all future Korean artists seeking Western market penetration.
19. NewJeans - "Ditto" (December 2022) - Peak: #82 NewJeans made an impressive debut with "Ditto," reaching number 82 on the Hot 100. This dreamy, nostalgic track captivated audiences with its unique blend of Y2K aesthetics and a refreshingly natural concept. Despite being a rookie group, their fresh sound and innovative marketing quickly garnered a dedicated global following, showcasing the evolving soundscapes of the K-Pop scene.
20. LISA - "Money" (September 2021) - Peak: #90 BLACKPINK's Lisa achieved solo success with "Money," charting at number 90. This fierce hip-hop track highlighted Lisa's commanding presence and rap skills. "Money" became a viral phenomenon on social media, especially TikTok, where its catchy beat fueled millions of user-generated videos. Its independent success as a B-side track demonstrated the changing dynamics of music consumption and the power of digital platforms in generating K-Pop popularity.
This list perfectly illustrates how K-Pop has progressed from niche interest to mainstream powerhouse, continually setting new records and pushing boundaries. Each song represents not just a musical achievement but a cultural moment that has contributed to the Hallyu wave sweeping the world. What an incredible journey for these K-Pop acts!
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