Rosé’s “APT.” Reaches No. 5 on Billboard Chart; BLACKPINK Members’ Solo Activities Spark Global Success

BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s song “APT.”, a collaboration with pop star Bruno Mars, reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard main singles chart, the Hot 100. This marks the highest ranking ever achieved by a K-pop female artist and her first entry into the top five. Rosé’s agency, Double Black Label, described this achievement as “the highest record ever set by a K-pop female artist on the Hot 100, as well as her first ‘top five’ placement.” “APT.” entered this chart at No. 8 shortly after its release in October of last year before experiencing a decline in rankings, but it recently rose 29 places compared to the previous week, setting a new personal high. Experts analyze that the song’s repeated, highly addictive hook and its collaboration with Grammy-winning pop star Bruno Mars are key factors behind its global success. The success of BLACKPINK members’ solo activities has become even more prominent this year. Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and others who decided not to renew their solo contracts with YG Entertainment last year have established their own agencies or signed deals with new companies to pursue solo careers. Jennie made her debut in November 2018 with her first solo single “SOLO,” and in 2024 she released new music under her own company, O.de Atelier. After its release, Jennie’s “SOLO” accumulated 4.5 million streams on Spotify and topped South Korea’s music chart, the Circle Digital Chart, remaining there for 33 weeks. A notable aspect of her new solo activities is her focus on English-language music. Unlike the traditional K-pop industry, which centers around Korean language, the members are releasing music in English first to directly target the international market. This allows them to gain more autonomy in areas such as music production, styling, and concept development, free from the strict controls of the mainstream K-pop industry. Double Black Label announced that Rosé will continue to engage in diverse musical activities in 2025.