Rosé’s ‘APT.’ Achieves Historic First as Top Global Single of 2025
Lisbon, Portugal – Blackpink’s Rosé has made history, achieving a landmark first for a K-Pop artist with her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.” The song has been officially named the world’s best-selling single of 2025 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). This marks the first time an artist outside of North America or Europe has topped the IFPI’s Global Single Chart, and the first time a song featuring non-English lyrics has reached the number one position. The announcement, made on February 20, 2026, underscores the growing global influence of K-Pop and the breaking down of language barriers in the music industry.
The IFPI Global Single Chart, a widely respected indicator of music consumption, calculates global popularity by factoring in single-track downloads and streams from both paid and free platforms. “APT.”’s success demonstrates a significant shift in the global music landscape, moving beyond traditionally dominant markets. The song’s widespread appeal is a testament to the collaborative power of Rosé and Bruno Mars, and the increasing openness of audiences to music in diverse languages. The IFPI highlighted this shift, stating that the achievement “reflects the increasingly global nature of recorded music and the role of labels in breaking language and market barriers.”
A Global Phenomenon: ‘APT.’s’ Rise to the Top
Released in October 2024, “APT.” quickly gained traction across social media platforms, becoming a viral sensation and topping charts both domestically and internationally. As reported by Allkpop, the song also earned Rosé her first Grammy nomination. The song’s success isn’t just a win for Rosé and Bruno Mars. it’s a watershed moment for the K-Pop industry as a whole, proving its ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
This achievement places Rosé in an exclusive group of artists who have reached the pinnacle of the IFPI Global Single Chart. Prior to “APT.”, Bruno Mars last topped the chart in 2011 with “Just The Way You Are,” demonstrating a remarkable return to the top after 14 years. His collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile,” also secured a spot on the chart at number four, further highlighting his continued influence in the music industry.
Competition and Context: Other Top Performers of 2025
While “APT.” claimed the top spot, other songs also demonstrated significant global appeal in 2025. The soundtrack from the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” proved particularly popular, with “Golden” by HUNTR/X securing the second position on the chart. Cineplay reports that another track from the same film, “Soda Pop,” also landed at number 13, showcasing the film’s musical impact. This demonstrates the growing influence of animated film soundtracks in the global music market.
The success of “APT.” builds upon the growing international recognition of K-Pop. While Psy’s “Gangnam Style” broke ground in 2012 by becoming the first Korean song to enter the IFPI chart, and groups like BTS and Jungkook achieved high rankings in subsequent years, none had previously reached the coveted number one position. This makes Rosé the first K-Pop artist to achieve this milestone, solidifying her place in music history.
The IFPI Global Single Chart: A Measure of Global Music Consumption
The IFPI Global Single Chart is a crucial metric for the music industry, providing a comprehensive overview of global music consumption. It’s calculated based on a combination of single-track downloads and streams from a wide range of platforms, offering a holistic view of a song’s popularity. The chart’s credibility stems from its methodology and its representation of the global recording industry. The IFPI represents record producers, record labels, and collecting societies, making its chart a trusted source of information for industry professionals and music fans alike.
Looking Ahead: BLACKPINK’s Upcoming Comeback
Rosé’s individual success with “APT.” comes as her group, BLACKPINK, prepares for their highly anticipated comeback on February 27, 2026, with their third mini-album, ‘DEADLINE.’ Allkpop also notes that initial teasers for ‘DEADLINE’ have faced some criticism from Korean netizens, who have described them as “boring” and “repetitive.” Despite this initial reaction, the group’s return is expected to generate significant excitement among fans worldwide.
The success of “APT.” and the upcoming release of ‘DEADLINE’ highlight the continued dynamism of BLACKPINK and the K-Pop industry. The group’s ability to innovate and connect with audiences globally positions them as a major force in the music world. The combination of Rosé’s individual achievements and BLACKPINK’s collective strength promises an exciting future for the group and the K-Pop genre.
The IFPI is expected to release further analysis of the 2025 Global Single Chart in the coming weeks, providing deeper insights into the trends shaping the music industry. Fans and industry professionals alike will be watching closely to see how these trends evolve in the years to come. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the music industry and the latest developments in K-Pop.
What are your thoughts on Rosé’s historic achievement? Share your comments below and let us know what you feel of the growing global influence of K-Pop!
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