From chart history set by ROSÉ, Stray Kids and HUNTR/X to moments of visibility for Brazil, India and the LGBTQ+ community, K-pop has truly expanded its reach and impact this year. With its infectious beats, captivating choreography, and diverse representation, K-pop has taken the world by storm and continues to break barriers and push boundaries.
One of the biggest moments in K-pop this year was the chart-topping success of ROSÉ’s solo debut. The BLACKPINK member made her solo debut in March with her single album “R” and immediately dominated the charts. She became the first female K-pop soloist to top the Billboard Global 200 chart and the first Korean soloist to top the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. ROSÉ’s powerful vocals and stunning visuals captivated fans all over the world, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
But ROSÉ wasn’t the only one making history on the charts this year. Stray Kids, a rising boy group under JYP Entertainment, also made their mark with their album “NOEASY.” The album debuted at number one on the Billboard World Albums chart, making Stray Kids the first fourth-generation K-pop group to achieve this feat. The group’s unique sound and powerful performances have gained them a dedicated fanbase, and their success on the charts is a testament to their talent and hard work.
Another group that made waves this year was HUNTR/X, a K-pop group formed by Big Hit Music and Source Music. The group made their debut in June with their single album “Man on the Moon” and quickly gained attention for their catchy music and dynamic performances. HUNTR/X became the first K-pop group to debut at number one on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, solidifying their position as one of the most promising new acts in the industry.
But K-pop’s impact goes beyond just chart success. This year, the genre also saw moments of visibility for countries like Brazil and India. In August, BTS’s “Permission to Dance” became the first K-pop song to top the Brazilian charts, a significant achievement for the group and the genre as a whole. In India, K-pop’s popularity has been steadily growing, with fans organizing events and streaming parties to support their favorite groups. This year, the country also saw its first K-pop concert, with the group IN2IT performing in Mumbai to a sold-out crowd.
K-pop has also been making strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity. This year, several K-pop artists and groups showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community, with many participating in Pride events and speaking out against discrimination. SuperM, a supergroup formed by SM Entertainment, released a special Pride version of their song “We DO” and donated all proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign. BTS also made a statement by including a same-sex kiss in their performance of “Butter” at the Billboard Music Awards, showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community and breaking down barriers in the conservative Korean entertainment industry.
Moreover, K-pop has been actively promoting cultural exchange and understanding through collaborations with artists from different countries. This year, BTS collaborated with American singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran on their song “Permission to Dance,” showcasing the power of music to bring people from different backgrounds together. The group also collaborated with Indian composer and producer AR Rahman for a special performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards, further bridging the gap between different cultures and showcasing the global appeal of K-pop.
In addition to these achievements, K-pop has also been making strides in the fashion and beauty industries. With their unique and trendsetting styles, K-pop artists have become fashion icons and have been collaborating with major brands and designers. This year, BLACKPINK’s Lisa became the global ambassador for luxury brand Celine, while BTS collaborated with Louis Vuitton for a special collection. K-pop’s influence in the beauty industry has also been growing, with many artists launching their own makeup and skincare lines, further solidifying their status as global trendsetters.
In conclusion, K-pop has truly expanded its reach and impact this year, breaking records, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and bridging cultural gaps. With its infectious music, captivating performances, and diverse representation, K-pop has become a global phenomenon, and its influence shows no signs of slowing down. As we look towards the future, we can only expect even more groundbreaking achievements
