K-Pop’s Global Impact Shines on Apple Music’s Top 100 List
Apple Music has recognized the growing influence of K-pop and other global music trends by compiling a list of the most-streamed songs over the past decade. This special playlist, titled “10 Years of Apple Music: Top Songs,” was released to celebrate the streaming service’s 10th anniversary. Among the tracks featured, four Korean songs stood out, highlighting the increasing popularity of K-pop on the international stage.
One of the most notable entries is BTS’ “Dynamite,” which ranked 34th on the list. Released in 2020, this track became a global phenomenon and remains the highest-placed K-pop song on the list. It also made history as the only K-pop song to appear in the top 100. The next highest-ranked K-pop track was BTS’ 2021 single “Butter,” which placed at 252nd. Both “Dynamite” and “Butter” achieved worldwide success, reaching the top five on Apple Music’s “Today’s Top 100: Global” chart upon their release.
Another significant entry on the list is “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong, which secured the 351st position. This children’s song gained immense popularity due to its catchy and repetitive lyrics. Its viral nature helped it become a global sensation, resonating with audiences of all ages.
BLACKPINK member Rose also made an appearance on the list with her collaboration single “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars. The track ranked 459th and dominated Apple Music’s “Today’s Top 100: Global” chart for over 60 consecutive days. This collaboration highlighted Rose’s versatility and appeal beyond her work with BLACKPINK.
In addition to these K-pop hits, the list features a mix of international artists who have left a lasting impact on the music industry. Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” topped the list, followed by The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” at number two and Drake’s “God’s Plan” at number three. These songs reflect the diverse tastes of listeners across different regions and genres.
Drake had the most entries on the list with 27 songs, showcasing his consistent presence and influence in the music scene. Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran also made strong showings, with 14 and 11 songs respectively. This demonstrates the broad reach of these artists and their ability to connect with a wide audience.
The inclusion of K-pop tracks on such a prominent platform underscores the genre’s growing influence and global appeal. As more K-pop artists gain international recognition, their presence on major music platforms like Apple Music is likely to increase further. This trend not only reflects the evolving preferences of music listeners but also highlights the cultural impact of K-pop on a global scale.
With the continued success of K-pop groups and individual artists, it’s clear that the genre is here to stay. As Apple Music continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it’s expected that more Korean songs will make their way onto similar lists in the future. This development marks a significant milestone in the journey of K-pop and its integration into the broader global music landscape.
