BLACKPINK’s Rosé continues to make waves in the music industry with her latest solo release, “APT,” a collaboration with global pop icon Bruno Mars. The song has achieved remarkable success, particularly on the Spotify US charts, where it reached an impressive 1.17 million streams. In comparison, BTS’s Jimin released his solo track “WHO,” which garnered over 900,000 streams on the same chart. While both artists are incredibly popular, the difference in the songs’ performances has sparked conversations among fans and music critics alike.
One key factor in Rosé’s success with “APT” is the star power of Bruno Mars, who has a massive following in both the Western and global music markets. Collaborating with such a prominent figure undoubtedly boosted Rosé’s visibility, especially among Western listeners who may not be as familiar with K-pop. The track’s smooth blend of pop and R&B, combined with the chemistry between Rosé’s soft, unique voice and Bruno’s soulful style, makes it a standout on the charts.
On the other hand, Jimin’s “WHO” is a solo effort, which he released while serving in the South Korean military, a time when direct promotion is limited. Unlike Rosé, Jimin had no opportunities to appear on promotional events, perform live, or engage with fans to push his song. The release of “WHO” was also quieter in terms of media attention, as BTS members often take a step back from promotions while in military service. Despite these challenges, Jimin still managed to chart with over 900,000 streams, an impressive feat considering his limited promotional capacity.
Another aspect that contributed to Rosé’s chart-topping performance is the use of paid playlist . Many K-pop artists, including Rosé, benefit from these organized streaming efforts by fans who aim to secure chart dominance. This trend has become common in K-pop, where fans coordinate paid streaming to ensure their favorite songs climb the charts. Rosé’s current promotions and the active participation of her fanbase, combined with her collaboration with Bruno Mars, created the perfect storm for “APT” to outperform many releases, including Jimin’s.
Some critics argue that while Rosé’s success is undeniable, it’s hard to compare her numbers directly with Jimin’s due to the differences in their circumstances. Jimin’s solo song, without the benefit of a Western collaboration or active promotion, still performed admirably. His fanbase, though limited in visibility during his military service, continues to show strong support for his music.
Overall, the chart performance of both artists reflects not only their individual talents but also the varying promotional strategies and circumstances surrounding their releases. Rosé’s collaboration with a renowned Western artist and her active promotional cycle have given her a significant edge, while Jimin’s success with “WHO” shows his powerful impact even without the backing of major promotions or collaborations. Fans will no doubt continue to celebrate both releases as each artist leaves their mark on the global music scene.
