In an unprecedented shift for the global music industry, K-Pop artists have dominated the 2025 international charts according to newly released data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). BLACKPINK’s Rosé, in collaboration with Bruno Mars, achieved the year’s most-streamed single with “APT,” amassing over two billion streams worldwide.
This milestone represents the first time a predominantly non-English language track has claimed the top position in the IFPI’s annual global chart since its inception in 2007. Although primarily performed in English, “APT” incorporates Korean elements, opening with spoken dialogue that translates to “Chaeyoung’s favourite random game. Random game. Game start,” and featuring a chorus repeating the word “아파트” (apateu), meaning “apartment.”
The achievement marks another historic first as Rosé becomes the first artist from outside North America or Europe to top the global chart. IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley described the moment as “landmark” for the industry.
Following closely in second place was “Golden” by Huntr/X, the animated girl group from Netflix’s popular series “KPop Demon Hunters.” The virtual ensemble is voiced by real-life artists Rei Ami, Audrey Nuna, and Ejae.
American singer Alex Warren secured third place with “Ordinary,” while the Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga collaboration “Die With A Smile” took fourth position. Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” completed the top five, despite having topped the charts the previous year.
The chart demonstrated remarkable staying power for older releases, with eight of the top ten singles having been released prior to 2025. For the second consecutive year, no British artists appeared in the top ten, though Lola Young reached eleventh place with her breakthrough single “Messy,” achieving over one billion streams.
The continued influence of K-Pop was further evidenced by another “KPop Demon Hunters” entry—”Soda Pop” by rival boyband Saja Boys—appearing in the top twenty.
Earlier industry reports confirmed Taylor Swift as 2025’s overall top global artist, though she appears only once in the singles chart at nineteenth position with “The Fate of Ophelia” from her album “The Life of a Showgirl.” The IFPI will release its annual album chart rankings later this week.