K-Pop
K-pop tracks continues to dominate playlists and charts worldwide with 2024 being no exception. This year, top artists delivered an incredible array of songs that define the genre’s innovative spirit, emotional depth and increasing international appeal. As the year winds down, Billboard wants to know which track resonated with you the most. 2024 saw major […]
There’s been no shortage of excellent K-pop albums this year, and now that 2024 is winding down, Billboard wants to know which record has defined your year the most. Three K-pop artists earned career milestones on the Billboard 200 with projects this year: TWICE earned their first chart-topper in March with the girl group’s personalized […]
From making music to acting on screen, IU can seemingly do it all — and she commands unparalleled love and support from K-pop fans and the broader Korean music community. Her generation-spanning popularity was on display in 2024, when she dominated the charts. Her single, “Love Wins All,” climbed to the No. 1 spot on Melon’s TOP100 chart just an hour after its Jan. 24 release, becoming the second song to achieve this feat since the platform’s chart reform. The massively successful track led the weekly chart for four consecutive weeks, topped February’s monthly chart and on iChart achieved 339 perfect all-kills (the term describes when a song simultaneously tops iChart’s real-time, daily and weekly components).
The achievements helped propel IU to becoming Korea’s representative for Billboard’s Global No. 1 artist series. “It’s a bit humbling, a bit surreal, and honestly, it feels really special,” she says of the recognition.
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Her success extended to the road. Starting March 2, IU embarked on a 31-performance world tour that played shows in Japan, Europe and North America — and was attended by some half a million fans, a record for a Korean female solo artist. She followed four sold-out shows at Seoul’s KSPO Dome with a performance at Manila’s Philippine Arena, the world’s largest indoor venue, where she became the first Korean solo artist to headline.
On Sept. 21 and 22, IU held encore concerts at Seoul World Cup Stadium, becoming the first female artist to perform at the venue and drawing 107,000 attendees across two nights, which set the record for the largest concert engagement by a Korean solo artist and female artist in Korea.
What are the advantages and challenges of being a solo act in Korea’s music industry?
If I had to pick one challenge, it’s that there’s no one to share energy with onstage. Groups have distinct roles, which create a synergy that’s hard to replicate as a soloist. But on the flip side, I get to enjoy all the love and attention by myself. (Laughs.)
Many Korean artists are making waves on Billboard charts. In your opinion, what sets them apart?
There are countless strengths, but what stands out is how K-pop groups maintain their individuality while being deeply respected by their fans. As a K-pop listener myself, I see how each group’s unique identity is cherished and upheld, which makes them so special. Of course, the music is top-notch, but the visual elements and storytelling also define K-pop culture. For instance, the distinct characters and worlds that exist only onstage for groups are something I, as a soloist, sometimes envy. These unique traits captivate fans, offering an experience that engages the ears, eyes and heart. Ultimately, it’s this blend of individuality and fan support that makes Korean artists shine.
IU photographed for the Billboard Korea Global No. 1s Issue.
EDAM Entertainment
Do you have any plans to collaborate with global artists?
In the past, I received many amazing offers, but the idea of collaborating with artists who spoke different languages felt daunting. I turned down those opportunities then, but I don’t feel the same way anymore. Now, I’m much more open to the idea of working with global artists.
You’re known for having a strong bond with your fans. What do they mean to you?
Initially, most of my fans were older than me — big sisters, older brothers and even uncle fans. At the time, I was a young solo artist without a solid footing, so I often felt cared for and protected by them. As I entered my mid-20s, fans my age became the majority. They resonated with my lyrics and music as peers, and we built a mutual understanding and grew together. Now, I have many younger fans, and I find myself wanting to support, encourage and nurture them. I see UAENA [IU’s fandom] and myself as having a steady, balanced relationship where we constantly exchange the best of what we can offer each other.
Why do you think you have such cross-generational appeal?
Without meaning to downplay myself, I think I appear relatively ordinary and less distinctive in my looks and personality compared to other remarkable stars in Korea. This might make me seem more approachable and relatable. Plus, Korea is a country with a lot of warmth, and I believe the support I’ve received reflects appreciation for my consistent hard work. Still, it’s fascinating that even teens connect with me these days.
You’ve encountered fans all over the world. Are there any memorable moments from your performances abroad?
It’s hard to pick just one, but Auckland [New Zealand] comes to mind. Their unique way of cheering made the entire experience unforgettable. Another standout was Jakarta [Indonesia], where the audience sang along to every song from start to finish. That level of enthusiasm left a lasting impression on me.
You’re often credited for both your meticulousness and flexibility. How do you balance these seemingly contrasting traits?
I feel like I’m constantly at a crossroads. You could say I’m flexible, or, less flatteringly, that I’m good at justifying things. (Laughs.) I’m naturally stubborn and like to plan everything thoroughly, but I’ve learned that things rarely go perfectly. Over time, I’ve practiced being more adaptable, and in doing so, I’ve figured out how to protect my mental well-being.
Beyond music, you’ve made your mark as an actor. What’s in store for 2025?
The drama I filmed throughout 2023, When Life Gives You Tangerines, will premiere on Netflix in 2025. It’s a project filled with the cast and crew’s hard work, and I’m excited to promote it. I’ll also be filming a new drama with a completely different vibe — glamorous and fun. Although I’ll be focused on acting for most of 2025, I’ve already started working on new music, so fans won’t have to wait too long for something fresh.
12/13/2024
From Linkin Park 2.0’s BBMA debut to Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Coldplay, Fuerzo Regida and Stray Kids, we’ve got all of Thursday night’s (Dec. 12) sets here for you.
12/13/2024
Does Jimmy Fallon have some new competition for his Tonight Show gig? On Wednesday night’s (Dec. 11) episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, ROSÉ will make her solo in-studio performance debut, playing a mash-up of “APT.” and “Toxic Till the End,” both from her just-released Rosie album. In photos from the performance exclusive […]
BTS‘ V and the late Bing Crosby‘s duet version of “White Christmas” has topped this week’s new music poll, which highlights releases from artists across a variety of genres.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Dec. 6) on Billboard, naming the new rendition of the holiday classic their favorite new music release of the past week.
“White Christmas” secured nearly 51% of the vote, outpacing new releases from ROSÉ (rosie), TWICE (Strategy), Bad Bunny (“EL CLÚB”), Khalid and Normani (“Personal”), and more.
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In the festive collaboration, V and Crosby trade lines, harmonizing on the iconic lyrics: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas/ With every Christmas card I write/ May your days be merry and bright/ And may all your Christmases be white.”
“I’m so grateful to have had the chance to be featured in a song with my all-time favorite jazz artist, Bing Crosby,” V previously said of the track in a statement. “I grew up listening to his song ‘It’s Been a Long, Long Time’ countless times a day, and I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to have sung along on ‘White Christmas’ with the voice of someone I consider an idol.”
“Being a huge fan of his, I sang with the utmost sincerity and admiration for him,” continued the superstar, who previously covered “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” “I hope many people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed singing it. Lastly, I wish a lovely holiday season to everyone listening to the song.”
Crosby passed away in 1977. His daughter, Mary Crosby, expressed her excitement about her father’s new posthumous collaboration, saying, “As a family, we are thrilled to have V and Dad singing together on this ultimate Christmas song. Their voices blend beautifully, capturing the holiday spirit in the best possible way.”
The Christmas classic, written by Irving Berlin in just 18 minutes, remains the best-selling song of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide, according to Guinness World Records. “White Christmas” also won the Oscar for best original song in the 1942 musical Holiday Inn and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974.
Trailing closely behind V and Crosby in this week’s poll is BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ, whose debut solo album, rosie, garnered almost 48% of the vote. The 12 tracks on the set include the hit single “APT.” with Bruno Mars, which has held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 for six consecutive weeks, as well as “Number One Girl.”
Check out the full results of this week’s poll below and head to Billboard‘s Friday Music Guide for more must-hear releases.
Idols, rookies and global stars all made our list.
For K-pop girl group TWICE, the second go-round with Megan Thee Stallion is definitely two times dope. The nine-member group dropped their new seven-track mini-album Strategy on Friday (Dec. 6), along with the video for the title track featuring their latest collaboration with the “Hot Girl” rapper.
The brightly colored clip for the bouncy pop bop features members Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu striking sultry poses all around the city as they count down the step-by-step process of catching the eye of a love interest.
“Step one, do my highlight/ Make me shine so bright in the moonlight/ Step two, silhouette tight/ Baby, even my shadow looks good, right/ Step three, when I arrive/ Make you look my way with your heart eyes/ Step four, got you on the floor,” Chaeyoung, Mina, Dahyun and Sana sing as they pose and dance their way through shooting ranges and candy-colored downtown streets before the Houston rapper pops in for some real talk.
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“Do you like that?/ When I smack it and you watch it bounce it right back?/ He really lost it when he saw me do the right, left/ I’m a man eater, you just a light snack/ I got him pressed like he’s workin’ on his triceps,” Meg raps from a rooftop before she joins the rest of the crew to share more advice on her slam-dunk love attack strategy.
The JYP Entertainment group spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the follow-up to their appearance on the remix of Megan’s hit “Mamushi,” explaining why the MC’s persona fits their vibe.
“She has a powerful, strong image. We were wondering, would that fit in with our style of music and our image?” Jeongyeon told the magazine. “Once we recorded, we thought we actually fit really well, a lot better than we imagined. I feel like Megan’s style really enhanced our part of the music. When we were shooting the music video, Megan really wanted to learn Korean, so she kept saying like, ‘귀여운,’ which means cute. That ‘you’re very cute’ or ‘that’s really cute.’ She did a lot of Korean-style jokes and those hand hearts that Koreans do a lot to break the ice.”
The bubbly “Strategy”clip is also TWICE’s first to feature another artist, with Tzuyu saying the group’s members were initially “quite shy” about bringing Meg in because “she’s so famous and well-known… [but] Megan really tried a lot to break the ice. She kept trying to learn Korean and make jokes and just kept saying, ‘Let’s just have fun together.’ I feel like the music video turned out very well.”
Watch the “Strategy” video below.
Rosé channels some seriously hot/cold vibes in the new video for her solo track “Toxic Till the End.” The Avril Lavigne-like emo pop single from the BLACKPINK singer’s eagerly anticipated debut solo album, rosie, stars Gossip Girl actor Evan Mock, who plays Rosé’s love interest in the visual about a couple who meet cute before flaming out.
“Call us what we are/ Toxic from the start/ Can’t pretend that I was in the dark/ When you met my friends/ Didn’t even try with them,” she sings over the track’s bubbling synths as the clip offers up the screen couple’s origin story. It opens with pink-haired Mock flagging down Rosé’s car on a country road after his bicycle pops a flat.
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Instantly intrigued, she gives him a ride and soon enough the couple embark on a classic rom-com montage of their early, happy days. They chase each other through the lush gardens of an estate, laughing and sharing romantic fireside snuggles and sharing a tender moment where the singer signs her beloved’s cast after he wipes out on his skateboard.
The song’s urgent lyrics, though, hint at the brewing issues just underneath the shiny facade. “Jealous and possessive/ So manipulating/ Honestly impressive/ You had me participating,” she seethes as the accompanying visuals hint at a fast-growing flame quickly fizzling out as Mock appears to cover his phone to conceal a rogue text that heralds the beginning of the end.
Rosé burns out in her car and laments the betrayal hinted at in the song’s title, raging, “I can’t forgive you for a lot of things/ For not giving me back my Tiffany rings/ I’ll never forgive you for one thing my dear/ You wasted my prettiest years,” even as she hints at a complicated love too hard to dismiss in the Ramez Silyan-directed video
“When I was running out of your place/ I said I never wanna see your face/ I meant I couldn’t wait to see it again/ We were toxic,” she adds as the song climbs to a raucous din, before downshifting as the messy couple appear to make up again and Rosé reveals that their “chance” meeting might not have been as serendipitous as it seemed.
In a chat with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about the song that was originally titled “The Ex,” the singer said she wrote the tune after discussing the difficult relationship that inspired it with her friends for years. “We’ve talked about the ex a bit too much, it’s about time that we write a song called ‘the ex’,” she said; she later changed the title to something that felt like a “better punchline.”
“It was actually easy for me to talk about it because it was the thing I was talking about all the time,” she told Lowe about the story she “hated” bringing up over-and-over.
The 12-track rosie includes the hit single “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars — which has spent six weeks so far at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 — as well as “Number One Girl,” “Game Boy,” “Drinks or Coffee,” “Stay a Little Longer,” Not the Same” and “Dance All Night.”
Watch the “Toxic Till the End” video below.
K-pop girl group XG have been on the road all year in 2024, kicking off their first world tour, The First Howl, in Osaka, Japan in May. They then made their way across Asia and played a series of sold out shows in North America in October, winding down on Oct. 21 with a gig at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Along the way, group member MAYA tells Billboard they have been delighted to see their superfans, the ALPHAZ, coming out in huge numbers. “We had so much fun [and] we met so many of our U.S. ALAPHAZ and they were all dressed up with amazing cool outfits, they sang top to bottom… so much good energy from them,” she says of the love they felt from their American supporters in the full video you can watch above.
After completing their Asian swing, HARVEY adds that the seven-member group took that good energy and used to to fuel their performances, saying it was a nice “give-and-take” that has hyped them up in advance of the upcoming European leg of the outing. JURIN says it’s also been nice to add new songs and choreography to the mix along the way. They’ve had a lot of fresh tracks to beef up their set list thanks to a clutch of new songs they’ve released this year, including the Valorant video game soundtrack tune “Undefeated” in April and “Woke Up” in May, followed by “Something Ain’t Right” in July and “IYKYK” in October. They also dropped their second EP, Awe, last month, which featured the latter three tracks as well as the 8-track mini-album’s first single, “Howling.”
“We want each performance to be fresh and exciting,” JURIN says of adding “IYKYK” and “Something Ain’t Right” into the live mix. “Whether they are longtime ALPHAZ or seeing us for the first time.” And no surprise, she notes that even though the songs were brand new when they began the North American swing, ALPHAZ already knew the choreography and the lyrics.
The women also discuss the concept behind AWE, with JURIN explaining the EP that mixes up R&B with upbeat dance tunes and the signature hip-hop/pop style they are known for was inspired by, “the sense of curiosity and shock people experience when they encounter something new. We hope that through our album you can feel awe and experience many surprising and exciting moments.”
Elsewhere the group — member Cocona was not present for the interview — talk about the outer space theme of the “IYKYK” video and how sometimes their own style is inspired by outfits they see on ALPHAZ in the audience. Watch the full interview above.