A survey has revealed that Korean songs hold the second-largest position among non-English songs that have entered the top 10 of the U.S. Billboard "Hot 100" singles chart. Notably, it has been discovered that the global sensation, BTS, has made a significant impact.
Billboard, a prominent U.S. music media outlet, conducted an analysis on the 16th of the month (local time) and reported that only 35 non-English songs have managed to secure a spot in the top 10 of the chart since its inception in 1958.
Among these, Spanish songs have held the top position with 19 entries, followed by Korean with 8. German songs come next with three, while there are two each of French and Italian songs, and finally, one Japanese song.
The agency representing BTS, Big Hit Music, remarked, "The 'Hot 100' chart takes into consideration factors like streaming, music and record sales, as well as local radio airplay in the U.S. This results in a high threshold for entry for non-English songs. BTS, a K-pop phenomenon, has played a pivotal role in breaking these barriers."
To date, BTS has managed to place six Korean songs within the top 10 of the "Hot 100," including tracks like "FAKE LOVE," "Boy With Luv," "ON," "Life Goes On," "My Universe," and a solo track by member Jimin titled "Like Crazy."
Apart from BTS, Psy's global hits "Gangnam Style" and "GENTLEMAN" have also secured a spot in the "Hot 100" top 10.
Significantly, only 10 non-English songs have managed to claim the top spot, and remarkably, three of these are attributed to BTS: "Life Goes On," "My Universe," and "Like Crazy." "Life Goes On" additionally achieved the historic feat of being the first non-English song to debut at number one on the "Hot 100" in its release week.
Billboard noted, "Since Psy's 'Gangnam Style' in 2012, a total of 23 non-English songs have graced the top 10 of the 'Hot 100.' This phenomenon aligns with the era when global music began gaining prominence, courtesy of hits by BTS and Latin pop sensation Bad Bunny."
Exploring BTS’s Influence on Non-English Tracks and Their Historic Chart Triumph
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