K-pop is no longer just a genre from South Korea; it’s now a global phenomenon that’s setting new records across the world. From Billboard Hot 100 to Spotify Global, K-pop artists are dominating charts that were once hard to break into. The achievements of these idols are not only impressive, but also historic for the global music scene. In 2025, the momentum has only grown stronger, and K-pop continues to shatter records that were once unimaginable.
Here are ten record-breaking K-pop achievements in global music charts that prove just how powerful this movement has become.
1. BTS becomes the first group to chart for 100 weeks on Billboard Hot 100
BTS made history once again by becoming the first group of any genre to remain on the Billboard Hot 100 for 100 weeks with their single “Dynamite.” Even though the song was released years ago, it found renewed popularity thanks to streaming boosts, TikTok challenges, and fan-driven campaigns. No other boy band or K-pop group has ever achieved this level of chart longevity, proving BTS’s immense global impact is far from over.
2. BLACKPINK scores the longest-running No.1 album by a girl group on Billboard 200
In early 2025, BLACKPINK’s album “PINK VENOM: RELOADED” set a new record as the longest-running No.1 album by a girl group on the Billboard 200. It remained in the top spot for six consecutive weeks, beating previous records set by legendary American groups. This achievement not only highlighted BLACKPINK’s strong fanbase but also showed how girl groups can now dominate major Western charts on their own terms.
3. NewJeans becomes the fastest K-pop act to top Spotify Global Chart
NewJeans made headlines when their 2025 hit single “Flashback” jumped to No.1 on the Spotify Global Chart just 48 hours after release. This broke the previous record for the fastest climb by a K-pop act. The group, known for their fresh Y2K-inspired sound and Gen Z appeal, is now seen as the new face of K-pop’s global future. Their rise on a platform like Spotify, which is algorithm-driven and audience-based, shows how quickly global listeners are embracing K-pop.
4. Stray Kids reach No.1 on UK Albums Chart
For the first time in K-pop history, Stray Kids reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart with their 2025 album “MAXIDENT: REBOOT.” The UK has been one of the more difficult markets for K-pop artists to crack, but Stray Kids made a major breakthrough thanks to their unique sound and dedicated European fanbase. This achievement marked a major milestone for Korean artists in the British music industry.
5. SEVENTEEN holds the record for the most simultaneous entries on Billboard Global 200
SEVENTEEN stunned the music industry when they managed to place 12 songs on the Billboard Global 200 chart at the same time. This feat came after the release of their repackaged album “FOLLOW: TO WORLD,” and it marked the highest number of simultaneous entries ever by a K-pop group. The group’s consistent chart success shows how K-pop albums are now treated like events, with every track receiving major attention from fans worldwide.
6. TWICE becomes first K-pop girl group to top Oricon’s Year-End Album Chart
TWICE achieved an unprecedented victory by topping Oricon’s Year-End Album Chart in Japan for 2024, which was confirmed in early 2025. They are the first K-pop girl group ever to top the annual chart, beating even Japanese artists. Given the competitive nature of the Japanese music market, this was a historic accomplishment. TWICE has long been popular in Japan, but this record solidified their dominance in the region.
7. TXT breaks global Apple Music streaming record for a K-pop album
TOMORROW X TOGETHER, also known as TXT, broke a new record by earning the highest first-week global streams for a K-pop album on Apple Music. Their 2025 release “The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION 2” gained more than 200 million streams worldwide in the first seven days. This achievement showed how strong their presence is not just on Korean charts but across major global streaming platforms as well.
8. IVE becomes first fourth-gen girl group to hit No.1 on Billboard Hot 100
In an unexpected yet exciting twist, IVE soared to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their English-language single “Mirror,” making them the first fourth-generation K-pop girl group to do so. Their catchy melody, powerful performance, and smart promotion strategy helped them connect with international audiences. This win marked a turning point for fourth-gen idols aiming for chart-topping hits in the West.
9. ATEEZ reaches No.1 on Billboard Artist 100
ATEEZ climbed to the top of the Billboard Artist 100 chart for the first time in 2025, an indicator of their growing international presence. This chart ranks the most popular artists across all platforms, including album and track sales, radio airplay, streaming, and social media engagement. ATEEZ’s rise to No.1 confirmed their evolution from a rising boy group into a full-fledged global powerhouse with a loyal fanbase across multiple continents.
10. LE SSERAFIM becomes the most-streamed K-pop girl group on YouTube in a single month
LE SSERAFIM took everyone by surprise by breaking the record for most monthly YouTube streams by a K-pop girl group, with over 450 million views in May 2025. Their bold visuals, high-energy performances, and cinematic storytelling struck a chord with audiences worldwide. YouTube has always been a major platform for K-pop promotion, and this milestone confirmed their massive appeal beyond just Korea.
Bottom line
These ten record-breaking K-pop achievements in global music charts reflect how much the industry has grown and how far it has reached. From chart-topping hits on Billboard and Spotify to historic wins in Japan and the UK, K-pop continues to push the limits of what’s possible in global music.
As we move further into 2025, one thing is clear: K-pop is no longer just participating in the global music industry; it’s leading it. Whether it’s BTS redefining longevity, BLACKPINK dominating album charts, or rookie groups like IVE and NewJeans setting new standards, the genre shows no signs of slowing down.
With each passing year, more records are being broken and more history is being made. Fans across the globe aren’t just watching; they’re a part of this evolution, helping K-pop artists climb higher than ever before.
