K-pop has been on the rise for years, and BTS gave us the final proof of total domination of this genre with their song “Dynamite”. This record-breaking song became the first single by an all-South Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but several other tracks came close to accomplishing this feat.
Psy | “Gangnam Style” (no. 2)
“Gangnam Style” is still remembered as one of the biggest viral hits of the 2010s, and it topped the charts in several countries around the world—but not the US. It peaked at no. 2 and spent seven weeks on this spot, and a total of 31 at the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Psy | “Gentleman” (no. 5)
Most people describe Psy as a one-hit-wonder, but “Gangnam Style” wasn’t his only smash hit. He also made a big splash with the catchy tune “Gentleman”, which reached over a billion views on YouTube and set several major records at the time of its release.
BTS | “On” (no. 4)
Before making history with “Dynamite”, BTS managed to make it to the top 5 earlier this year with “On”. They also scored additional two top 10 hits—”Fake Love” and “Boy with Luv” featuring Halsey.
Blackpink | “How You Like That” (no. 33)
Blackpink is yet to get one of their songs into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “How You Like That” peaked at no. 33, but their Selena Gomez collaboration “Ice Cream” is showing a lot of promise, and it has the potential to become their biggest hit to date.