Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
After previously charting at #85 on the Billboard Hot 100, BTS‘s “DNA” checked in at #67 for the week ending in October 14. That’s relevant not only because it’s the Hot 100, but also because it’s now the highest that a K-pop group has ever charted, surpassing the Wonder Girls‘ “Nobody” at #76.
On October 3 KST, Billboard announced that BTS’s hit track “DNA” has come in at No. 67 on the Hot 100 (which ranks the most popular songs of the week) for the week ending in October 14. This is the highest that a K-pop group has ever charted, surpassing “Nobody” by Wonder Girls which came in at No. 76 in 2009. “DNA” previously entered the chart at No. 85 last week, becoming BTS’s first entry on the Hot 100 and achieving a longtime dream for both the group and their fans.
Personally, I think the organic growth is the thing most noteworthy about this, as they haven’t really tried to cater to the American market with English-language tracks or changing their sound up for singles (do NOT fucking let The Chainsmokers take over a title track), which is what had gotten other acts in trouble.
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As an aside, I don’t understand why some are so confused as to why I’m covering this. I also covered the achievements of Psy and Wonder Girls because they too had relevance since breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 and being that high up on the Billboard 200 was always meaningful.
However, what I honest to god continue to not understand is why BTS stans themselves continue to give credit for this breakthrough to a Top Social Artist Award from the Billboard Music Awards when a year earlier BTS were in already in the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and were #26 on the Billboard 200. A year before that, BTS were nowhere near sniffing the Billboard Hot 100 and were #171 on the Billboard 200, so I understand EXO stans were pissing you off about the BBMA or whatever, but it would seem appropriate to give credit where it’s due, to BTS and … well, yourselves. Or continue to dickride outlets that don’t give a fuck about K-pop. Whatever, your life.
