Jennie has achieved a rare US radio milestone, becoming only the second K-pop-related artist to top Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart — a category K-pop has historically struggled to gain traction in despite its global popularity.
The Blackpink superstar has once again made history, with her collaboration on Tame Impala’s “Dracula” remix soaring to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart. This monumental achievement marks a pivotal moment for K-pop, as success on mainstream US radio, particularly on charts like Adult Pop Airplay, has long been a challenging frontier for even the biggest global K-pop acts.
According to Forbes, the infectious remix featuring Jennie climbed one spot this week to claim the top position on the Adult Pop Airplay chart. This makes “Dracula” featuring Jennie only the second K-pop-related track ever to reach the coveted No. 1 spot in this category, underscoring the rarity and immense impact of this milestone.
Breaking Barriers: K-Pop on US Radio
K-pop’s global popularity is undeniable, yet its penetration into mainstream US radio has remained comparatively rare, especially when stacked against its frequent strong results on major US charts. The Adult Pop Airplay chart is a crucial industry metric, as it meticulously tracks weekly spins on adult pop radio stations across the United States. A No. 1 position here signifies widespread airplay and sustained listener engagement, a true testament to a song’s widespread appeal and Jennie’s growing influence.
The first K-pop-related song to ever top the chart was “Golden,” the captivating theme song from Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Performed by the talented Korean American singer-songwriters Ejae, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna, “Golden” made history when it reached No. 1 back in January of this year. Jennie’s success now doubles this exclusive list, further paving the way for future K-pop acts.
“Dracula”: From Remix to Chart Dominance
“Dracula,” originally released as a solo track by Australian musical maestro Tame Impala in October, found a renewed lease on life after Jennie joined for a dynamic remix released in February. The collaboration quickly gained organic momentum on short-form video platforms, captivating audiences with its unique sound and Jennie’s distinctive vocals. This viral success translated into steady climbs across various US charts before its current ascent to the pinnacle of Adult Pop Airplay.
The track’s dominance isn’t limited to just one or two categories. “Dracula” featuring Jennie currently commands an impressive presence across seven Billboard charts. In addition to Pop Airplay and Adult Pop Airplay, it also reigns supreme on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, Hot Rock Songs, Hot Alternative Songs, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, and Dance Streaming Songs. This multifaceted success further solidifies Jennie’s status as a global powerhouse and a trailblazer for K-pop artists on the international stage, demonstrating the track’s versatile appeal and broad genre impact.
