Jimin’s collaborative track “Who,” featuring Lauv, is steadily solidifying its place as not only a defining moment in his solo career but also as a landmark achievement in the global trajectory of South Korean music. Its remarkable 25-week run on the Billboard Hot 100, a highly competitive chart reflecting the most popular songs in the United States, places it in a rarified echelon, tying Fifty Fifty’s “Cupid” for the third-longest charting song by a South Korean artist. This achievement underscores the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene, with “Who” steadily etching its name alongside other record-breaking hits like Psy’s “Gangnam Style” and BTS’s “Dynamite.” Each week on the chart represents a significant victory, demonstrating the song’s enduring appeal to American audiences.
The song’s 25-week tenure on the Hot 100 is a testament to its captivating blend of pop sensibilities and Jimin’s distinctive vocal delivery. “Who” managed to break through the cultural barriers often faced by non-English language tracks, resonating with listeners across diverse demographics. It’s a symbolic milestone that reflects the increasingly globalized nature of music consumption, where language serves less as a barrier and more as a unique element contributing to a song’s artistic identity. The fact that “Who” has matched the impressive 25-week run of “Cupid” further speaks to the current wave of K-pop’s global popularity, solidifying South Korean artists’ presence on the international stage.
While “Who” currently shares the third-place spot with “Cupid,” it faces stiff competition in its pursuit of the top two positions. BTS’s “Dynamite,” with a 32-week reign, and Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” with 31 weeks, hold the first and second positions respectively. These two tracks represent pivotal moments in K-pop’s crossover into mainstream Western music, establishing precedents for subsequent artists like Jimin. Surpassing these records will require sustained momentum and continued engagement from fans, a challenge that underscores the difficulty of maintaining chart longevity even for exceptionally popular songs.
The possibility of “Who” extending its Hot 100 residency for another week holds significant weight. It would not only break the tie with “Cupid” but also solidify Jimin’s solo achievement as distinct from the collective success he experienced as a member of BTS. This potential accomplishment represents a significant personal milestone, distinguishing his individual artistry and further cementing his position as a global music icon. It would also highlight the effectiveness of his solo career launch, proving his ability to captivate audiences independently of the already established BTS brand.
Beyond the Hot 100, “Who” continues to perform admirably on other Billboard charts, further demonstrating its wide-ranging appeal. Its presence on the Streaming Songs and Digital Song Sales charts speaks to the multi-faceted nature of its success. The song’s strong streaming numbers reflect its popularity on digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, indicating high levels of listener engagement. Its presence on the Digital Song Sales chart, showcasing the number of individual downloads, underscores a dedicated fan base willing to invest directly in the music. These combined metrics paint a comprehensive picture of “Who’s” commercial success, showcasing its reach across various consumption channels.
In conclusion, Jimin’s “Who” is more than just a hit song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its consistent performance on the Billboard charts signifies the growing global embrace of K-pop and highlights Jimin’s individual artistry. The track’s potential to surpass “Cupid” and claim the sole position as the third-longest-charting song by a South Korean artist on the Hot 100 would be a remarkable achievement, solidifying its place in music history. While surpassing the records set by “Dynamite” and “Gangnam Style” may be a formidable challenge, the continued success of “Who” underscores its enduring popularity and Jimin’s growing influence on the global music stage. The song’s journey is a testament to the power of cross-cultural connection through music, demonstrating how a track can transcend language barriers and resonate with a diverse international audience.
