In a historic moment for global music, the electrifying collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and pop superstar Bruno Mars, “APT.”, has officially been crowned the biggest-selling global single of 2025 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The genre-bending track captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying its place in music history.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
“APT.” achieved this monumental feat by accumulating an astonishing 2.06 billion units, a figure that combines global streams and downloads. According to the official IFPI announcement, this marks the first time a song featuring non-English lyrics has ever topped their annual global chart. It also signifies the first instance of an artist from outside North America or Europe claiming the #1 spot, highlighting the ever-expanding reach of K-Pop and international artists.
Global Impact and Cultural Significance
The success of “APT.” was driven by a perfectly coordinated global campaign that aligned radio, streaming, and marketing efforts across all regions. As noted by Billboard, this sustained promotion was key to its longevity. The track’s catchy chorus, which features the Korean word for apartment (“아파트” – pronounced “apateu”), became a viral sensation, breaking language barriers and demonstrating the power of a great hook. The BBC highlighted the song’s Korean lyrics as a key factor in its widespread appeal, showcasing K-Pop’s growing cultural influence.
Unprecedented Chart Longevity
Beyond its IFPI title, “APT.” demonstrated remarkable staying power on charts around the world. The single enjoyed an incredible 45-week run on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at an impressive #3. This sustained success is a testament to the track’s infectious energy and the dedicated global fanbase of both Rosé and Bruno Mars.
A “Landmark Moment” for Music
Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, described the achievement as a “landmark moment.” She stated, “Rosé and Bruno Mars topping the IFPI Global Single Chart with APT. is a landmark moment, not least as it’s the first time a winning single has featured non-English lyrics. This year’s results also underline the global reach of today’s music market, with songs connecting across languages and borders.”
References
- IFPI: Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT. crowned IFPI’s Biggest-Selling Global Single of the Year 2025
- Billboard: Rosé and Bruno Mars’ ‘APT.’ Named IFPI’s Biggest‑Selling Global Single
- BBC: KPop stars scored the biggest global hit songs of 2025
