Rejoice, ARMYs and BLINKs! South Korean groups BTS and BLACKPINK achieve another historic feat in their careers.

In an almost-four minute recap video posted by Google on Monday, December 11, it was announced that BTS and BLACKPINK are the most searched boy and girl groups, respectively. 

According to the report, the K-pop sensations were among the top searched acts in the search engine’s 25 year history. Both bands clinched a spot in the list alongside 2023 Time Person of the Year Taylor Swift, who was revealed to be the most searched singer-songwriter, and Beyonce for the most searched performance. 

Undoubtedly, this achievement marks K-pop’s growing global influence in the music scene. What makes these achievements more impressive is that both BTS and BLACKPINK weren’t that active in the recent months. 

As for BTS, the members have been preparing for their mandatory military service enlistments. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s contract was in limbo since August before they recently renewed with YG Entertainment for group activities. 

 

Looking back through milestones of BTS and BLACKPINK

Consisting of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, BTS debuted in 2013 under the then-small company BigHit Music. Through their heartfelt lyrics and stellar performances, the seven-member group rose to global success and achieved numerous historical records. Currently, they’re dominating both local and international music charts.

In 2019, BTS became the first Korean act to be nominated at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2020, the “Blood, Sweat and Tears” singers were named as TIME’s Entertainer of the Year. Notably, they were also the first Korean group to perform at the Grammys in the same year. 

Furthermore, BTS is also known for their unrivaled Daesang Sweep, where they garnered a total of 65 trophies throughout their career — the most number of grand prizes in the Korean entertainment industry. 

On the other hand, BLACKPINK, composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa, debuted in 2016 under YG Entertainment. 

Despite having released only two full-length studio albums, the quartet took the world by storm. Since their debut, they have also become one of the most successful female acts in the K-pop industry.

Moreover, BLACKPINK became the first K-pop act to headline the Coachella music festival. Recently, they were also granted honorary membership in the Order of the British Empire.

Featured image: BTS poses for FESTA 2022. Credit: Facebook/BTS