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BLACKPINK Lisa’s ‘Rockstar’ Reaches Impressive Spotify Achievement

Lisa is proving yet again that she is an artist to watch out for. The BLACKPINK member has just reached a major Spotify achievement with her latest single “Rockstar”!

BLACKPINK Member Lisa Achieves Major Spotify Milestone with ‘Rockstar’

BLACKPINK’s Lisa continues to dominate the music scene with her solo hit “Rockstar,” which has just surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify in a record-breaking 61 days. This achievement makes “Rockstar” the fastest song by a K-pop female soloist to reach this milestone, surpassing her previous hit “Money,” which held the record since 2021 with 200 million streams in 65 days.

“Rockstar” is now Lisa’s fourth song to exceed 200 million streams on Spotify. Her debut singles “Lalisa” and “Money” have already garnered significant streams, with “Lalisa” reaching 1.2 billion streams and “Money” accumulating 503 million streams. Additionally, her collaboration with DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Megan Thee Stallion on “SG” has reached 299 million streams on the platform.

This achievement with “Rockstar” marks a significant milestone in Lisa’s career, particularly as it is her first solo release since establishing her own agency, LLOUD. This move has allowed her greater creative freedom and control over her music, showcasing her growth as an artist.

Beyond her musical success, Lisa is also set to expand her artistic repertoire by appearing in Season 3 of “The White Lotus.” With “Rockstar,” Lisa not only cements her status as a powerful solo artist but also continues to push boundaries and explore new challenges. Her ability to consistently reinvent herself and take on new opportunities also highlights her as one of the most dynamic and influential figures in the entertainment industry today.

In related news, BLACKPINK is also set for a comeback in 2025. This will be immediately followed by a new world tour that will allow BLINKs to see the girl group visiting their country in the next year.

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Bang Si-hyuk Arranged ENHYPEN’s ‘I Need U’ Cover for Spotify

For the 10th anniversary of Spotify’s K-Pop ON! (온) playlist, the BELIFT LAB boy group ENHYPEN recently unveiled their rendition of BTS’s “I Need U.” Their cover is markedly different from the original’s electronic synth sound. Instead, it’s an acoustic, almost serene take on the song, masterfully arranged by HYBE Labels’ chairman Bang Si-hyuk. This is notable because Bang PD had never granted any artist permission to release covers of BTS’s songs before. Therefore, ENHYPEN’s cover marks a first—and the significance of this milestone isn’t lost on the boys themselves. How can it be, when the song itself means a lot to them? 

In an interview released soon after the cover dropped, Heeseung, the group’s eldest member, shared his personal connection to the song. “I was much younger when I listened to this song for the first time, as you can imagine. My older brother would put this song on while he was preparing to go to school. I sort of woke up to this song every morning, so I grew up to be fond of it.”

“We decided to remake ‘I Need U’ for three reasons,” added ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon. “It was meaningful because it marked the beginning of BTS sunbaenim’s The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series. We used to listen to it all the time. Some of us even performed this song on I-LAND. This was also the very first time HYBE chairman Bang PD-nim approved the recording and release of a cover. He even participated in the process. It was an honor for us to have him on board.”

ENHYPEN covers “I NEED U” by BTS | K-Pop ON! First Crush

ENHYPEN has learned a lot

ENHYPEN’s rendition of ‘I Need U’ is more mellow and incorporates elements of afrobeats. Sunghoon said this stylistic change is an opportunity for ENGENEs to see a new side of the septet. “Since this is a song that everybody knows and loves, I really want people to focus on what kind of spin we put on it.”

Jake revealed how they decided which member would sing which part. “What we usually do when we record is we go in one by one, sing the whole song, and the producer sort of chooses what lines would fit each member. When I went in to sing the whole thing, I was told that the second verse is going to be Ni-Ki’s so I didn’t get to sing that part.”

ENHYPEN tell us more about their cover of “I NEED U” by BTS | K-Pop ON! First Crush

This cover also presented a challenge for Sunoo, who sings a high-pitched note in the bridge. “I was concerned about it, but practiced a lot. Our own rendition is obviously meant to be different from the original, so I tried really hard to put my own style into it as well,” he shared.

ENHYPEN says they’ve learned a lot since coming together on the survival show I-LAND nearly four years ago. “We’ve done a lot of performances and we’ve become more professional. With this particular cover, we’ll be able to showcase how much we’ve grown,” declares Sunghoon.  Their take on ‘I Need U’ is now available for streaming on Spotify‘s K-Pop ON! (온) playlist. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENHYPEN’s spin on the BTS classic is quite refreshing. Source: X/@kchartsmaster.

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ENHYPEN, STAYC, and Shownu x Hyungwon to Release ‘Spotify Singles’

Spotify has big plans to celebrate the anniversary of K-Pop ON!, its flagship global K-pop playlist designed to help listeners discover and enjoy the best of the genre. The celebration will see the launch of a special series of Spotify Singles. The artists behind these singles are ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (of MONSTA X), and STAYC, centered around the theme of “My First K-Pop Crush.” 

These singles will include covers of songs by their sunbaes (senior artists) that first ignited their passion for K-pop. In that sense, these singles aren’t just a tribute to fans’ and artists’ journeys into the genre. They’re also an invitation for K-pop stans worldwide to celebrate the artists who pioneered it.

The Spotify Singles for the K-Pop ON! First Crush campaign are set to be released exclusively on Spotify every two weeks, starting with ENHYPEN’s single on February 16. This will be followed by SHOWNU X HYUNGWON’s single on February 29, and STAYC’s release on March 15. Here’s what one of the High Up Entertainment girl group’s members has said about their track.

Spotify to offer ‘exclusive bonus content’

In addition to the music, Spotify is offering a series of exclusive bonus content on its K-Pop ON! Video Podcast and YouTube channels. This content will range from performance videos to behind-the-scenes looks. Each piece of content will allow fans to delve into the stories of the artists’ first K-pop crushes. ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, and STAYC will discuss their song choices. They’ll also reveal how their sunbaes inspired their own journeys in K-pop.

Jungjoo Park, Korea Head of Music at Spotify, expressed excitement about the campaign, stating, “Beyond the celebration of our commitment to helping K-pop travel the globe and connecting Korean artists with fans and new audiences, Spotify’s K-Pop ON! First Crush campaign is also a powerful expression of how K-pop touches lives, spreads positivity, and unites listeners regardless of where they are from or the language they speak.” 

The initiative is part of Spotify’s ongoing efforts to drive discovery and bring K-pop to its global audience. Since its launch in 2014, the K-Pop ON! playlist has been “saved” by over 5.3 million Spotify users worldwide and has generated billions of streams for Korean artists, significantly expanding the genre’s reach beyond regional boundaries, languages, and cultures. The number of yearly streams from the playlist has seen a staggering 5647 percent increase globally since 2015. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: We can’t wait to hear these songs! Source: Spotify Newsroom.

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SEVENTEEN’s ‘Pretty U’ Hits 100M Streams on Spotify

Global boy band SEVENTEEN has added another illustrious achievement to their repertoire, as their 2016 hit single “Pretty U” crossed the remarkable milestone of 100 million streams on Spotify. The momentous occasion, which unfolded on December 22 KST, marks the ninth song by SEVENTEEN to reach this substantial stream count on the popular music streaming platform.

‘Pretty U’ Finally Reaches 100 Million Spotify Streams

“Pretty U” holds a special place in SEVENTEEN’s discography, having been released on April 25, 2016, as the title track of their first full-length album ‘Love & Letter’. The infectious charm of the song, combined with SEVENTEEN’s signature blend of vocal harmonies and dynamic choreography, catapulted it to success. Notably, “Pretty U” secured the group their first two consecutive wins on “Show Champion” in May 2016, further solidifying its impact and resonance with fans.

Beyond the domestic accolades, “Pretty U” also made its mark internationally by charting at an impressive number three on Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Seventeen at the time, showcasing their growing global influence and setting the stage for their continued success on the international stage.

The fact that it took “Pretty U” approximately 7 years and 7 months to amass 100 million streams underscores the enduring popularity and longevity of SEVENTEEN’s music. This achievement is a testament to the sustained dedication and loyalty of their fanbase, known as CARATs, who have continued to support the group’s music throughout the years.

SEVENTEEN’s journey on Spotify has been nothing short of remarkable, with “Pretty U” joining a prestigious lineup of other tracks, including “Super,” “HOT,” “Darl+ing,” “Rock with you,” “Left & Right,” “Don’t Wanna Cry,” “Very Nice,” and “Clap,” in the coveted 100 million streams club.

As SEVENTEEN continues to break barriers and set records, the achievement of 100 million streams for “Pretty U” serves as a celebration not only of the group’s musical prowess but also of the unwavering support and enthusiasm of their global fanbase. It signifies a beautiful synergy between the artists and their fans, creating a legacy that transcends time and borders.

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BLACKPINK’s Lisa Causes Omelet Rice Sales to Soar

BLACKPINK’s Lisa continues to showcase her influence, especially in her home country of Thailand. In a recent interview with Spotify celebrating her one billion streams for “MONEY,” Lisa demonstrated her cooking skills by preparing her favorite Thai dish, khai jiao (Thai-style omelet). The video was unique and garnered attention not only for the celebration but also for Lisa’s culinary talents.

Lisa’s Omelet Rice Causes Khai Jiao Sales to Rise

Following the release of the video, khai jiao quickly became a trending topic on Thai social media platforms. Local news outlets reported a noticeable increase in sales of the dish, showcasing Lisa’s significant impact on consumer behavior.

As part of their coverage, news outlets visited a local shop known for selling khai jiao. The owner, who used to be the sole person handling the cooking and sales, revealed that Lisa’s video led to a surge in demand. The shop had to adapt quickly by hiring an assistant and procuring additional raw materials to meet the newfound popularity of the dish.

Expressing gratitude for the rise in customers attributed to Lisa’s video, the owner hopes that the BLACKPINK singer will one day visit the stall in Khon Kaen and have the opportunity to taste her khai jiao for free.

Lisa’s influence extends beyond the music industry, and her impact on local businesses, like the omelet rice stall, highlights the global reach and cultural influence that K-pop idols can have on various aspects of society, including culinary trends and local economies.

The BLACKPINK member officially received a plaque from Spotify after achieving a billion streams of her solo track ‘Money’. Lisa also shared her sentiments on receiving the plaque and becoming a member of Spotify’s Billions Club, speaking in her mother tongue.

“I feel like it’s something unbelievable that my songs have this many people who have listened to them,” she told Spotify. “It makes me proud of myself and makes me want to keep making music.”

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BTS’s Jungkook Shares Yummy Buldak Ramyeon Porridge Recipe

BTS’s Jungkook is known for his culinary creativity and he also wants to share one of his best recipes with his fans! The BTS maknae has revealed the recipe for his yummy and satisfying Buldak Ramyeon porridge for the first time!

Jungkook Shares His Buldak Ramyeon Porridge Recipe

Jungkook is currently promoting his solo album ‘GOLDEN’ and one of his activities included an interview with K-Pop ON! Spotify. During the interview, the BTS maknae ate some of his favorite food and he also disclosed an exclusive recipe for Buldak Ramyeon Porridge. The unique twist on ramyun provides a delightful, flavorful snack for the “Seven” singer and he also believes his fans will enjoy it as well.

Jungkook’s recipe deviates from the usual ramyun preparation. He starts by breaking up the ramyun noodles and bringing them to a boil, using 500ml of water and the ramyun seasoning. To infuse the dish with his signature fiery flair, he suggests adding half a spoonful of Buldak hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

As the mixture simmers, Jungkook also introduces an element of texture and flavor by including crushed seaweed or seaweed flakes. To keep the calories in check, he incorporates konjac rice, a low-calorie alternative. This rice is often mixed with traditional brown rice to create a unique texture.

Jungkook’s love for perilla oil is evident as he includes it in the recipe. The savory oil also imparts a rich umami flavor to the porridge. To enhance the overall taste, he also finishes the dish with a sprinkling of pepper.

Konjac Rice Makes The Recipe Work

Typically, combining porridge and ramyun would result in a carb-heavy delight. However, Jungkook’s innovative use of konjac rice addresses this concern by providing a satisfying and flavorful alternative that keeps you feeling full. His Buldak Ramyeon Porridge is also a testament to his culinary prowess and flair for reinventing classic dishes with a personal touch. Fans and food enthusiasts alike can also enjoy this delectable creation and savor the unique blend of flavors in Jungkook’s one-of-a-kind recipe.

Jungkook’s new album ‘GOLDEN’ was released on November 3, 2023.

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