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To mark its 10th anniversary, Apple Music unveiled its Top 500 Most-Streamed Songs of the Decade, showcasing the global tracks that have dominated listener habits since the platform’s launch in 2015. The list, released in batches to build anticipation, served as a major reflection of pop culture over the past ten years. Among the standout moments was BTS securing not just one but two spots on the chart, making them the only K-pop act represented.
Their smash hit Dynamite ranked at No. 34, while Butter landed at No. 252. This dual inclusion reaffirmed BTS’ massive influence and reach in the global music scene. What made the achievement even more striking for fans was that Dynamite managed to outperform top-charting songs by Western pop giants, including Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars. For example, Swift’s Cruel Summer came in at No. 57, and Mars’ That’s What I Like ranked No. 59.
The response from ARMY, BTS’ global fanbase, was immediate and celebratory. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of pride and recognition, with fans calling the moment “historic” and a testament to BTS’ decade-long impact on the industry. Many pointed to Dynamite as a turning point, being the group’s first all-English single and a key factor in bringing K-pop into mainstream Western markets.
Meanwhile, the top 10 most-streamed songs on Apple Music painted a familiar picture of mainstream success, dominated by English-language artists. Topping the list was Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, followed by Blinding Lights by The Weeknd and God’s Plan by Drake. Other high-ranking songs included Sunflower, rockstar, One Dance, and SICKO MODE, rounding out a decade driven largely by pop, hip-hop, and R&B hits.
BTS’ presence on this list stands out not only because of the language and cultural barriers they’ve transcended but also because they’ve done so with music rooted in Korean identity, global themes, and genre-bending artistry. Their appearance on Apple Music’s decade-defining chart serves as yet another reminder of the group’s role in reshaping the global pop music landscape.