New data from Spotify shows that global streaming of K-pop music has increased by more than 300% over the past five years.
According to Spotify data cited by Yonhap News, streaming of K-pop music has surged 362% in the global market over the past five years. Southeast Asia recorded the biggest growth, with a 423% increase, followed by the United States, which saw a 182% increase.
However, the United States has emerged as the country with the most K-Pop listeners. Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, India, Brazil, Malaysia and Canada follow.
“K-Pop has become a global force with artists ranking on international charts such as Billboard,” said Park Jeong-joo, head of music team at Spotify Korea, at a conference held in Seoul, South Korea. He said this at the “K-POP Talk Session” event. “K-POP, which started in South Korea, has connected with fans all over the world through many artists.”
Spotify also noted that several K-pop songs have been added to the service’s Billion’s Club over the years, a sign of the genre’s growth. They include songs such as Jimin’s “Like Crazy,” Jungkook’s “Seven,” BLACKPINK’s “How You Like That,” and Lisa’s “Money.”
The streamer also said that the genre’s expansion is not limited to top artists such as BTS and BLACKPINK, but that its growth can also be seen in up-and-coming artists.
In other K-Pop news, BABYMONSTER announced their new single “Drip” co-written with Big Bang’s G-Dragon. ‘Drip’ will be released at the same time as the group’s first full album, which is scheduled to be released on November 1st.
