Jimin's 'Who' passes 2.5 billion Spotify streams as Cortis and Katseye land on Billboard's 21 Under 21

Jimin's 'Who' reaches 2.5 billion Spotify streams

BTS member Jimin's solo track "Who" has officially surpassed 2.5 billion streams on Spotify, his agency BigHit Music said Saturday, with the song reaching the milestone on Thursday. Released in July 2024 as the lead track from his second solo album "Muse," the song became his most-streamed track on the platform, according to the agency.

The track blends hip-hop and R&B and explores the longing and uncertainty of searching for someone the narrator has yet to meet. Sources differed on its Hot 100 debut position: Yonhap reported a No. 14 entry before climbing to a No. 12 peak, while the Korea Herald said it debuted at No. 12. Both outlets reported the song spent 33 weeks on the chart. The Korea Herald added that "Who" spent two weeks atop both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, debuted at No. 4 on the UK's Official Singles Chart, was Spotify's most-streamed K-pop song worldwide in 2024, and won K-pop Song of the Year at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Cortis and Katseye named to Billboard's '21 Under 21'

K-pop acts Cortis and Katseye are the only Korean pop acts on Billboard's 2026 "21 Under 21" list, the US music publication announced Friday. The annual list recognizes 21 artists and groups aged 21 or younger, evaluated on album and single sales, streaming performance, social reach, radio and TV exposure, and industry influence.

Cortis — comprising Martin, James, Juhun, Seonghyeon and Geonho — is the only K-pop boy group on the roster. Katseye, the global girl group formed through a joint venture between HYBE and Geffen Records, earned a spot for the second consecutive year, with Billboard citing "its biggest year yet since its debut."

Cortis charts globally and preps Lollapalooza

Cortis's second mini-album "GREENGREEN," released in May, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The title track "REDRED" had spent 13 consecutive weeks on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts as of the latest chart dated Aug. 1, held the No. 1 spot on Spotify's South Korea weekly chart for 14 straight weeks, and charted on the platform's global daily chart for 100 consecutive days.

The group also released a surprise digital single Friday — "MOTION," a collaboration with Southern hip-hop producer Juicy J. Cortis is scheduled to take the stage Sunday at Lollapalooza Chicago, one of the United States' largest music festivals.

Katseye builds on Grammy and AMA recognition

Katseye's second EP "BEAUTIFUL CHAOS," released in June 2025, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and has remained on the chart for 56 consecutive weeks. Four of the group's songs, including "Gnarly" and "Gabriela," have charted on the Hot 100. The group's latest release, "Animal," reached No. 9 on Spotify's global chart and No. 16 on the UK Official Singles Chart.

Katseye earned two nominations at the 68th Grammy Awards in February and swept three awards at the 2026 American Music Awards in May, including New Artist of the Year.

Mamamoo's 4ward tour stops in Singapore

K-pop quartet Mamamoo staged their "4ward" concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, delivering a two-hour, 45-minute set built around live vocals and comedic interludes. CNA Lifestyle's review highlighted renditions of "Decalcomanie," "Mr Ambiguous," and "Hip," with solo spots drawing particular attention, including Hwasa's fan service segment. Leader Solar drew laughs with a running gag after admitting she had exhausted her English vocabulary. The Singapore stop is part of the group's ongoing tour.