The UK music charts have historically been a tough nut to crack for international artists, including those from the K-Pop industry. However, in a remarkable turn of events, 2023 saw a K-Pop song not only break into these charts but also secure a spot among the year’s best songs.
| Official UK Charts
The song that achieved this feat is “Seven” by BTS‘s Jungkook, featuring American rapper Latto. This track made an impressive debut at Number 3 on the Official Singles Chart, marking the highest-charting debut for a solo Korean act in the chart’s history. This achievement was significant, considering that even the other BTS members’ solo efforts had not reached such heights in the UK.
“Seven” has been celebrated as not only the song of 2023 but also as a defining pop moment of the year. Its success can be attributed to its unique blend of styles, particularly its incorporation of early noughties UK garage, a genre that resonates strongly with UK audiences.
| SBS Inkigayo
This choice of genre, reminiscent of Craig David‘s hits, has been instrumental in its popularity. The song’s appeal was further enhanced by its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, making it a perfect summertime anthem.
Jungkook’s transition from his image in BTS to a solo artist with a distinct style has been noteworthy. His mastery of the English language and his fresh take on K-Pop, blending it with mainstream elements, has helped in reaching new audiences — according to the UK charts giant. The collaboration with Latto also added an extra layer of appeal to the song.
| SBS Inkigayo
The UK’s fondness for “Seven” can be attributed to its nostalgic nod to the UK garage genre, a style currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This, combined with its infectious beat and catchy chorus, made it a hit. The song’s success in the UK is less surprising when considering these sonic influences and its alignment with the current musical trends in the country.
As we approach the end of the year, anticipation builds for what tracks will make it to the “Best Songs of 2024” list. If “Seven” is any indication, the coming year might see more international and genre-blending hits making their mark in the UK music scene.
