ecause BTS doesn’t just break records—they become the record.
In news that has ARMYs grinning and haters chewing their shirts, BTS’s “Dynamite” has officially outranked Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” and “Lover” on Apple Music’s Top 500 Songs of the Decade list. And not only that, but BTS remains the only K-pop act to make it onto the list at all, proving once again that while many groups can trend for a day, BTS trends for a lifetime.
Apple Music released its carefully curated Top 500 of the Decade, and “Dynamite,” BTS’s all-English, Grammy-nominated smash that took over 2020 (and our playlists), landed at #45, soaring above major Western pop hits, including two of Taylor Swift’s beloved anthems.
The best part? This isn’t just about a catchy tune. “Dynamite” was dropped during a global pandemic when everyone desperately needed a reason to smile, dance in their kitchens, and feel hope again. BTS gave that to millions, and the song became the first by a Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for three weeks while also charting for 32 weeks straight.
It wasn’t just a song; it was a moment, a cultural shift proving that music truly has no language barriers, and that seven Korean men could dominate a Western-centric industry with a message of joy and resilience.
“Dynamite” also racked up over 1.8 billion streams on Spotify, broke YouTube records with its premiere, and had people from toddlers to grandparents trying out the choreography in living rooms worldwide. The fact that it continues to climb decade-defining lists even years later speaks to its timeless impact.
And yes, ARMYs are celebrating this win with the pride it deserves. Because let’s be real, it’s not just about BTS outranking Taylor Swift (though that is deliciously satisfying); it’s about BTS representing Korea, representing non-English music, and proving their global influence on one of the biggest music platforms in the world.
For the record, Taylor Swift is a powerhouse, but BTS landing above her on this list while being the only K-pop act featured shows the scale of what BTS has achieved. They didn’t just break into the Western market; they redefined what it means to be a global artist, making space for Korean music while maintaining authenticity.
So here’s to “Dynamite,” for being more than a summer bop, for reminding us to find joy even in dark times, and for cementing BTS’s place in music history, not just K-pop history.
And here’s to BTS, for continuing to outsell, outsing, and outshine, one decade at a time.
