BLACKPINK's ROSÉ has done it again, proving her global popularity as APT., her collaboration with Bruno Mars, takes the No. 1 spot on Hanteo Chart's country-specific rankings for the fifth week of November (November 25–December 1).

On December 6, Hanteo Chart, the world’s only real-time music chart, revealed that APT. ranked first in the U.S., Japan, and China, achieving an impressive triple crown.

In the U.S., APT. secured the top spot with a score of 9,410.27 points, marking its sixth consecutive week at No. 1. TXT’s The Name Chapter: SANCTUARY followed in second place with 5,791.18 points, and TOUR’s Last Bell rounded out the top three with 4,612.00 points.

Over in Japan, APT. dominated with a score of 16,278.46 points, followed by aespa’s Whiplash with 8,576.34 points, and MISAMO’s NEW LOOK with 6,470.92 points.

The success continued in China, where APT. claimed first place with a leading score of 24,629.40 points. BTS’s Jin came in second with Happy (24,075.10 points), and Red Velvet’s Irene secured third with Like A Flower (19,610.83 points).

Hanteo Chart’s country-specific rankings use big data to collect real-time global K-pop stats, combining album sales, digital streams, and social media activity. These rankings reflect the worldwide reach and impact of K-pop artists, and fans eagerly await the updated lists released every Friday.

Fans can dive deeper into the numbers and rankings by visiting the Hanteo Chart website or using the Whosfan app. With this incredible achievement, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars are once again proving their influence across the globe!

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

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