Rosé has officially taken over the Hanteo national charts, claiming the top spot in all categories for the first week of January!

On January 10th, Hanteo Chart, the world’s only real-time music chart, revealed its TOP 30 rankings for the U.S., Japan, and China, covering the period from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Rosé’s first solo full-length album, rosie, dominated every category, making her the queen of this week’s charts.

In the U.S. category, rosie earned a whopping 20,340.69 points, keeping Rosé at number one for an incredible 11 consecutive weeks! Coming in second was Stray Kids' 合 (HOP) with 19,445.31 points, while TWICE’s STRATEGY followed closely with 16,588.94 points in third.

Rosé’s reign didn’t stop there. In Japan, rosie stayed at number one for the 6th consecutive week, scoring 12,158.81 points. NCT Dream’s DREAMSCAPE and TWICE’s STRATEGY secured second and third with 8,915.97 and 5,389.02 points, respectively.

In China, Rosé once again topped the charts with her hit APT., a collaboration with Bruno Mars. The track earned a jaw-dropping 41,705.07 points, taking the crown across all categories. Stray Kids’ 合 (HOP) and aespa’s Whiplash followed in second and third, scoring 16,491.63 and 14,064.24 points.

Hanteo’s national charts are powered by cutting-edge big data technology, tracking global K-pop trends in real time. These rankings combine album sales, digital streams, and social media buzz, delivering a complete picture of K-pop’s worldwide impact. Rankings are updated every Friday.

Rosé also recently made headlines for winning the "Song of the Year" award in the Singer category at the 9th Asia Artist Awards (AAA 2024), held in Bangkok on December 27.

In a heartfelt video message, Rosé said, “I’m so honored and thankful to receive the Song of the Year award at the AAA. Thank you to everyone who worked hard on my first full album, rosie. And to my Number Ones, I love and appreciate you the most!”

APT., the pre-release single from rosie, is inspired by Korea’s popular "Apartment Game." Rosé actively participated in the song’s creation, adding her unique touch to the project.

With her unstoppable chart performance and global fan love, Rosé continues to prove why she’s one of the biggest stars in the K-pop world.

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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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