Jennie, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK, has made her mark on the Billboard “Adult Pop Airplay” chart with her solo track “Handlebars.” The song, featured on her first solo album Ruby, entered the chart at No. 40 as of April 5, 2025. With this achievement, Jennie has become the third female K-pop solo artist to appear on this prestigious chart.
Jennie joins the ranks of fellow BLACKPINK members Rosé and Lisa, both of whom have had two songs chart on the Adult Pop Airplay chart in the past. This week’s chart features all three BLACKPINK members, with Rosé maintaining her best-ever position at No. 5 with her song “Apt.,” while Lisa lands at No. 38 with her collaboration, “Born Again,” featuring Doja Cat and Raye.
The Adult Pop Airplay chart ranks songs based on airplay across pop radio stations in the United States, targeting an adult demographic, primarily those aged 25 to 54. This chart is different from other music rankings that rely on social media or streaming numbers, as it is determined by the amount of radio exposure a song receives. Therefore, securing a spot on this chart signifies a broader appeal and stronger support from American listeners, as opposed to fan-driven success on streaming platforms.
K-pop has traditionally faced challenges breaking into the US radio market, where mainstream pop music often dominates. Despite this, Jennie’s entry into the Adult Pop Airplay chart marks a significant milestone for K-pop, signaling the growing presence and influence of Korean artists in the American radio scene.
In terms of K-pop solo artists, only four have ever made it to the Adult Pop Airplay chart. Alongside Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, BTS’s Jungkook has also achieved success on the chart. Jungkook reached No. 9 with his duet “Left and Right” featuring Charlie Puth and No. 19 with his solo track “Seven.” Additionally, his collaboration with The Kid LAROI & Central Cee, “Too Much,” peaked at No. 22.
“Handlebars” is a collaboration between Jennie and global pop sensation Dua Lipa. Released as part of Jennie’s debut solo album Ruby, the song has garnered attention for its unique blend of Jennie’s distinct style and Dua Lipa’s powerful presence. The release of Ruby marks a significant chapter in Jennie’s career as she continues to carve out her path as a solo artist.
In addition to the success of “Handlebars,” Jennie made history on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 2025. She became the first K-pop female solo artist to have three songs charting simultaneously, with “Like Jenny,” “Handlebars,” and “Extravaganza” all making the list. This feat underscores Jennie’s growing influence in the global music industry and her ability to appeal to a wide range of listeners.
Jennie’s accomplishments, particularly in the American music market, showcase the increasing global recognition of K-pop and its artists. The success of Ruby, coupled with the charting of “Handlebars,” further establishes Jennie as a prominent figure in the international music scene, extending her reach beyond the K-pop community and into mainstream pop culture.
This marks an important step not only for Jennie as an artist but also for K-pop as a genre, solidifying the continued rise of Korean artists on the global stage. With the continued success of BLACKPINK and its members, K-pop’s presence on the US charts is expected to grow, paving the way for more K-pop solo artists to break into the US radio market.
