The vocal group Fifty Fifty has been together for less than a year, but their song "Cupid" has already become a breakthrough success. The song has become a worldwide phenomenon, swiftly climbing Billboard charts and other international lists.
This week, the song makes radio history, situating Fifty Fifty alongside one of the greatest K-pop acts of all time. "Cupid" has rapidly entered the top 20, climbing from No. 25 to No. 18 on this week's Pop Airplay chart, solidifying its position as the fifth-highest-charting hit by a South Korean musical act on the chart.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because it places Fifty Fifty on par with the collaboration between BTS and Coldplay, "My Universe," which also peaked at No. 18 on the chart.
In late 2021, "My Universe" debuted at the top of the Hot 100, signaling the beginning of its successful run. While "Cupid" has attained an impressive milestone, BTS's "Dynamite" remains the highest-charting South Korean track on the Pop Airplay chart. "Dynamite" reached No. 5 in 2020, solidifying BTS's status as a global phenomenon. The following year, the group earned their second top 10 success with "Butter" reaching No. 7 on the chart.
Psy held the mark for South Korean artists on the Pop Airplay chart for many years, with "Gangnam Style" peaking at No. 10. The song swept the globe in 2012 and 2013, setting a high standard for future K-pop performers. Only after the emergence of BTS was his record surpassed.
"Gangnam Style" is one of only three South Korean songs to reach number one on the Pop Airplay chart. "Left and Right" by Charlie Puth and Jungkook ranks just above "Cupid" on this historic list. While Jungkook is best known as one of the seven members of BTS, he has also enjoyed solo radio success.
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In 2022, his single "Left and Right" reached No. 11 on the chart, narrowly missing the top 10 by one position. "Cupid" has been on the Pop Airplay chart for only a month, and its journey is far from over. With its present position being tied with "My Universe," the song has the potential to surpass it within the next two weeks, rewriting the chart once more. The sky is the limit for "Cupid," and it has the potential to become one of the biggest successes of all time on the Pop Airplay chart.
Fifty Fifty, featuring members Aran, Keena, Saena, and Sio, debuted under Attrakt as the company's first-ever group in November 2022 with the compact album The Fifty and its lead single "Lovin' Me." As a continuance of this lovelorn narrative, their second single, "Cupid," explores the less-than-ideal aspects of having a crush and, as a result, falling in love.
The girls explain that the song depicts the beginning phases of a one-sided relationship. Many observers, including myself, can identify with their daydreams following the inevitable disappointment of a wish not coming true. Through uplifting vocals and pastel-colored music video visuals, Fifty Fifty concludes the song with the realization that self-love is the superior path to take.
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