Hwasa Makes History as First No. 1 on Billboard Korea Hot 100

Billboard Korea Hot 200 names its number one singer, and her name is Hwasa.

Soloist Hwasa has made history by claiming the very first No. 1 spot on Billboard’s newly launched Billboard Korea Hot 100 singles chart for the week of December 13. Her single “Good Goodbye” debuted at the top, cementing her place as the chart’s inaugural leader and underscoring her continued influence in the Korean music scene.

The midtempo R&B track, known for its soulful delivery and emotional resonance, edged out strong competition. Plave’s energetic “BBUU!” landed at No. 2, while trot sensation Lim Young-woong followed with “Eternal Moment” at No. 3. Allday Project’s “One More Time” secured the No. 4 position, and Plave appeared again in the Top 5 with “Hide and Seek.”

Hwasa expressed her gratitude in an interview with Billboard, reflecting on the significance of being the first artist to top the chart. “The first [of anything] is always something special,” she said. “I feel so honored to be the first first on the Billboard Korea Hot 100 chart. I had wished that this song would console listeners, so I feel really happy that the wish has come true for me.”

Released on October 15, “Good Goodbye” quickly gained momentum, especially after Hwasa’s live performance at the prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards in November. The track also marked her return to solo music after more than a year, following her second EP “O” in 2024.

Billboard’s introduction of the Billboard Korea Hot 100 and Billboard Korea Global K-Songs charts this month signals a major expansion in how K-pop is tracked and celebrated. While the Global K-Songs chart measures downloads and streams worldwide, the Hot 100 focuses on domestic performance within Korea. Hwasa’s achievement not only highlights her artistry but also sets the tone for a new era of recognition for Korean music on a global stage.

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily

Image Credit: P Nation

Video Credit: P Nation, KBS Entertain