Only One K-Pop Song Made It To TikTok’s Top Summer Hits Globally

Summer always brings a unique soundtrack, and this year, TikTok has played a huge role in defining which tracks get the limelight.

Surging to the fourth position on TikTok’s global “Song of the Summer” list is none other than the sensational K-Pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY‘s hit “Cupid.” The world has once again been reminded of K-Pop’s infectious charms, as the song has taken the globe by storm.

Imagine releasing a track that not only resonates with fans but also spirals out of control (in the best way possible) on the most influential social media platform right now. Earlier this year, a sped-up version of “Cupid” started its ascent on TikTok, rapidly metamorphosing from a simple tune to a full-blown viral sensation.

@we_fiftyfifty

FIFTY FIFTY ‘Cupid-Twin ver. – Sped Up Version‘ has been ranked at the @Tiktok’s #SongOfTheSummer 2023 categories for Global, South Korea, UK and Canada‍ #FIFTYFIFTY #피프티피프티 #TheBeginning_Cupid #Cupid #큐피드

♬ Cupid – Twin Ver. (FIFTY FIFTY) – Sped Up Version – sped up 8282

Though TikTok was the catalyst, the wildfire spread of “Cupid” didn’t stop there. The track’s charm penetrated the mainstream music industry, making an impressive mark by charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Given the competitive landscape of the global music scene, this is no small feat!

.@we_fiftyfifty set Billboard chart records with the release of 'Cupid'!

FIFTY FIFTY ON BILLBOARD#FIFTYFIFTY #피프티피프티 pic.twitter.com/EPZauXboO7

— FIFTY FIFTY Charts (@FiftyCharts) July 30, 2023

Due to its immense popularity, back in April, the world got an insight into how FIFTY FIFTY felt about this unexpected whirlwind. Hosting a press conference in the vibrant heart of Seoul, the group performed their hit single and delved deep into their feelings on this sudden surge of global attention.

The emotional rollercoaster was evident in Aran’s recounting of the moment she discovered their track had charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

I had just woken up and opened the curtains when Sio told me, ‘Hey, we got on the Billboard chart’.

— FIFTY FIFTY’s Aran

The success caught them off-guard, but as Aran pointed out, they were somewhat prepared. The English version of “Cupid” had been recorded right from the get-go, showcasing their global ambitions.

Keena’s touching revelation about her simple dream of hearing her song in public coming true, echoed the feelings of many artists who just want to know their art is resonating. The juxtaposition of their international success and comparatively subdued domestic reception was also highlighted. Despite the song’s monumental overseas reception, FIFTY FIFTY remains humble and driven, acknowledging the difference in reactions and remaining optimistic about their future in their homeland.

For context, FIFTY FIFTY’s achievement on the Billboard Hot 100 places them in the esteemed company of K-Pop royalty like Wonder Girls, BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and NewJeans.

But most importantly, through the release of an official sped-up version of “Cupid,” FIFTY FIFTY showed they’re in tune with their fans, giving them more of what they clearly love.