On the May 16 episode of KBS Joy’s “Twentieth Century Hit Song”, viewers were left stunned as songs that made billions of won in profit were revealed — and yes, BTS and BLACKPINK’s Rosé were on that list!
This week’s theme was “Smells like money~ Songs that made billions”, and it lived up to its name. Right at the start, Lee Mi Joo turned heads by asking, “Do you know what Apartment, Growl, and Dynamite have in common?” She then revealed the jaw-dropping numbers: Rosé’s Apartment made 13.3 billion won from streaming, EXO’s Growl earned 10.5 billion won in album sales, and BTS’s global smash hit Dynamite reportedly made a whopping 245.7 billion won.
The episode also took a nostalgic turn, spotlighting Kim Jang Hoon’s 2001 song I’m a Man. The show explained how music critic Im Jin Mo once said, “In 1999 and 2000, female college students either liked god or Kim Jang Hoon,” proving how massive he was back in the day.
During his peak, Kim Jang Hoon reportedly earned over 8 billion won per year, shocking hosts Kim Hee Chul and Lee Mi Joo. Hee Chul said, “He did over 300 events in one year and starred in 40 to 50 commercials… and donated all of his ad earnings.” Mi Joo added, “He even gave his manager 5 million won wrapped in newspaper.”
Hee Chul also shared, “He once gave away 19 cars to his staff,” highlighting the singer’s well-known generosity. When asked about the most expensive gift he had given, Hee Chul joked, “I give a lot in wedding money. Think about how much my staff has endured staying by my side. Would I even be this loved without them?” bringing laughs and warmth to the set.
Later, Hee Chul brought up Kim Jang Hoon’s I’m a Man music video, revealing that Cha Seung Won appeared as the rival character — raising anticipation for viewers who want to relive the legendary moment.
You can catch Twentieth Century Hit Song on LG U+tv (channel 1), Genie tv (channel 41), SK Btv (channel 53), and through KBS’s mobile app my K. For local cable info, check the KBS N website.
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