Ahn Hyo Seop reaches US Billboard chart with debut single, peaking at No. 34 on Pop Airplay

Actor Ahn Hyo Seop has reached the US Billboard charts with his first official single since his debut, demonstrating his strength as a global all-rounder.

Ahn’s debut single, ‘Something Special’, released in May, is a collaboration with internationally renowned American R&B artist Khalid. Nearly five months after its release, it continues to gain ground across global streaming platforms, US radio and music-video viewership.

Billboard and Spotify success as song enjoys a long run on US radio charts

The song has achieved notable results on major US music charts since its release. Its sustained success on the US radio charts, which are particularly difficult to break into, has drawn attention from local media.

• Billboard Pop Airplay: 12 consecutive weeks on the chart, peaking at No. 34

• Spotify Daily Top Songs USA: peaked at No. 39

• Mediabase Top 40: nine consecutive weeks on the chart, peaking at No. 32

The song has received approximately 13,910 radio plays in the US, with its cumulative audience estimated at around 12.7 million. It has also been featured prominently on major US broadcasts, including ‘American Top 40’, the flagship radio chart show hosted by well-known American broadcaster Ryan Seacrest, and Music Choice, underscoring the strong response it has received.

Standout chemistry with R&B star Khalid as music video passes 12 million views

‘Something Special’ combines the appeal of K-pop with R&B elements, bringing together Ahn’s smooth voice and Khalid’s soulful vocals. It attracted considerable attention even before its release as Khalid’s first official collaboration with a Korean artist.

Ahn reportedly agreed to take part immediately after hearing the song’s demo. He then communicated directly with Khalid over FaceTime, sharing musical ideas and refining the track’s details. Their chemistry has carried through to the music video: the official video, released in August, surpassed 12 million YouTube views in about 10 weeks.

From acting to music, Ahn steps up his global all-rounder career

For Ahn, who has built a global fanbase primarily through his acting career, the song has particular significance as his first official single. After showing his versatility by voicing Jinu in the Netflix animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, he has broadened his career further with a successful global music release.

Ahn was also recently nominated for Favorite Male Animated Voice from a Movie at the 2026 Kids’ Choice Awards, further demonstrating his global influence. He will continue his acting career, appearing in JTBC’s new Saturday–Sunday drama ‘Final Table’, which is set to premiere on the 24th at 10.40pm.