K-pop’s BTS beat Taylor Swift and Drake to global recording artist of the year award

K-pop boy band scoop the 2020 Global Recording Artist of the Year Award from IFPI after being named entertainer of the year by Time magazine

American singer Taylor Swift came second in the IFPI Global Artist Chart, with Canadian rapper Drake third

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K-pop sensation BTS have clinched the 2020 Global Recording Artist of the Year Award. Photo: Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

Published: 12:47pm, 5 Mar 2021Updated: 12:47pm, 5 Mar 2021

K-pop sensations BTS, whose catchy, upbeat songs have won legions of fans around the world, have scooped the 2020 Global Recording Artist of the Year Award from IFPI, the recorded music industry representative body.

American songstress Taylor Swift came in second in the IFPI Global Artist Chart while Canadian rapper Drake was third, IFPI said on Thursday.

The seven-member group had a hugely successful 2020, becoming the first Korean pop act to reach No 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with English-language single Dynamite, and securing their first major Grammy nomination.

The band, who debuted in 2013 and have fronted the K-pop drive in the United States in recent years, were also named entertainer of the year by Time magazine.

BTS were also named entertainer of the year by Time magazine. Photo: Big Hit Entertainment

“BTS are a global phenomenon. They have had another outstanding year, releasing three albums, and continually finding creative and engaging ways to share their story with the world,” IFPI chief executive Frances Moore said.