The latest update of the Billboard World Albums Chart reveals a significant presence of K-pop artists, indicating a dominance in the global music scene. The chart, refreshed on May 4th, showcases a diverse array of high-charting albums from both established and emerging acts within the K-pop sphere, with notable contributions from HYBE Labels, as well as other esteemed agencies.
HYBE Labels, home to renowned groups like BTS and Tomorrow X Together (TXT), made a formidable showing on the chart. TXT’s sixth mini-album, “Minisode 3: Tomorrow,” released on April 1st, maintained its stronghold at the second position for the fourth consecutive week, demonstrating their sustained popularity. This album has also demonstrated remarkable performance on the Billboard 200, securing a place within the top ranks for three consecutive weeks.
Boynextdoor, a rookie boy group under HYBE Labels, followed the footsteps of their seniors with their second mini-album titled “HOW?”. Released on April 15th, the album debuted impressively at the third rank on the World Albums Chart, marking their inaugural appearance on the prestigious Billboard 200’s Top 100.
The global sensation BTS continued to leave their mark on the chart. J-Hope, a member of BTS, maintained his position with his 2024 special album “Hope on the Street Vol 1,” securing the sixth rank. Simultaneously, BTS’s anthology album “Proof,” released in 2022, held strong at the eleventh spot, an impressive feat considering its 98th week on the chart.
ENHYPEN, touted as one of the leading fourth-generation K-pop groups, retained their thirteenth rank with their fifth mini-album, “Orange Blood,” extending its impressive 23-week run on the World Albums chart. Meanwhile, BTS’s Jimin occupied the fourteenth spot with his solo debut album “Face,” demonstrating its enduring popularity with a 51-week presence on the list.
Girl group Le Sserafim continued to make waves with their third mini-album “EASY,” securing the fourth spot and extending its dominance on the chart for ten consecutive weeks. Their label-mates, the newly debuted group ILLIT, maintained their position at No. 5 with their debut mini-album “Super Real Me,” marking their fifth consecutive week on the chart.
Additionally, NewJeans’ second mini-album “Get-Up” completed its impressive 40-week run on the chart, securing the ninth spot.
In a notable showing from non-HYBE groups, KQ Entertainment’s Ateez made a triumphant return to the global chart at No. 7. Ateez, an 8-member music act, made history as the first K-pop boy group to perform at Coachella. Their 2023 offering, “The World Ep.Fin: Will,” marked their second full-album venture, celebrating its 15th non-consecutive week on the World Albums Chart.
Girl group Twice, under JYP Entertainment, secured the eighth position with their 13th mini-album “With You-th,” released in February 2024. This marked the album’s ninth consecutive week on the chart, showcasing Twice’s enduring popularity. Meanwhile, Stray Kids, also under JYP Entertainment, enjoyed their 24th week on the list with their eighth Korean mini-album “ROCK-STAR,” maintaining its position at No. 10.
