The phenomenon of K-pop has been making significant strides on the Billboard 200 chart since June 2018, a pivotal moment marked by BTS? groundbreaking album Love Yourself: Tear, which dethroned Post Malone?s Beerbongs & Bentleys. This remarkable achievement made BTS the first K-pop group to reach the coveted No. 1 spot on this all-genre chart. Fast forward to the present week, and Stray Kids has added to this legacy with their latest release, HOP, becoming the 19th album or EP from the genre to achieve this prestigious ranking.
Since 2018, K-pop acts have consistently dominated the Billboard 200, with multiple No. 1 titles each year, with the exception of 2021, which saw no K-pop entries at the top. The standout year for the genre came in 2023, when an impressive five albums reached No. 1. This success followed a strong performance in 2022 with four No. 1 titles and continued into 2024, which also recorded four top-ranking albums, underscoring the genre’s growing influence and popularity in the global music scene.
The sheer number of No. 1 hits is impressive for any genre, particularly for one that is still carving its niche on the global stage. For instance, the Recording Academy has yet to establish a dedicated K-pop category, meaning that K-pop artists primarily compete in broader pop categories. This highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities for K-pop as it seeks to gain greater recognition and legitimacy within the mainstream music industry.
Among K-pop artists, both Stray Kids and BTS have achieved an impressive six No. 1 titles on the Billboard 200, placing them at the forefront of K-pop success. Following closely is ATEEZ, with two No. 1 albums, while other prominent groups such as SuperM, BLACKPINK, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, NewJeans, and TWICE have each made their mark with one No. 1 album to date. This competitive landscape illustrates the vibrant and dynamic nature of the K-pop industry, where new talents continually emerge and vie for recognition.
We want to hear from dedicated K-pop enthusiasts who passionately follow the genre and have their favorite acts and albums. Below is a comprehensive list of all K-pop albums and EPs that have topped the Billboard 200. Which one resonates with you the most, and what makes it your favorite? Your input is valuable to us as we celebrate the achievements of this spectacular genre.
