K-Pop Albums That Reached Number One on Billboard 200
Stray Kids’ latest album, HOP, has successfully reclaimed the spotlight in the K-pop industry by securing the top position on the prestigious all-genre Billboard 200 chart. This remarkable achievement marks HOP as the 19th album or EP by a K-pop group to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The journey began with BTS’ groundbreaking album Love Yourself: Tear, which made history in June 2018 by being the first K-pop album to top this chart.
Stray Kids and BTS have established a dominant presence in the music industry, each boasting six No. 1 titles on the Billboard 200 chart. This impressive feat places both groups in a tie for the lead among all K-pop acts, showcasing their immense popularity and dedicated fanbases across the globe.
In the competitive landscape of K-pop, ATEEZ stands as the runner-up with two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. Other notable groups like SuperM, BLACKPINK, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, NewJeans, and TWICE have each claimed one No. 1 album, further highlighting the diverse talent within the genre and the growing influence of K-pop in the global music scene.
BLACKPINK made history as the first female K-pop group to achieve a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with their impactful release, Born Pink, in 2022. Following closely, NewJeans and TWICE became the second and third female K-pop acts to reach this milestone, demonstrating the rising prominence of women in the K-pop industry and their ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.
K-pop groups are known for their dynamic and large ensembles, with TWICE featuring nine members, just one more than Stray Kids and ATEEZ, who both have eight. BTS and SuperM each consist of seven members, while TOMORROW X TOGETHER and NewJeans have five members each. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK, with four members, continues to captivate fans globally. Notably, no solo artists, duos, or trios from the K-pop genre have yet topped the Billboard 200 chart, emphasizing the collective power of group performances in this vibrant music scene.
The remarkable achievement of K-pop acts on the Billboard 200 has been consistent since 2018, with a notable exception in 2021 when no K-pop albums reached the top spot. The year 2023 stood out as the peak year for K-pop, witnessing an impressive five No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. Following closely, 2022 recorded four No. 1 albums, and 2024 is on track to match that success, underscoring the genre’s explosive growth and enduring popularity in the international music landscape.
Here’s an extensive list of K-pop albums that have reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. This compilation is organized in chronological order, showcasing the evolution and milestones of K-pop music over the years.
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BTS, Love Yourself: Tear
Single: “Fake Love”
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BTS, Love Yourself: Answer
Date Hit No. 1: September 8, 2018
Single: “Idol”
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BTS, Map of the Soul: PERSONA
Date Hit No. 1: April 27, 2019
Singles: “Boy with Luv,” “Make It Right”
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SuperM, SuperM: The First Mini Album EP
Date Hit No. 1: October 19, 2019
Single: “Jopping”
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BTS, MAP OF THE SOUL: 7
Date Hit No. 1: March 7, 2020
Singles: “Black Swan,” “On”
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BTS, BE
Date Hit No. 1: Dec. 5, 2020
Single: “Life Goes On”
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Stray Kids, Stray Kids Mini Album: Oddinary (EP)
Date Hit No. 1: April 2, 2022
Single: “Maniac”
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BTS, Proof
Date Hit No. 1: June 25, 2022
Single: “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)”
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BLACKPINK, Born Pink
Date Hit No. 1: Oct. 1, 2022
Singles: “Pink Venom,” “Shut Down”
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Stray Kids, Maxident
Date Hit No. 1: Oct. 22, 2022
Single: “Case 143”
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TOMORROW X TOGETHER, The Name Chapter: Temptation (EP)
Date Hit No. 1: Feb. 11, 2023
Single: “Sugar Rush Ride”
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Stray Kids, 5-Star
Date Hit No. 1: June 17, 2023
Single: “S-Class”
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NewJeans, 2nd EP ‘Get Up’