K-pop's 2PM 'take off' in Japan promising

Cover of 2PM's Japanese debut album "Take Off" [JYP Entertainment]

K-pop idols 2PM's singing career in Japan seems to have taken off to a promising start, their Japanese debut single topping several charts ahead of its release, according to their agency JYP Entertainment on Monday.

JYPE announced in a press release today that the boys' album "Take Off," which is set for release on May 18, placed at No. 1 on Japan's USEN weekly music chart under the J-pop category as of April 13.

The six-member boy band also took the top spot on Japan's lyrics search website uta-net.com's daily chart on April 14 and released the ending theme song for Japanese TV animation "Blue Exorcist" on April 17.

"It's great to see 2PM's album take the top spot on several music charts in the country before its release next month," an official from JYPE was quoted as saying.

"We believe the group's popularity grew in the country after their showcase in December last year and with their appearances on Japan's Mezamashi TV in February and performance at the fashion show for Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) last month."

Composed of members Nichkhun, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung, Junsu and Taecyeon, 2PM has been one of the most popular boy bands in Korea since their debut in 2008, holding numerous hits under their belt including “10 out of 10,” “Again & Again,” “Only You” and “Heartbeat.”

The boys are currently busy preparing for their upcoming album which will be released in Korea later this year.

2PM's album "Take Off" at No.1 spot on Japan's USEN music chart. [JYP Entertainment]

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