First K-Pop Girl Group to Top 'Billboard 200'
First Girl Group to Simultaneously Lead US & UK Charts in 21 Years Since 'Destiny's Child'
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Girl group BLACKPINK debuted at No. 1 on the main album chart 'Billboard 200,' becoming the first K-pop girl group to achieve this feat. They are the fourth K-pop artist overall to do so, following BTS, SuperM, and Stray Kids.
According to the Billboard chart preview article on the 25th (local time), BLACKPINK's second full-length album 'BORN PINK,' released on the 16th, recorded album sales equivalent to 102,000 copies, securing the No. 1 spot on the 'Billboard 200.'
In just six years since their debut, BLACKPINK has demonstrated broad global influence and established themselves as a representative K-pop artist following BTS.
According to the '2021 Global Hallyu Trend Report' released by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, BLACKPINK ranked second for two consecutive years as the most preferred Korean singer in the K-pop category, following BTS.
No. 1 Global Artist on YouTube... Spreading Positive Influence as UN Climate Change Convention Ambassadors
BLACKPINK's influence is even more evident on YouTube. As of the 26th, BLACKPINK's official YouTube channel has 81.8 million subscribers, ranking first among global artists and 11th in the world on YouTube subscriber rankings.
Debuting in August 2016, BLACKPINK quickly earned the nickname 'YouTube Queens' by gaining massive popularity on YouTube from their first album activities. Additionally, after signing with Interscope Records, a label under Universal Music, in 2018 and actively entering the North American market, BLACKPINK built international recognition through collaborations with global pop stars such as Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B.
Before Billboard, BLACKPINK's achievements were also prominent on Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform. The title track 'Shut Down' from 'BORN PINK' became the first Korean artist's song to reach No. 1 on Spotify's 'Top Songs Global Weekly Chart.' This followed BTS's 'Dynamite' and BLACKPINK's 'Pink Venom' reaching as high as No. 2 on the same chart.
Since debuting with 'Whistle' and 'Boombayah' in 2016, BLACKPINK has consecutively hit the charts with songs like 'As If It's Your Last,' 'Kill This Love,' 'DDU-DU DDU-DU,' and 'Love Sick Girls,' rapidly rising to become a top-tier girl group.
Leveraging their powerful influence, they have also taken the lead in spreading positive influence beyond music activities. Selected as ambassadors for 'COP26' (the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties), BLACKPINK has delivered messages to world leaders urging action on climate change.
At the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Moment held in New York on the 19th, BLACKPINK emphasized, "Global attention is needed for the UN Sustainable Development Goals," adding, "As the climate crisis worsens, we must act together now to protect our beautiful nature, energy, and lives. Our efforts toward all global goals may either bear fruit or fail based on today's choices."
First Female Group in 14 Years to Top Billboard 200
Additionally, the members' diverse cultural backgrounds?Jisoo having lived in Korea, Ros? growing up in Australia, Jennie studying in New Zealand, and Lisa being born in Thailand?are cited as key factors that expanded their global influence. In particular, Lisa's presence has driven explosive popularity in Southeast Asia, contributing to the formation of a large-scale fandom on online platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
BLACKPINK's No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200' is the first for a K-pop female artist album and the first for any female group on the Billboard chart in 14 years. The last female group to top the chart was the American group Danity Kane with 'Welcome to the Dollhouse' in April 2008.
Moreover, BLACKPINK also topped the UK Official Albums Chart this week with 'BORN PINK.' They are the first female group in 21 years to conquer both the US and UK charts since the American girl group Destiny's Child in 2001. Among K-pop artists, this is the second such achievement following BTS.
Following their No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200,' BLACKPINK is also expected to enter the upper ranks of the Billboard main singles chart 'Hot 100' this week. Their pre-release track 'Pink Venom' debuted at No. 22 on the 'Hot 100.' BLACKPINK's previous highest ranking on the 'Hot 100' was No. 13 with 'Ice Cream' from their first full album, which is the highest position ever achieved by a K-pop girl group on this chart.
BLACKPINK's aggressive activities will continue in various ways. Among the members, Jennie, Ros?, and Lisa have released solo albums showcasing their individual charms. Jennie is also pursuing acting and is set to appear in the upcoming HBO cable channel drama 'The Idol' this year. 'The Idol' is a program about the dreams, love, and passion of pop idols, co-produced by Canadian pop superstar The Weeknd and Sam Levinson, director of HBO's 'Euphoria.'
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