Ten K-pop albums are soaring in the Billboard World Albums Chart for the week of April 11th, proving strong support for idols who continue to release music amid the challenges of the global health pandemic. However, BTS is breaking all sorts of records with its debut album entering the chart for the first time since 2013.
Leading the way is Big Hit Entertainment's BTS, whose comeback album, Map of the Soul:7 maintained its hold on the No. 1 spot for the sixth week in a row. BTS also reappears on the chart to take the third and fourth spots for Love Yourself: Answer, and You Never Walk Alone. The album has been on the chart for 84 for 62 weeks, respectively. Meanwhile, BTS' Map of the Soul: Persona grabbed fifth place and has been on the chart for 51 weeks, Koreaboo reported.
BTS' debut album also entered the chart for the first time since its release in 2013. ARMYs proved their strong power when they intended to debut the album on the chart on April 1 as an April Fool's joke. As a result, they propelled the album to the No. 12 spot. Love Yourself: Tear took the No. 15 spot for its 88th week on the chart.
NCT 127's recent album Neo Zone, has been well received in the US, including music critics from Billboard Charts. The album maintained its strong position on the chart for the fourth week in a row at this week's No. 2.
"Fronted by Kick It, released earlier this week, the Neo Zone presented by NCT 127 on the album is both aggressively inspirational and sweetly romantic. After living in NCT -- which sounds like "N City" and has their dedicated fanbase known as "NCTzen" -- for sometime, NCT 127 have broadened their vision on the 13-track album, bouncing between sleek electro-pop, R&B, funk, and hip-hop sounds as the members' diverse voices interact with one another harmoniously to create a pleasing sonic soundscape," music reviewer Tamar Herman said.
EXO leader Suho's solo debut with the mini album Self Portrait also entered the charts with a strong No. 13 position. The album is believed to be Suho's special gift to fans as he prepares to enter the military this year.
Stray Kids also came it at No. 14 with SKZ2020 while rookie girl group ITZY is proving strong in the World Album Chart with IT'z ME at No. 10 for its fourth week.
