Beyond a sensation, it's a 'syndrome' of popularity. Just one year after their debut, the girl group NewJeans has ascended to the peak of the U.S. Billboard main album chart, establishing themselves as a global phenomenon.
According to the latest Billboard chart released on the 3rd (Korean Time), NewJeans' second mini-album, "Get Up", which was released on July 21, has seized the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
What catches the eye is that NewJeans rocketed straight to first place upon their initial entry to the chart. This is a feat they've achieved within a year of their debut in July last year. Following BlackPink last September, they are the second K-pop girl group to do so. When BlackPink made K-pop history by reaching the top of the 'Billboard 200' six years after their debut, NewJeans has shown power reminiscent of a 'monster rookie's rebellion.' Billboard stated, "In the last 15 years, the only girl groups that have taken the number one spot on the 'Billboard 200' are BlackPink and NewJeans."
"Get Up", which sold over 101,500 copies in the U.S., includes songs primarily in Korean, but also incorporates some English lyrics. It's the 20th time an album not entirely in English has topped the Billboard chart.
NewJeans astounded by placing all of their triple title tracks on the main singles chart, the 'Hot 100'. They are the first K-pop girl group to simultaneously place three songs on the 'Hot 100', a feat only achieved by BTS in the entirety of K-pop.
Among the title tracks, "Super Shy" initially entered the chart at 66th place, then climbed from 64th to 48th, continually setting new personal records. 'ETA' entered at 81st place, and 'Cool With You' successfully debuted at 93rd.
NewJeans' rise to global stardom is attributed to their natural and soothing charm. Their music, absent of overly intense melodies or high notes, offers easy-listening that captivates fans.
Grammy.com praised the group, stating, "Like their name, the group possesses values not tied to any era," while Billboard explained, "In the K-pop industry, which typically relies on meticulous planning, they've created something astonishing with their unexpected non-traditional approach."
