In 2023, the 4th generation K-pop groups have successively conquered the peaks of the U.S. Billboard charts.
Stray Kids to NewJeans: The U.S. Billboard's Favorite 4th Generation K-pop Idols
The year 2023 continued to highlight the remarkable activities of 4th generation idols, especially the overwhelming presence of Stray Kids (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N). They have continued their dominant streak among 4th generation boy groups by achieving four consecutive albums reaching No. 1 on Billboard's main album chart 'Billboard 200'.
Not only have they become regulars on the 'Billboard 200', but they've also made their mark on the main singles chart 'Hot 100'. This marks a significant milestone for Stray Kids, achieving simultaneous domination on Billboard's main charts within just 5 years of debut.
Among the 4th generation girl groups, NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein) is the only team to have simultaneously entered both major Billboard charts. Within just 6 months of their debut, they've made it to the 'Hot 100', alongside charting three songs at once, and achieving their first No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200'.
Stray Kids: The Global Sensation with a Four-Time No. 1 on Billboard
Stray Kids, a leading frontrunner among 4th generation boy groups, bagged their fourth overall No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200' this year. Following their first No. 1 with 'ODDINARY' in March last year, they continued their streak with 'MAXIDENT' in October, '5-STAR' in June this year, and '樂-STAR' (Roxstar) on November 10.
Their remarkable achievements earned them the Top K-Pop Album award at the '2023 Billboard Music Awards' on November 19. This makes them the second boy group after BTS to clinch a trophy at one of America's three major music awards, also marking a historic moment in Korean popular music. They even showcased their performance as the second K-pop boy group after BTS at the 'Billboard Music Awards'.
Their entry into the 'Hot 100' with the title track 'Rox' from their latest album 'Rock-STAR' is another significant achievement, marking their presence among global pop music's popular hits. Stray Kids has joined the likes of Wonder Girls, Psy, CL from 2NE1, BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Taeyang from BIGBANG, NewJeans, and FIFTY FIFTY on the 'Hot 100'.
NewJeans
NewJeans Continues BLACKPINK's Legacy
NewJeans entered the 'Hot 100' at No. 96 with 'Ditto' from their single 'OMG', setting a record for the fastest chart entry for a K-pop artist since their debut. Their single 'OMG' and subsequent tracks from their July mini-album 'Get Up', 'Super Shy', 'ETA', and 'Cool With You' have also made it to the 'Hot 100', with the album achieving No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200'. BLACKPINK was the only female group to have achieved this feat with their album 'BORN PINK' last September, making NewJeans the second group to do so.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER Secures No. 1, Upholding BTS's Legacy
TOMORROW X TOGETHER (Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, Huening Kai) secured the No. 1 spot on the 'Billboard 200' with their mini-album 'The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION' released on January 26. This made them the second artist from HYBE to conquer this chart after BTS. Their full album 'The Name Chapter: FREEFALL' released in October also reached No. 3.
Since their debut in 2019, TOMORROW X TOGETHER has charted a total of 9 albums on the 'Billboard 200', second only to BTS in terms of chart entries. This year, including their Japanese full album 'SWEET', they've successfully entered the 'Billboard 200' with three albums, proving their steady popularity overseas.
ATEEZ's Remarkable Rise: From Debut to Billboard No. 1 in 5 Years
ATEEZ (Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Wooyoung, Jongho, Mingi) made an impressive leap to No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200' with their full album 'THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL' released on December 1. This achievement didn't happen overnight. Since their debut in 2018, ATEEZ had been climbing the ranks, from No. 42 with 'ZERO: FEVER Part.3' to No. 73 with 'ZERO: FEVER EPILOGUE', and eventually hitting No. 3 with 'THE WORLD EP.1: MOVEMENT' and No. 2 with 'THE WORLD EP. 2: OUTLAW'. Their consistent upward trajectory is a testament to their growing influence and fanbase.
KQ Entertainment, ATEEZ's agency, shared the group's reaction: "We were really surprised to hear the news of reaching No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200'. We are grateful for this incredible achievement and thank ATINY (ATEEZ's official fandom) for always supporting and empowering us. We will continue to deliver ATEEZ's music and show our best on stage. Thank you sincerely."
