Top 10 Best Selling K-pop Albums in 2024 (first half)

How often do you find yourself effortlessly vibing to ATEEZ’s “Work”? At the same time, you’re still half-asleep before signing in to work or grappling with the mind-bending choreography of Enhypen’s latest release XO as if it’s second nature? There has been a whirlwind of masterpieces and best selling K-pop albums in 2024 that have completely turned the game. From 2024 dripping with unique star power, to more and more K-pop idols than ever claiming their spots on the Billboard Top 200, K-pop fans have already been sent into a frenzy of admiration and obsession.

But hold up, before we dive into the epic fan wars over whose album is really on top, let’s take a closer look at how the first half of 2024 has completely reshaped the K-pop landscape. Trust me, it’s a year you won’t want to miss.

Overview of K-pop 2024:

This year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. We’ve seen a parade of fresh, sensational groups emerging from the four powerhouses, namely SM, HYBE, YG, and JYP. First up, let’s talk about SM Entertainment’s much-buzzed-about boy band, Riize. With seven members, each flaunting their distinct flair, they’ve set the stage as well as our hearts on fire with their debut. Their vibrant concept and the way they’ve grown into their roles have captivated fans and critics alike.

And don’t even get us started on ILLIT’s “Magnetic.” We know you’ve been obsessing over that mesmerizing hand choreography, trying to perfect it in your living room. Lastly, who wants to be twenty-four-seven with us? Enter TWS, the rookie boy group from the HYBE or Seventeen family. These up-and-comers are not here to play. They’re ready to challenge the veterans with their fresh and energetic vibe, ready or not.

Another surprising thing K-pop fanatics saw this year was how the smaller agencies made waves by introducing new groups that are now topping the charts and dominating music banks. Cube Entertainment’s (G)I-DLE has stormed the charts with its impressive first-week sales, while S2 Entertainment’s Kiss of Life has racked up over 50 million streams with their irresistible hit, “Midas Touch.”

Of course, we can’t ignore our old yet favourite artists who have dropped sensational albums or minisodes this year. From EASY by Lessarafim to TXT’s Minisode: TOMORROW, they gave us great music to add to our playlists and keep the K-pop world buzzing.

Criteria for Best Selling Albums in 2024:

Yes, we know some fandoms go wild if their faves don’t crack the top 10, so here we are, giving you an idea of what and how it is counted. The criteria for determining the best selling K-pop albums in 2024 are mainly based on the total number of units sold, which includes physical copies, digital downloads, and occasionally streaming numbers converted into equivalent sales.

Sales data is often compiled from reliable sources such as South Korea’s Gaon Music Chart, Japan’s Oricon, and the United States’ Billboard. Certification authorities such as the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA), Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) all play an important role in certifying sales numbers. And don’t forget that pre-orders and international sales boost an album’s performance.

Furthermore, promotional efforts, fan engagement, and the group’s global appeal all play a role in driving those sales, making them key when establishing the best selling K-pop albums.

Top 10 Best Selling K-pop Albums in 2024:

In the exciting world of K-pop, one can never get bored of listening to unique and fresh beats or songs. Whether it’s the best albums of our favourite K-pop idols we’re binge-listening to or it is their music videos being streamed day and night, this year has been nothing short of a whirlwind in the K-pop industry. With record-breaking albums, captivating concerts, and millions of devoted fans, the first half of 2024 proved to be a blast. Here is a list of the top ten best selling K-pop albums in 2024, which have swept the music industry by storm. Buckle up because this would be a sugar rush ride!

10. “2” by GIDLE:

(G)I-DLE made its grand debut under the glittering spotlight of Cube Entertainment in 2018. They started as a group of six, but now it’s down to five dazzling divas, Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua, each one a gem in their own right. From their smash hit “Tomboy” racking up a jaw-dropping 300 million views to 48 music show wins and an impressive 160 nominations at various glamorous award shows, it’s clear that (G)I-DLE is a force to be reckoned with in the music scene. However, they turned the tables around with their latest album “2,” scoring them 4th in the top ten on the Billboards. Released in January, it has sold over 1,081,606 copies, achieving a million-seller status within just two days of its release.

9. “Armageddon” by Aespa:

This trendsetting K-pop group, burst onto the scene on November 17, 2020, under SM Entertainment. The four members, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning are rewriting the playbook with their metaverse magic and hyperpop music. But let’s talk about Aespa’s latest album “Armageddon” which is the hottest thing in town right now. Their debut album, which secured them 5th on the Billboards, is brimming with irresistible beats, otherworldly vocals, and that signature futuristic flair. Over in China, the album hit number one on the QQ Music digital album sales chart and went double platinum in just three hours. Released in May, it’s already sold over 1 million copies worldwide, and trust us, those numbers are only going to skyrocket!

8. “With You-th” by TWICE:

Originating from the K-pop survival show Sixteen, TWICE debuted in 2015 under JYP Entertainment. Being one of the first K-pop groups to have a Japanese line, its members are Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu who soared to fame with their hit ‘Cheer Up,’ and earning the best-performing single title of the year. Fast forward to 2024, awarding Twice their first No.1 on the Billboard 200, “With You-th” became a smash hit, grabbing hearts all across the world and selling 1,127,238 copies in just the first week. The catchy music and inspiring words appealed to both fans and non-fans, making it a famous anthem.

7. “GOLDEN HOUR: Part1” by ATEEZ:

Formerly known as KQ Fellaz, ATEEZ debuted in 2018 under KQ Entertainment. There are 8 members namely, Seonghwa, Hongjoong, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho. Yes, we all gotta work, but having an anthem to vibe to at the same time? Now, that’s just perfect, and perfection is what ATEEZ sells. Their latest drop, “GOLDEN HOUR: Part 1,” isn’t just an album, it’s a full-blown declaration that ATEEZ is here to slay. Released this June, it’s already made waves, selling 1,352,629 copies and snagging their third No. 1 on the Billboard charts. In the US alone, they’ve sold over a hundred thousand copies, and trust us, the ATEEZ hype is only getting hotter!

6.“SWITCH” by IVE:

IVE burst onto the scene on December 1, 2021, under Starship Entertainment. Comprising six dynamic members, Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, IVE has swiftly captivated audiences with their number-one singles “Kitsch” and “I Am.” But in 2024, IVE’s latest album “SWITCH” became an immediate hit and topped the iTunes Charts all over the world, breaking their own 1st Day Sales Record. The track’s popularity established IVE’s image as one of the best groups to watch, and “Heya” became a go-to song for many. This masterpiece, released in April, has sold over 1,625,294 copies.

5. Minisode 3: TOMORROW” by TXT:

Formed by Big Hit Entertainment in 2019, Tomorrow X Together, or TXT has a five-member dream team, consisting of Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and HueningKai, and is turning heads faster than you can say “superstar.” If BTS is the Backstreet Boys of K-pop, then TXT is the NSYNC of the K-pop scene. They’ve skyrocketed to fame in no time, and their latest album, “Minisode 3: TOMORROW,” is the proof in the pudding. Dropped in April and already a chart-topper, it’s sold a staggering 1,654,991 copies. With every track a standout, it’s no wonder this gem debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. From Rookie of the Year to New Artist of the Year, and even headlining Lollapalooza, we know TXT never misses!

4.“ROMANCE: UNTOLD” by ENHYPEN:

On number four, we have ENHYPHEN under Belift Lab, formerly a glitzy collaboration between CJ ENM and Hybe. They burst onto the scene in November 2020, snagging their spot after dominating the K-pop survival show I-Land. Meet the seven members: Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki. These guys aren’t just your typical K-pop group, they’re mixing things up with a delicious blend of hip-hop, R&B, and rock. Recently released yet quickly gaining fame, the “ROMANCE: UNTOLD” album sets a massive break for Enhypen by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. With 1,841,054 copies sold, marking the group’s highest sales week ever and the fifth-largest album sales week of 2024, Romance: Untold is an excellent album for those who want to dip their toes into the K-pop world.

3. “ATE” by Stray Kids:

With eight talented members, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N, Stray Kids are known for their wild, carefree vibe and their knack for blending genres like pros. Watching your favourite superheroes is one thing but having them fan-boying K-pop groups is like a dream come true. And let me spill some tea: their latest album, “ATE,” is making serious waves. It sold a jaw-dropping 232,000 units in the week ending July 25 and racked up 2,025,803 traditional album sales. That’s the second-biggest sales week of 2024, only trailing behind “The” Taylor Swift. Stray Kids came, conquered, and left no crumbs!

2. “DREAM( )SCAPE” by NCT DREAM:

NCT DREAM is the 3rd sub-unit of the boy group NCT and consists of 7 members: Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Chenle, Jaemin, and Jisung. This SM group debuted on August 25, 2016, and has taken over the K-pop scene with catchy hooks, funky dance moves, and dynamic vocals. However, their new album DREAM( )SCAPE is seriously a vibe! It has a fresh, magical feeling that perfectly matches their style with their trademark passionate vocals, making it ideal for getting revved up or simply chilling out. According to the Hanteo Chart, the album sold 2,217,517 copies on its first day of sales, breaking the group’s previous record and becoming the second most-selling album in 2024.

1. “17 IS RIGHT HERE” by Seventeen:

Along with BTS and EXO, Seventeen is considered a K-pop boy band staple in South Korea. It may be called Seventeen, but it’s made up of thirteen members. Formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2015 and now under the glittering HYBE umbrella, Seventeen is the epitome of self-producing idols. They don’t just show up; they’re hands-on with songwriting, music production, and choreography, making them a fan favourite for their all-around talent. And yes, Seventeen is the MAESTRO, and its new best-selling album “17 IS RIGHT HERE” has delivered nothing but bliss! The album reached 5th on the Billboard 200 selling more than 3 million copies in the first week. This not only surpasses any other sales of 2024 but also surpasses Seventeen’s previous records. With flawless choreography and a concept that’s both electrifying and empowering, this album is all about leaving you on a high. For us Seventeen is definitely “Super,” “HOT,” and “VERY NICE,” but we want to know, what’s your take?

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, the top ten best-selling K-pop albums of the first half of 2024. From explosive debut tracks to unforgettable comebacks, these albums have not only topped the charts but also won the hearts of fans across the world. With irresistible beats, show-stopping visuals, and performances that leave you breathless, it’s clear that K-pop isn’t just a fleeting trend, it’s a worldwide sensation. Stay tuned, because as 2024 unfolds, we’re bound to see even more surprises from our favourite stars.