K-pop is a global phenomenon that has captivated millions of fans around the world. But in China, one of the largest and most influential markets for music, K-pop has a special status. Not only do Chinese fans consume K-pop songs and albums through various platforms, but they also show their support by purchasing digital albums on Chinese music sites.
Digital albums are different from physical albums in that they are not tangible products, but rather online downloads or streams that can be accessed through apps or websites. They are usually cheaper than physical albums, but they still require fans to pay a certain amount of money to access them. Digital albums are a way for fans to show their love and appreciation for their favorite artists, as well as to help them chart higher on music rankings.
However, not every K-pop act can achieve the feat of selling over 1 million digital albums in China. Only a handful of groups and soloists have managed to reach this milestone, proving their immense popularity and influence in the Chinese market. Here are some of the K-pop acts who have joined the elite club of million-sellers in China.
BTS
BTS is undoubtedly the biggest K-pop group in the world, and China is no exception. The septet has sold over 1 million digital albums in China for each of their releases since 2018, with their latest album BE (Deluxe Edition) selling over 1.6 million copies. BTS has also topped the QQ Music chart, the largest music platform in China, for several weeks with their hit songs “Dynamite” and “Butter”.
BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is the most successful K-pop girl group in China, as well as globally. The quartet has sold over 1 million digital albums in China for their first full-length album THE ALBUM, which was released in 2020. They also achieved this feat for their 2018 mini-album SQUARE UP, which featured the smash hit “DDU-DU DDU-DU”. BLACKPINK has also broken records on Chinese music sites, such as becoming the first K-pop girl group to surpass 1 billion streams on QQ Music.
EXO
EXO is one of the most popular and influential K-pop groups in China, especially since they have three Chinese members: Lay, Luhan, and Kris. The group has sold over 1 million digital albums in China for each of their albums since 2015, with their latest album DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING selling over 1.3 million copies. EXO has also won numerous awards and accolades in China, such as the Most Influential Group of Asia at the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards.
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NCT
NCT is a unique K-pop group that consists of multiple sub-units, each with their own concept and style. The group has sold over 1 million digital albums in China for their 2020 album NCT 2020 RESONANCE Pt. 1, which featured all 23 members of NCT. The album also topped the QQ Music chart and earned a double platinum certification. NCT has also gained a lot of fans in China through their sub-unit NCT DREAM, which consists of the youngest members of the group.
TWICE
TWICE is another K-pop girl group that has achieved great success in China, as well as in other Asian countries. The group has sold over 1 million digital albums in China for their 2019 album Feel Special, which was their first album to reach this milestone. TWICE has also impressed Chinese fans with their catchy songs and colorful concepts, such as “FANCY”, “Feel Special”, and “I CAN’T STOP ME”.
Other K-pop acts
Besides the aforementioned groups, there are also other K-pop acts who have sold over 1 million digital albums in China, such as SEVENTEEN, TXT, Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, IVE, ITZY, ATEEZ, and more. These groups have shown their potential and growth in the Chinese market, as well as their diverse and appealing music styles. They have also attracted a loyal fanbase in China, who are willing to support them in various ways.
