K-POP in 2024: 33 Albums Make It onto Billboard 200, with TWICE and Stray Kids Achieving Historic Success

2024 has become a year that will be recorded in K-POP history. A total of 33 K-POP albums entered the Billboard 200 chart, with various artists setting new records throughout their careers. TWICE reached number one on the Billboard 200 for the first time with their “With YOU-th” EP released in March. This achievement holds special significance as it marked their first top spot in the chart during their 13-year career. The album features songs that convey personalized and intimate emotions. Stray Kids set an even more historic record. By topping the Billboard 200 with their “ATE” album, they became the only boy group to achieve number one with all five of their debut albums on the chart. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in K-POP history as well. ATEEZ also reached number one in November with “GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2,” making them the third group in K-POP history to claim multiple number one positions. 2024 was also a year when the solo activities of BTS members received significant attention. Jin, the group’s oldest member who had completed his military service, released his first full solo album, “Happy.” This album, composed of tracks influenced by global rock music, enabled Jin to enter the Billboard 200 top 10 as the seventh and final member of BTS to do so. Other BTS members such as RM, j-hope, and Jimin also showcased new musical sides through their respective solo projects. In 2024, solo albums from various established artists also attracted considerable attention. Onew of SHINee, Baekhyun of EXO, Yugyeom of GOT7, DK of iKON, and Cha Eunwoo of ASTRO all solidified their musical identities through solo projects. Additionally, groups such as ARTMS, which left LOONA, and IVES delivered outstanding results in projects announcing their new beginnings. There were also critically acclaimed projects from artists like IU, PLAVE, and NCT. Meanwhile, emerging groups such as BABYMONSTER, xikers, UNIS, EPEX, and SCENEDROME became notable rising forces this year, drawing attention from fans around the world. The success of K-POP in 2024 goes beyond mere chart figures. At the Billboard Music Awards (BBMA), Korean artists received 21 nominations, further strengthening their presence in the global music market. This demonstrates that K-POP has evolved from a domestic genre into a mainstream global music style.