K-pop Artists Shine in the 2024 U.S. Album Sales Rankings
The year 2024 marked a milestone for K-pop artists on the U.S. charts, demonstrating their immense popularity and global influence. On January 15, 2025, Luminate, the official data provider for the Billboard charts, released its list of the Best-Selling CD Albums of 2024. K-pop fans celebrated as Korean acts claimed seven of the top 10 spots. These rankings focused exclusively on physical CD sales, excluding digital downloads or other formats, with the tracking period spanning December 29, 2023, to January 2, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the ten best-selling albums and their significance:
1. Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department (1,512,000 copies)
Taylor Swift dominated the charts in 2024 with her album The Tortured Poets Department. Selling over 1.5 million CDs, it was the best-selling album of the year across all genres. Swift’s ability to consistently connect with fans, coupled with her record-breaking Eras Tour, cemented her position as a global icon.
2. Stray Kids – ATE (442,000 copies)
Stray Kids secured the No. 2 spot with their album ATE, making it the best-selling CD by a group or male artist in 2024. The group’s high-energy performances and genre-defying sound resonated deeply with fans, propelling them to the top of the charts.
3. ENHYPEN – ROMANCE : UNTOLD (363,000 copies)
ENHYPEN took the third position with their album ROMANCE : UNTOLD, selling 363,000 CDs. Known for their compelling storytelling and dynamic music, ENHYPEN continued to grow their international fanbase with this release.
4. ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1 (250,000 copies)
ATEEZ earned the No. 4 spot with GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1, selling 250,000 CDs. The album showcased their bold concepts and unique artistry, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop industry.
5. Stray Kids – 合 (HOP) (248,000 copies)
Stray Kids made a second appearance in the top 10 with their special album 合 (HOP), which ranked fifth with 248,000 CDs sold. Despite its late release during the tracking period, the album’s sales performance highlighted the group’s strong fan loyalty.
6. TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) – minisode 3: TOMORROW (240,000 copies)
TXT claimed the sixth position with their album minisode 3: TOMORROW, selling 240,000 copies. Their ability to blend meaningful lyrics with innovative music has solidified their reputation as one of K-pop’s most promising acts.
7. ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR : Part.2 (225,000 copies)
ATEEZ appeared again at No. 7 with GOLDEN HOUR : Part.2, which sold 225,000 CDs. This achievement demonstrated their consistency and ability to deliver consecutive hits within the same year.
8. Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (175,000 copies)
Swift’s re-recorded version of her iconic album 1989 ranked eighth with 175,000 CDs sold. Her ongoing project to reclaim her catalog has been a commercial and critical success, further solidifying her legacy.
9. TWICE – With YOU-th (174,000 copies)
As the only girl group on the list, TWICE took the ninth spot with their album With YOU-th. Selling 174,000 CDs, the album highlighted TWICE’s ability to captivate global audiences with their catchy tunes and vibrant charm.
10. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft (165,000 copies)
Billie Eilish rounded out the top 10 with Hit Me Hard and Soft, selling 165,000 CDs. Known for her introspective lyrics and distinctive sound, Eilish continues to leave her mark on the music industry.
