K-pop, a global cultural phenomenon, has evolved far beyond the borders of South Korea, captivating audiences across the world. With its catchy melodies, intricate choreography, and dedicated fan bases, K-pop albums often break records and set new standards for the music industry. While every K-pop group has contributed to the genre’s meteoric rise, some albums stand out as the most sold in K-pop history, with millions of copies sold globally. Let’s dive into the albums that have become icons, setting benchmarks for both success and influence.
1. BTS – Love Yourself: Answer (2018)
Without a doubt, one of the most sold albums in K-pop history is Love Yourself: Answer by BTS. Released in 2018 as a compilation album that included tracks from Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Tear, this record-breaking release achieved sales of over 2.2 million copies worldwide. It is one of the key albums that catapulted BTS into global stardom, making them a household name far beyond K-pop fans.
With massive hits like “IDOL” and “Euphoria,” Love Yourself: Answer is more than just an album—it’s a cultural milestone. The themes of self-love, identity, and emotional growth resonated deeply with listeners, which contributed to its commercial and critical success. It also helped BTS secure their place as the pioneers of K-pop’s international success.
Love Yourself: Answer went on to win numerous awards and recognition, and its influence is still felt today, showing the power of K-pop as a global genre. BTS’s consistent chart-topping hits and massive fanbase, known as the ARMY, helped push this album’s sales to stratospheric heights. Their legacy is a testament to the potential of K-pop when it reaches the global stage.
2. BTS – Love Yourself: Tear (2018)
Following the success of Love Yourself: Answer, BTS’s Love Yourself: Tear also made waves, achieving over 1.8 million copies sold. Released earlier in 2018, this album marked a major turning point for BTS, both musically and thematically. With its more introspective tracks like “Fake Love” and “The Truth Untold,” Love Yourself: Tear tackles the complexity of love and heartbreak.
The album was critically acclaimed, and its international success further solidified BTS’s dominance in the K-pop world. Love Yourself: Tear also earned BTS their first number-one album on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, a monumental achievement that expanded their global footprint even further. It’s an album that captures the intense emotional range BTS is known for, from raw vulnerability to bold empowerment, resonating deeply with their diverse audience.
3. EXO – The War (2017)
EXO, one of the most successful K-pop boy groups in history, also boasts one of the highest-selling albums with The War (2017). This album was a massive commercial success, selling almost 1 million copies globally. Known for their powerful vocals and sharp choreography, EXO’s The War featured hits like “Ko Ko Bop” and “Power,” which showcased a blend of EDM, R&B, and pop, proving the group’s versatility.
The War was a game-changer for EXO. It was their first album to break the 1 million mark in sales, a remarkable feat for any K-pop group. This album further established EXO as one of the leading groups in K-pop, not just in terms of sales but also their cultural influence. The album’s success in various international markets, including China and Japan, marked EXO’s global appeal.
4. SEVENTEEN – Face the Sun (2022)
In 2022, SEVENTEEN made history with the release of Face the Sun, which quickly became one of the highest-selling albums in K-pop. Selling over 4.2 million copies by early 2024, this album broke multiple records and demonstrated the group’s continued rise. Face the Sun features energetic and emotionally charged tracks such as “Hot” and “Darl+ing,” showcasing the group’s growth in both musical sophistication and performance.
SEVENTEEN’s sales figures speak volumes about their widespread influence. The album’s success was driven by their dedicated fanbase, known as Carats, who propelled SEVENTEEN to new heights. Their commitment to innovative sound, captivating visuals, and flawless choreography resonated with fans worldwide. With Face the Sun, SEVENTEEN solidified their position as one of the top K-pop groups globally.
5. BLACKPINK – The Album (2020)
The Album (2020) stands as a pivotal release for BLACKPINK, achieving over 1 million copies sold worldwide—a testament to the group’s expansive international fanbase and market influence. As their debut full-length album, it not only cemented BLACKPINK’s status as global superstars but also marked a major milestone in K-pop history. The album’s sales figures reflect robust domestic support in Korea while showcasing its powerful global appeal, positioning it as one of the best-selling K-pop releases of 2020.
The success of The Album can be attributed to its blend of dynamic musical styles and bold, empowering performances. Iconic tracks like “How You Like That” and “Lovesick Girls” played a crucial role in captivating diverse audiences across continents. This record-setting achievement highlights not only the group’s ability to consistently innovate in musical style and fashion but also underscores their ongoing influence in shaping the global music scene.
6. Stray Kids – Maxident (2022)
Released in 2022, Stray Kids’ Maxident broke records and established the group as one of the most promising new forces in K-pop. Selling over 2 million copies worldwide, the album combines intense and experimental sounds with powerful, introspective lyrics. Hits like “Case 143” and “Maniac” demonstrate Stray Kids’ signature blend of EDM, hip-hop, and rock influences, making it one of the most talked-about albums of 2022.
Stray Kids’ growing popularity is evident in the album’s commercial success, which catapulted them to the top of global charts. With a dedicated fanbase, known as STAYs, Stray Kids is on track to become one of the K-pop industry’s most influential groups.
7. TWICE – Formula of Love: O+T=<3 (2021)
TWICE’s Formula of Love: O+T=<3 captured hearts with its infectious pop sound and polished choreography, quickly amassing over 2 million copies in sales. With dynamic tracks like “Talk That Talk” and “Science,” the album marked a new chapter for the group—blending mature themes with their signature vibrant energy. This release not only solidified TWICE’s standing as one of K-pop’s top girl groups but also showcased their ability to evolve artistically while engaging a global audience.
8. NCT 127 – 2 Baddies (2022)
NCT 127’s 2 Baddies broke new ground with its bold experimentation and genre-blending production, reportedly selling over 1.8 million copies worldwide. The album’s title track, alongside other standout numbers, fuses hard-hitting beats with smooth vocal lines, reflecting the group’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Its innovative sound and striking visuals have redefined modern K-pop, earning NCT 127 widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.
9. Big Bang – MADE (2016)
A defining moment in K-pop history, Big Bang’s MADE series remains an iconic release that transcended musical boundaries. In 2016, the album series achieved remarkable success, crossing over 1.5 million copies sold globally. With genre-spanning tracks like “Bang Bang Bang” and “Loser,” Big Bang showcased their versatility and knack for crafting anthems that resonate on multiple levels. MADE not only cemented their legacy as K-pop pioneers but also paved the way for a new generation of artists.
10. IU – Lilac (2021)
IU’s Lilac demonstrated the soulful artistry and musical evolution of one of Korea’s most cherished solo acts. Released in 2021, the album struck a chord with fans around the world, selling over 1.2 million copies. Featuring a blend of introspective ballads and upbeat pop tracks, Lilac includes memorable tunes that highlight IU’s lyrical depth and refined vocal delivery. This release further affirmed her status as an influential force in the K-pop industry, bridging the gap between mainstream pop and artistic expression.
Conclusion
The most sold albums in K-pop aren’t just about numbers—they represent the enormous global influence of K-pop and the hard work, dedication, and creativity of the artists behind them. From BTS’s powerful messages of self-love to EXO’s unforgettable music and SEVENTEEN’s chart-topping success, these albums have redefined K-pop’s place in the global music industry.
As K-pop continues to expand its reach worldwide, there’s no telling how many more albums will break records and push boundaries. For fans, these albums are not just a collection of songs—they’re a testament to the growth of K-pop and its ability to connect with listeners from all walks of life.
