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)
BLACKPINK’s debut full-length album, The Album (2020), was a major milestone for the group, achieving over 1 million copies sold. With iconic songs like “How You Like That” and “Lovesick Girls,” the album captured the attention of both Korean and international audiences. The Album showcased BLACKPINK’s signature bold and empowering style, blending pop, hip-hop, and EDM.
This album not only reinforced BLACKPINK’s dominance in K-pop but also highlighted their ability to consistently push the envelope in terms of musical style and fashion. It became one of the best-selling albums of 2020, and BLACKPINK’s influence in the global music scene has only grown since. Their success also reflects the increasing global reach of K-pop, which is no longer confined to Asia but has become a truly global genre.
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.
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.
