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K-pop’s global popularity continues to rise, as proven by its dominant presence on the list of best-selling physical albums in the US for the first half of 2025. According to a July 17 report by Luminate, K-pop groups secured five out of the top ten spots in the overall rankings, underscoring the genre’s firm grip on the international music scene—particularly among American consumers. The surge is especially significant for fourth-generation boy bands, who are now setting new commercial standards with their record-breaking sales.
Leading the charge is Stray Kids, whose 2024 mixtape HOP made them the best-selling K-pop group in the US for this period. With 149,000 equivalent album units sold, they not only topped the K-pop chart but also claimed the No. 2 position overall among global artists. The mixtape’s continued relevance in 2025 is a testament to the group’s growing fanbase and sustained musical appeal. Following closely is ENHYPEN, whose album DESIRE : UNLEASH sold 145,000 equivalent units, placing them second among K-pop acts and third on the overall chart. Both albums also featured in the U.S. Top 10 CD Albums list, with HOP and DESIRE : UNLEASH ranking 8th and 9th, respectively—further cementing the appeal of physical K-pop releases in the streaming era.
ATEEZ continued the trend with Golden Hour: Part. 3, which moved 116,000 units and ranked them third among K-pop artists and fourth overall. Their consistent ability to attract U.S. listeners with high-energy concepts and immersive storytelling has propelled them into the upper echelons of global music recognition. SEVENTEEN came in next with their latest album Happy Burstday, which garnered 79,000 sales and earned them the seventh spot overall. Rounding out the top five K-pop entries was LE SSERAFIM, whose album HOT sold 73,000 units and took the ninth position on the overall list.
These numbers not only reflect the commercial strength of K-pop but also the strategic fan engagement and global marketing efforts that have become characteristic of the genre. The diversity in sound, visual storytelling, and immersive album packaging continues to attract listeners far beyond Korea. As physical album sales decline across much of the global music industry, K-pop remains an exception, thriving in a space where fans value tangible collectibles and full-album experiences. With more major releases expected in the second half of the year, K-pop’s stronghold on international charts seems far from slowing down.