The group SEVENTEEN has once again proven their overwhelming popularity in Japan.
According to Japan's Oricon on the 3rd, SEVENTEEN's 5th full album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' sold approximately 457,000 copies, topping the latest 'Weekly Album Ranking' (for the week of June 9, tallying period May 26 - June 1). Notably, they achieved the highest weekly album sales of the year among all international male and female artists who released albums this year.
Moreover, SEVENTEEN has continued their record-breaking streak, securing their 14th No. 1 on this chart. Since their 9th mini album 'Attacca' in 2021, this marks their 10th consecutive album to achieve No. 1.
'HAPPY BURSTDAY' has received a warm reception in Japan immediately after its release. It swept the highest ranks on Line Music's real-time and daily 'Album Top 100', as well as on local iTunes 'Top Albums' chart and Apple Music's 'Top Albums' chart. It also dominated Oricon's 'Daily Album Ranking' for six consecutive days (May 27 - June 1).
The album has continued its No. 1 streak on major domestic and global charts as well. In its first week of release (tallying period May 26 - June 1), it sold over 2.52 million copies, topping the Hanteo Chart's weekly album chart. This marks the highest first-week sales for a K-pop album released this year. It also claimed the No. 1 spot on China's QQ Music daily and weekly 'Digital Bestseller Album' comprehensive category.
The title track 'THUNDER' maintained the top rank on Bugs' daily chart for three consecutive days (May 30 - June 1) and has consistently stayed in the top tier on Melon's 'Top 100'. The song has received rave reviews: "Explosive, enchanting, and incomparable to any other song" (Billboard USA), "A highly polished track fit for a massive summer festival" (CLASH UK), "Highlights the members' chemistry and the group's charm" (NME UK).
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)