[SBS Star] NCT 127 Becomes the Second-highest Charting K-pop Group in Billboard 200 History

K-pop boy group NCT's sub-unit NCT 127's first full album 'Regular-Irregular' has debuted at No. 86 on the Billboard 200.

On October 22, Billboard announced that NCT 127 entered Billboard 200 for its very first time with 'Regular-Irregular'. With the news, Billboard commented, "With a name meant to represent Seoul, South Korea, NCT 127's aim to show the city's thriving pop scene and K-pop industry at large is exceptionally pulled off in a record that showcases the multifaceted aspects of the genre―with a knack for its most experimental moments." By accomplishing this, NCT 127 became the second-highest charting K-pop group in Billboard 200 history.

Previously, BTS' two albums this year―'LOVE YOURSELF 轉 Tear' and 'LOVE YOURSELF 結 Answer'―hit No. 1, EXO peaked at No. 87 with 'THE WAR' last year, and BIGBANG reached the highest at No. 150 with 'MADE' in 2012.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums and streaming equivalent albums. Released on October 12, 'Regular-Irregular' contains 11 unique tracks that show different colors of NCT 127, which includes the English version of the title track 'Regular'.

Meanwhile, NCT 127 has recently been engaging in the stateside activity, including performing 'Regular' on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in the beginning of the month.
 
(Lee Narin, Credit= 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' YouTube, 'NCTsmtown_127' Twitter, 'Billboard' Official Website)

(SBS Star)