The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) revealed it was a “record year” for K-pop stars as six acts made it in the top 20 of its latest biggest-selling recording artists tally.
The recorded music industry representative body ranked the world’s top musical acts of 2023 based on an artist’s or group’s worldwide physical sales, downloads, and streaming.
“As the global recorded music landscape shifts and new opportunities emerge, record companies continue their work to build global, long-term careers for their artists,” Lewis Morrison, Director of Charts and Certifications at IFPI, said in a statement.
In honor of International Women’s Day, meet the two K-pop girl groups who secured spots within the top 20 of IFPI’s Global Recording Artist chart for 2023.
NewJeans
Ranking: 8
NewJeans, the the first group to debut under ADOR, rose to K-pop stardom with hits such ‘Ditto,’ ‘Super Shy,’ ‘OMG,’ and ‘ETA.’ IFPI has ranked them as the eighth best-selling artists of 2023.
The K-pop quintet sold 4.3 million in album sales in 2023, as per HYBE’s fourth quarter financial report, citing South Korea’s Circle Chart.
On March 2023, NewJeans broke the Guinness World Record for being the fastest K-pop act ever to reach one billion Spotify streams in 219 days. This month, they become the first K-pop act to win Group of the Year at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards.
IVE
Ranking: 12
IVE, one of the most successful fourth-generation girl groups, also made their debut on IFPI’s annual recording artists ranking.
The six-piece act, consisting of members Yujin, Gaeul, Leeseo, Rei, Wonyoung, and Liz, has been releasing hits that focuses on self-love and confidence since debuting in 2021.
The Columbia Records/Starship Entertainment group’s six-track EP ‘I’VE MINE’ sold 1.9 million copies, according to the Circle Chart. IFPI further revealed in a separate release it was the 20th best-selling album globally last year.