BTS Dominates Global Album Sales in 2023, Securing Both 1st and 2nd Places

'2020 Global Album Chart' selected by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) (Source: IFPI website capture)

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] The group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) took both the first and second places in album sales worldwide last year.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced on the 11th (local time) that 'Map of the Soul: 7' ranked first and 'BE' ranked second on the 2020 global album sales chart. This ranking combines both physical album sales and digital music downloads.

Following BTS, Japanese singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu's 'STRAY SHEEP' ranked third, and American artist Taylor Swift's 'Folklore' ranked fourth. Fifth place was taken by BLACKPINK's 'The Album', while AC/DC's 'Power Up' (6th) and Justin Bieber's 'Changes' (7th) also made it into the rankings.

On the 'Global All Format Chart', which includes streaming as well, BTS's 'Map of the Soul: 7' ranked first, and 'BE' ranked fourth.

BTS's 'Dynamite', released in August last year, also ranked 10th on IFPI's '2020 Global Digital Single Chart'. This chart ranks the world's best-selling songs in all digital formats, including individual song downloads and music streaming services annually.

Francis Moore, IFPI Chairman, said, "BTS's success is unprecedented and shows how remarkably their music appeals to people worldwide," adding, "We once again congratulate BTS on such a successful year."

BTS previously became the first Asian artist to receive IFPI's Global Recording Artist of the Year award. BTS ranked 2nd in 2018 and 7th in 2019, making the top 10 for three consecutive years.

Meanwhile, BTS has been nominated for the 'Best Pop Duo/Group Performance' category at the '2021 Grammy Awards', held at 9 a.m. Korean time on the 15th, for 'Dynamite', and they are also scheduled to perform.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.