PLAVE scores biggest US chart success ahead of BTS and KPop Demon Hunters
PLAVE have beaten BTS and the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack on the latest US albums chart, with their new EP HYPERDRIVE entering at number 31.
PLAVE have beaten BTS and the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack on the latest US albums chart, with their new EP HYPERDRIVE entering at number 31.
The five-member virtual K-pop group secured their first top 40 placing on the Billboard 200, improving on the number 145 debut of their previous EP, Caligo Pt. 2, earlier this year.
The chart, dated 31 October, was unveiled on Tuesday (27.10.26), with PLAVE also claiming the top spot on Billboard's Top Album Sales and World Albums rankings.
It is the first time the group have led either of those charts, while they also reached number one on Emerging Artists.
HYPERDRIVE arrived digitally on 12 October, followed by its physical release the next day.
According to South Korea's Hanteo Chart, the record sold 1,322,973 copies in its first week, overtaking the group's previous best of 1,255,801 for Caligo Pt. 2.
Its lead single, Star Trace, has also found success beyond the album rankings.
The song landed at number 84 on the latest Billboard Global 200, extending its run to a second week, and reached number 32 on the Global Excl. US chart.
Other tracks, including GGUN, Sweet Rain, The Answer Is Yes and Rewind, also appeared on Billboard's global rankings.
PLAVE's success comes with an unusual twist: its members perform through animated characters rather than appearing on stage in person.
Yejun, Noah, Bambi, Eunho and Hamin are brought to life using motion-capture technology that translates the real performers' movements and expressions into digital images.
The group debuted in March 2023 and participate in writing, producing and choreographing their own music.
Their latest EP explores sounds ranging from dance-pop and rock to R 'n' B, with Star Trace taking an electronic approach.
All five songs occupied the top five places on South Korea's Melon Top 100 shortly after the digital release.
On the wider Billboard 200, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack followed at number 35, with KATSEYE at number 39 and BTS at number 46.
PLAVE are also taking their music overseas on their first world tour, KEEP IT MANIC.
Their next scheduled performances are in Macao on 31 October and 1 November, followed by a Los Angeles concert on 14 November.
