Virtual boy group PLAVE has set a new personal record by reaching No. 31 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Billboard’s latest chart (dated October 31), released on Tuesday, shows PLAVE’s fifth mini-album HYPERDRIVE debuting at No. 31 on the main album chart, the Billboard 200.
This marks PLAVE’s highest chart position to date. The group first made history in May when their fourth mini-album Caligo Pt.2, released in April, entered the ‘Billboard 200’ at No. 145, making them the first K-pop virtual group to crack the chart.
Six months later, PLAVE’s HYPERDRIVE has skyrocketed 114 spots to No. 31, showcasing their rapid ascent. Their growing impact as virtual idols in the global market is particularly noteworthy.
HYPERDRIVE also topped Billboard’s World Albums and Top Album Sales charts in the same week. PLAVE clinched the top spot on the Emerging Artists chart as well.
PLAVE has been making waves internationally this year, capturing the attention of K-pop fans worldwide. In just three years since their debut, they’ve emerged as a global phenomenon.
The group’s domestic success is equally impressive. Their fifth mini-album HYPERDRIVE, released on October 13, sold approximately 1.32 million copies in its first week, setting a new personal sales record. On October 24, their title track “Star Trace” claimed the top spot on MBC’s “Show! Music Core,” further cementing their popularity.
PLAVE is also dominating music streaming charts. On Monday, four out of five tracks from their new album, including the title track “Star Trace” and B-sides “Sweet Rain,” “GGUN,” and “The Answer Is Yes,” ranked on Melon’s daily chart, highlighting their broad appeal.
Riding high on their domestic and international success, PLAVE is maintaining a busy schedule. They’re currently on their first world tour, KEEP IT MANIC, with upcoming shows in Macau on October 31 and November 1, followed by a performance in Los Angeles on November 14, where they’ll connect with their growing global fanbase.