Among top K-pop groups with rising popularity in the U.S. market, THIS "underrated" group showed their potential in the music by securing their spots on Billboard Charts three consecutive times since their debut. Who are they?
'Underrated' Group KINGDOM Ranks 6th on Billboard's "World Digital Song Sales Chart
On April 12, the rookie boy group KINGDOM showed the miracle of "small, medium-sized idols."
In particular, according to the U.S. Billboard on the same day, the group's latest song release, "Ascension" proudly ranked 6th place on Billboard's "World Digital Song Sales" chart.
"Ascension" is the title track of the septet's fourth mini-album, "History of Kingdom: PartⅣ. Dann" released on March 31.
As soon as the news spread on SNS, media outlets and KINGMAKERS (fandom of KINGDOM) expressed their delight over the new feat achieved by the group.
ALSO READ: Boy Group KINGDOM Garners Rave Reviews from Forbes and Billboard
In particular, despite their incredible skills, top concepts, and achievements, the team that debuted in 2021 under small company GF Entertainment remained "underrated" compared to other rookie groups who came from "BIG4"( HYBE, SM, JYP and YG Entertainment).
Nevertheless, KINGDOM proved that hard work pays off. Just right after their debut, KINGDOM released their second mini-album, "History of Kingdom: Part Ⅱ. Chiwoo" and its title track, "KARMA." This became their first release to enter the same chart on the U.S. Billboard at No. 8.
In the following year, they broke their personal record by rising a notch and entering Billboard's "World Digital Song Sales" at No. 7 with their third mini album's title track, "Black Crown."
In 2022, they continue to surpass their own best by ranking 6th this time. Thanks to this momentum, the new song "Ascension" made the group hit the Billboard charts for the third consecutive time since their debut.
With this, KINGDOM became the only male group that debuted in 2021 as well to prove its global power by placing its name on the Billboard chart.
Looking back, these are not the only records where KINGDOM proved their top skills. They also ranked No. 1 on five U.S. Amazon Music charts and No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes singles chart for the first time as a "fourth-generation idol."
As a result, expectations increased that the once "underrated group" will continue to elevate its status and become a "rising star."
Get to Know KINGDOM: Concept & Members
On the other hand, KINGDOM is a seven-member group initially introduced by GF Entertainment in 2020 as a pre-debut group. The members consist of Dann, Louis, Chiwoo, Arthur, Ivan, Jahan, and Mujin.
In 2021, they officially debuted with their debut album, "History of Kingdom: Part Ⅰ. Arthur." Their debut received a decent amount of interest from K-pop enthusiasts for their worldview. It is "representing seven kings from seven kingdoms."
In line with this, they drew interest by exhibiting traditional Korean costumes in their photos and MVs. They were also praised for using traditional instruments such as haegeum, daegeum, gayageum, and flute.
The combined synergy of the traditional Korean sound and concept along with their explosive singing and dance abilities defines their unique stance. KINGDOM also incorporated dance steps reminiscent of folk games to add fun for K-pop enthusiasts on enjoying and appreciating music better.
On the other hand, KINGDOM which made a comeback with its fourth mini-album on the 31st of last month will continue its activities through various music broadcasts and various content.
READ MORE: K-Media Outlet Named 6 Rookie Groups as 'Future of K-pop'
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Written by Eunice Dawson