In K-pop, fans are well aware of how competitive the industry is. This is because its fierce nature has always been a significant aspect in its worldwide success. With the hard work and dedication of our favorites, it's only common for them to receive awards.
In Japan, the genre has grown exponentially across the country's music charts. The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) is one of the organizations that measures the success of artists who always manage to lay their mark across the music scene.
This September, several K-pop groups have earned their well-deserved certifications from the RIAJ. It also shows how relevant K-pop is nowadays, with many artists releasing their bops that garnered the love and support of avid fans.
Here are 7 K-pop groups who received RIAJ certifications in September 2023!
1. TWICE MISAMO
TWICE's first-ever unit and first Japanese sub-unit MISAMO received a platinum for their debut mini album "Masterpiece." The trio consists of TWICE's legendary J-line members Mina, Sana, and Momo, who made waves this 2023 with title track "Do not touch."
2. NewJeans
NewJeans was given a platinum certification this September for the success of the quintet's hit debut track "Hype Boy." On September 28, the song officially exceeded 100 million streams in Japan and eventually earned platinum.
3. SEVENTEEN
On September 8, SEVENTEEN acquired triple platinum certification for their Japanese compilation album "ALWAYS YOURS." According to sources, the album earned over 750,000 units shipped in the country.
SEVENTEEN also received a gold certification from the RIAJ with "Left & Right" for exceeding 50 million streams.
4. LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM made it on September 2023's list of artists who won RIAJ certifications. The girl group has collected a platinum certification for their "UNFORGIVEN" album (Japanese single) which earned over 250,000 shipped units.
The group was also certified platinum for their debut song "FEARLESS," due to it having surpassed 100 million streams. This was followed by their Korean title track "UNFORGIVEN," which claimed a gold certification for surpassing 50 million streams.
5. Stray Kids
Stray Kids was certified gold by the RIAJ for their track "Back Door." The song is the title track from their repackaged album "IN LIFE," which was released on September 14, 2020.
6. BTS
BTS also joined the list for having earned a gold certification from RIAJ with their classic track "Not Today." The song was released on February 13, 2017, and is from their repackaged album "You Never Walk Alone."
7. IZ*ONE
Lastly, September involved a surprising inclusion, which is none other than girl group IZ*ONE. the girl group had reached 50 million streams with their debut track "La Vie en Rose," claiming RIAJ's gold certification.
Despite their disbandment, IZ*ONE is still present in Japan's music scene. This only highlights their relevance in the K-pop industry.
Which K-pop groups on the list are your favorites? Tell us in the comments below!
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