Big Bang debuts on Billboard 200 chart

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines - Boy band Big Bang’s new album “Alive” debuted on Billboard 200 chart, the first time for a Korean pop group.

Big Bang (YG Entertainment)

The album, released on Feb. 28, entered the Billboard charts for the period ending March 17.

It debuted at No. 150 on Billboard 200 chart, No. 4 on Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, No. 4 on Billboard World Albums chart and No. 22 on the Independent Albums chart.

The Billboard 200 ranking is the second time that a Korean pop artist entered the chart. Pop diva BoA’s first English album “BoA” debuted at No. 127 on the chart upon release in 2009.  

Big Bang also made it to the No. 5 spot on Billboard Eventful’s Most Demanded Performers and Today’s Hottest Demands charts, which rank singers who are in demand for live acts.

Songs in the album also dominated the Top 10 on Billboard K-pop Hot 100 chart. “Blue” debuted at No. 1, followed by “Love Dust” at No. 2, “Bad Boy” at No. 3, “Fantastic Baby” at No. 5, and “Ain’t No Fun” at No. 8. “Wings” is at No. 13 and the album intro is at No. 19.

On Korea’s Gaon chart, the album is at No. 1 on the physical albums chart for the period Feb. 26 to March 3. Six songs in “Alive” also dominated the Top 10 digital singles ranking.

In addition, Big Bang have yet to start promoting the album on Korean music shows but they have already won an award.

On Mnet’s “M! Countdown” on March 8, Big Bang’s “Blue” took the chart award.

This year, Big Bang will hold their “Big Bang Alive” world tour where they will hold concerts in 25 cities in 16 countries.

Link to my original article: http://beonline.com.ph/kPopArticle.php?aid=6885&pageid=8&i=Big+Bang+debuts+on+Billboard+200+chart