NewJeans has once again proven their global appeal with their latest release, “How Sweet,” achieving remarkable success on international music charts. The South Korean girl group, managed by ADOR, has solidified their status as a digital powerhouse with their fourth consecutive million-seller.
Released on May 24, “How Sweet” has sold over 1,085,355 copies, including both standard and Weverse editions, according to the Circle Chart for May. This achievement follows their consistent record of hitting the million-seller mark with all their releases since their debut in July 2022. Their debut album “New Jeans” and the single album “OMG” have sold over 1.59 million and 1.66 million copies, respectively. Their second EP “Get Up” achieved double million-seller status with over 2.14 million copies sold.
The title track “How Sweet” and its B-side “Bubble Gum” have dominated major domestic music sites like Melon, Genie, and Bugs. Internationally, “How Sweet” ranked 119th on Spotify’s “Weekly Top Songs Global” chart for the week of May 31 to June 6, marking its second consecutive week on the chart. It also secured high positions on the latest Billboard charts, placing 7th on “Global (Excluding the U.S.)”, 12th on “Bubbling Under Hot 100”, and 15th on “Global 200”, proving their global appeal.
NewJeans has also made a significant impact on Billboard Japan’s “2024 Mid-Year Charts” with three songs (“Ditto”, “OMG”, and “ETA”) ranking on the overall song chart “Hot 100”. Despite these songs being released before the chart period, their sustained popularity showcases NewJeans’ enduring digital strength. Anticipation is high for their upcoming Japanese debut single “Supernatural,” set to be released on June 21.
The group has been named the only K-pop artist on Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list for 2024. The list, released on May 31, honors the most influential young artists under the age of 21 in the music industry, based on album and song sales, streaming numbers, as well as overall influence within the industry. This accolade underscores their exceptional influence and achievements in the music world.
Billboard lauded NewJeans for “establishing a unique position in K-pop.” This recognition is not just a testament to their musical prowess but also highlights their strategic use of social media to transcend language and cultural barriers, reaching a broader audience worldwide.
Within a year of their debut, their second mini-album “Get Up” propelled them to the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 main album chart. Alongside this monumental achievement, five of their tracks, including hits like “Ditto” and “Super Shy,” secured spots on the Hot 100 main singles chart, showcasing their widespread appeal and musical versatility.
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone as NewJeans was honored with the ‘Group of the Year’ award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards, further solidifying their status in the international music scene. Their recent double single “How Sweet” continues to chart impressively both domestically and internationally, demonstrating their enduring popularity and the high anticipation for their music releases.
In a move to deepen their connection with fans, NewJeans, through their agency Ador, announced the opening of a pop-up store in Seoul. This initiative, themed around their latest double single “How Sweet,” offers fans an immersive experience into the world of NewJeans. Running from June 5-17, the store mimics a retro vinyl record shop and features a variety of merchandise, including a special collaboration with The Powerpuff Girls, catering to the nostalgic and contemporary tastes of their fanbase.
The “How Sweet” single has already made significant waves in the music industry, selling over 810,000 copies on its release day and securing top positions on major music charts. This commercial success is complemented by the overwhelming response to its music video, which dominated YouTube’s most-viewed video chart within 24 hours of its debut.
NewJeans’ meteoric rise in the global music industry is a testament to their innovative approach to music and marketing. By blending their unique musical style with strategic social media use, they have not only captivated a global audience but also set new standards in the K-pop industry. As they continue to chart new territories and engage with fans through creative endeavors like the “How Sweet” pop-up store, NewJeans is undeniably shaping the future of global music.
