First K-pop Group To Reach No.1 On The UK Albums Chart

The Official Award Of A Certificate

On April 20, 2019, BTS made history as the first K-pop group to reach No. 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart with their EP Map of the Soul: Persona. This groundbreaking moment, later documented by the K-pop Records Library (KRL) as of April 12, 2025, marked a turning point for K-pop’s global ascent, proving South Korean music could conquer one of the world’s toughest markets.

Feat:

Map of the Soul: Persona, released on April 12, 2019, debuted with 26,500 equivalent units, outpacing its nearest competitor by combining robust physical sales, downloads, and streams. Featuring the hit “Boy With Luv” with Halsey, the EP showcased BTS’s signature blend of introspective lyrics and genre-spanning sounds. Their climb to No. 1 surpassed their previous UK high of No. 8 with Love Yourself: Tear, silencing doubters and cementing their crossover appeal.

Before BTS, K-pop had barely grazed the UK’s Top 10, let alone the summit. Their victory, fueled by ARMY’s relentless support, opened doors for acts like BLACKPINK, who later hit No. 1 in 2022. KRL’s recognition of this record, backed by Official Charts and Forbes reports, celebrated a seismic shift. By 2025, as BTS prepared for their reunion, their 2019 feat remained a beacon of K-pop’s potential, proving seven voices from Seoul could echo loudest across the pond.