K-pop artists emerged as a dominant force in the U.S. physical music market in 2025, claiming seven of the top ten best selling CD albums of the year, according to newly released industry data.
On January 15, entertainment analytics firm Luminate published its 2025 Year-End Music Report, tracking CD album sales across the United States from January 3, 2025, through January 1, 2026. The report reflects physical album purchases made through U.S. retail channels, including major music stores and distributors.
Stray Kids Secure Multiple Top-10 Spots
Among K-pop acts, Stray Kids posted the strongest overall performance, placing three separate albums in the Top 10 ranking.
Their fourth full length album ‘KARMA’ ranked No. 2, selling approximately 520,000 copies in the U.S. alone. The group’s mixtape project ‘SKZ-IT Tape: DO IT’ followed closely at No. 3 with 450,000 units sold, while ‘SKZHIP HOP Tape: 合 (HOP)’ placed No. 6 with 220,000 copies. The results underscore Stray Kids’ sustained appeal among U.S. fans, particularly in the physical album sector an area where K-pop continues to outperform most Western pop acts.
ENHYPEN and ATEEZ Maintain Strong U.S. Presence
ENHYPEN also delivered a notable showing, with their sixth mini album ‘DESIRE: UNLEASH’ ranking No. 4 after selling approximately 260,000 copies. The group’s consistent chart presence highlights the loyalty of their international fanbase and their growing footprint in North America.
ATEEZ followed at No. 5 with ‘GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3’, which recorded 220,000 U.S. sales, reaffirming the group’s reputation as a powerhouse touring and album selling act overseas.
Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) entered the Top 10 at No. 10 with their fourth full album ‘The Star Chapter: TOGETHER’, rounding out a strong showing for HYBE-affiliated artists.
KATSEYE Stands Out Among Girl Groups
Among girl groups, KATSEYE was the only female act to make the Top 10. Their second EP ‘Beautiful Chaos’ ranked No. 7, selling approximately 180,000 copies in the U.S. market. The achievement marks a significant milestone, positioning KATSEYE alongside top-tier global acts despite being relatively early in their career.
A Clear Signal From the Physical Market
Luminate’s data paints a clear picture: while streaming dominates overall consumption, physical albums remain a powerful indicator of fandom strength, and K-pop continues to lead in this category. With collectible packaging, multiple versions, and strong fan engagement strategies, K-pop acts have effectively transformed physical albums into premium cultural products.
As the U.S. music industry continues to evolve, the 2025 rankings confirm one thing unmistakably K-pop is no longer a niche import, but a central force in the global physical music market.