Boy band BTS has become the first K-pop act ever to top the US album chart, prompting South Korean president Moon Jae-in to congratulate them with a heartfelt message.
The group's Love Yourself: 轉'Tear' has sold 135,000 equivalent album units in the US, according to Billboard, which also notes that it is also the first primarily non-English language release to land the number one spot since Il Divo's Ancora in 2006.
President Moon released an impassioned statement about the achievement, praising the band's "magical power" that has "energised" young people globally.
"Congratulations to the Seven Music-loving Boys and Their Wings, ARMY! The songs, dance, dreams and enthusiasm of BTS energised and gave strength to young people around the world," said President Moon.
"At the very heart of BTS's outstanding dancing and singing is sincerity. This magical power turns grief into hope and differences into similarity.
"Each of the seven members sings in a way that is true to himself and the life he wants to live. Their melody and lyrics transcend regional borders, language, culture, and institutions."
In New Zealand, Love Yourself: 轉'Tear' is currently in the number five spot, behind albums from Post Malone, Ed Sheeran and the Ten Tenors, along with the Greatest Showman soundtrack.
Newshub.
