By Kim Han-joo
K-pop album exports experienced an unprecedented surge, skyrocketing by 159 percent year-on-year in the January-March period. This remarkable growth marks the first time quarterly K-pop album shipments have surpassed the $100 million threshold, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service (KCS).
The KCS highlighted that quarterly K-pop album exports have consistently shattered previous records since the third quarter of 2025, demonstrating sustained global demand for these music products.
This significant boost is attributed by the KCS to the vast global expansion of K-pop fandoms worldwide, alongside a noticeable growing demand for physical albums. This trend suggests a potential fatigue with digital streaming platforms, driving fans back to tangible music products.
The United States has emerged as the leading market for K-pop album exports, capturing a substantial 28 percent of total shipments. This marks a significant shift, as the U.S. has now overtaken Japan, which previously dominated the top spot until last year.
Following closely, the European Union secured 16.5 percent of these exports, with China at 14.4 percent and Taiwan contributing 6.9 percent, according to the latest market analysis.
Remarkably, out of the 131 countries importing K-pop albums during the first quarter, 94 distinct nations reported their highest-ever quarterly import figures. This compelling data underscores the broad-based global expansion and widespread appeal of K-pop, signifying that growth is not concentrated in just a few key markets, the KCS emphasized.
