NCT WISH and Mark Dominate April K-Pop Charts with Record-Breaking Albums
In a powerful display of brand strength, NCT WISH and Mark of NCT swept the K-pop charts in April, signaling their firm foothold in the global music scene.
According to the Hanteo Chart’s monthly rankings released on May 1, NCT WISH’s second mini-album poppop clinched the No. 1 spot, followed closely by Mark’s first solo album The First Fruit at No. 2. This establishes the NCT label as a dominant force in K-pop for 2024 and beyond.
Released on April 14, poppop soared to million-seller status within its first week of release, topping South Korea’s key album charts, winning triple crowns on music shows, and securing #1 on Apple Music Korea’s Top 100. The album also achieved two consecutive weeks at #1 on China’s QQ Music K-Pop Weekly Chart, ranked first on Japan’s AWA Realtime Rising Chart, and topped the YouTube Trending Video Charts in Japan. It reached #2 on Korea’s YouTube Music Trending list, cementing NCT WISH as a breakout act this spring.
Mark’s The First Fruit, released April 7, became a half-million seller and scored No. 1 on domestic album charts. It also won three music show trophies, claimed #1 on QQ Music’s Digital Album Sales Chart in China, and ruled Japan’s Oricon Daily Album rankings. Additionally, it topped the AWA Realtime Rising Chart and entered Spotify’s Global Top Album Debut Chart as well as the UK Official Download and Singles Sales Charts—an impressive feat, proving Mark’s potential as a solo artist.
With the title track “1999,” Mark blends his birth year, name, and artistic vision into a bold soundscape that marks him as a rising pop icon. Meanwhile, NCT WISH captured hearts with poppop through fairytale-like lyrics about first love and refreshing, high-energy performances, earning them accolades as the “Kings of Freshness.”
Both artists will unite with fans at SMTOWN LIVE 2025, performing on May 9 in Mexico City and May 11 in Los Angeles, bringing their global momentum to North and Central America.
