PLAVE sets new personal best with 1.32 million first-week sales for 5th mini album

Virtual idol group PLAVE has set a new personal record for first-week sales, moving approximately 1.32 million copies of their fifth mini album, "HYPERDRIVE." According to Hanteo Chart data released on the 19th, the album sold approximately 1.32 million copies within its first week of release, surpassing the 1.25 million copies sold for their fourth mini album, "Caligo Pt.2." Immediately following the release, the title track and all B-sides occupied top positions on major domestic music sites, and as of the 23rd, five songs from the album are listed on the Melon HOT100.

5th mini album sells 1.32 million copies in first week, surpassing 4th album record

Released on the 13th, "HYPERDRIVE" recorded approximately 1.32 million copies in "Chodong" (first-week sales). According to Hanteo Chart, this is the highest first-week sales figure among all albums released by PLAVE to date. The album sales were tallied based on the first week of release, and this latest achievement has surpassed the group's previous personal best. PLAVE also saw immediate success on music charts following the release, with both album sales and digital streaming performance serving as the two main pillars of this promotion.

The group's previous record was the 1.25 million copies sold during the first week of their fourth mini album, "Caligo Pt.2." The new album exceeded that figure by approximately 70,000 copies. These first-week sales figures are based on Hanteo Chart tallies, which cited "approximately 1.32 million copies" for the new release and "1.25 million copies" for the previous one. By increasing their sales compared to the previous release, PLAVE has rewritten their own album sales record.

Dominating major music charts on release day

Digital performance was prominent immediately following the new release. As of midnight on the 13th, all tracks on the album, including the title track, ranked from 1st to 5th place on major domestic music sites such as Melon, genie, and Bugs. The songs included in the album filled the top spots on the charts. Separate from the physical album records, the entire tracklist achieved high rankings on digital charts immediately after being released.

As of the 23rd, five PLAVE songs remain in the upper ranks of the Melon HOT100: "Star Trace," "Welcome Rain Under a Blue Sky," "Expert," "Rewind," and "The Answer Is Yes." The source noted that these songs entered the upper ranks without specifying their individual numerical rankings. The digital performance of the new album was not concentrated on a single song but was spread across several B-sides.

Continued success from previous albums and performances

PLAVE is a five-member virtual boy group that debuted in 2023. Their third mini album, "Caligo Pt.1," recorded 1.03 million copies in first-week sales, making them the first virtual idol to exceed 1 million copies in a first week. This was followed by their second single album, which sold 1.09 million copies in its first week. Subsequently, the fourth mini album "Caligo Pt.2" reached 1.25 million copies, and the fifth mini album "HYPERDRIVE" has now broken their own record with approximately 1.32 million copies. For each album, the first-week sales are based on the volume sold within the first week of release.

The group has also performed on large-scale concert stages, with the report noting their entry into the Gocheok Sky Dome as a first for a virtual idol. Additionally, it was reported that PLAVE has achieved a first-place win on terrestrial music broadcasts. For this "HYPERDRIVE" promotion, the group has confirmed Hanteo Chart first-week sales of approximately 1.32 million copies, top rankings on major domestic music sites immediately after release, and entry into the upper ranks of the Melon HOT100.

Achievements built through music and fan communication

The group's activity is characterized by their identity as virtual idols performing through virtual characters, combined with high-quality music, consistent communication with fans, and diverse stages and content. Based on these elements, PLAVE has built a fandom and received love for every song they release. This new album has once again demonstrated success in both album sales and digital rankings. Regardless of their activity format using virtual characters, the group's foundation is presented as their musical capability and communication with fans.

A music industry official commented on PLAVE's achievements, stating, "While PLAVE has a differentiated identity as a virtual idol, they have steadily expanded their fandom by making the competitiveness of the music itself their strength. The fact that they are achieving results in both album sales and music charts shows that their musical influence is growing endlessly. Many eyes are watching how the presence of PLAVE, who is achieving the greatest results among virtual idols, will continue to expand." The first-week sales for this album have surpassed the previous record, and all tracks on the album occupied the 1st through 5th positions on major music sites on the day of release.

With "HYPERDRIVE," PLAVE has set a new personal best for first-week sales on the Hanteo Chart. As of the 23rd, five songs, including those from the new album, are in the upper ranks of the Melon HOT100. Attention is focused on how PLAVE will continue their growth with future music.

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