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BTS J-hope 'paved the way' as first K-pop soloist to chart 2 albums in top 40 of Billboard 200

J-hope also became the first artist to debut two Korean-language tracks of the same album with 'Jack in the Box' on Billboard Hot 100

J-hope’s solo debut has been pretty explosive from him hosting the most star-studded listening party to bagging the cover of W Korea magazine. The BTS star was also personally invited to Lollapalooza and has become the first Korean soloist to headline the music festival. And while ARMY were disappointed that his solo debut album ‘Jack in the Box’ would only have a digital version instead of being a physical album, it hasn’t deterred them from helping him make Billboard achievements. 

J-hope now becomes the first and only K-pop soloist to have two albums chart in the top 40 of Billboard 200. We first had his upbeat and fun solo mixtape ‘Hope World’ debut at #63 and peak at #38 on Billboard 200 back in 2018. The BTS star took an experimental route for his solo debut album ‘Jack in the Box’ as he wanted to show his true self aside from the idol persona he has. And while he had assured fans he wasn’t worried about charting, it looks like the general public did love the mix of old-school rock and hip hop tracks since ‘Jack in the Box’ debuted at #17 on Billboard 200.

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J-hope debuts on Billboard with solo album

On top of it, J-hope’s lead single ‘Arson’ has also brought him his third entry on Billboard Hot 100. We first had the viral single ‘Chicken Noodle Soup’ giving the BTS star his Hot 100 debut by charting at #81. The pre-released single ‘More’ debuted at #82 which was pretty impressive as it did not get any promotions. Well, ‘Arson’ has now charted at #96 on Billboard Hot 100. With J-hope’s solo album being a digital version with Billboard focusing on physical sales, fans had slammed HYBE for allegedly sabotaging the idol’s debut. But it looks like it barely threw any wrench in his solo plans as J-hope proves his mettle on the two competitive Billboard charts.

Apart from being the first K-pop soloist to have two albums in the top 40 of Billboard 200, J-hope also becomes the first to debut two Korean-language tracks of the same album on Billboard Hot 100. If that wasn’t enough, both ‘More’ and ‘Arson’ charted at #2 on Billboard Digital Song Sales. Meanwhile, all of the other tracks of ‘Jack in the Box’ have also entered the Digital Song Sales chart. J-hope’s debut album had also done well on other platforms as ‘Jack in the Box' became the fastest album by a K-pop soloist to cross 100 million Spotify streams in just 8 days of its release.

‘So proud of you’

Well, ARMY are celebrating the Billboard achievements by trending ‘J-hope paved the way’ with tweets like, “Congrats Hobi on your highest charting album on billboard 200 with Jack In The Box and being the first Korean solo artist to chart 2 albums in the top 40! We’re so proud of you.” Another posted, “Yup no one's on his level 💯💯💯 CONRATULATIONS J-HOPE J-HOPE PAVED THE WAY.”

One fan flexed, “WITHOUT PHYSICAL CD'S WITHOUT RADIO WITHOUT PLAYLIST J-HOPE PAVED THE WAY.” Another shared, “I'm happy for hobi because it just shows people were actually the enjoying the album & that's what he wanted. of course there was some hiccups by bighit & geffen but i'm also happy the company wasn't involved with the concept & his songs.”