Some bands need years to go by before they chart a No. 1 album anywhere in the world, even in their home country, but that clearly isn’t the case with IVE. The South Korean girl group lands a massive win this week with their debut project, which becomes the relatively rare release to not debut in first place, but rise to the summit.
IVE’s debut release Eleven improves from No. 4 to No. 1 on the newest Gaon Albums chart, which ranks the bestselling full-lengths, EPs and single albums in South Korea every week, looking at how many copies were shipped to stores. The set initially opened at No. 3, and since then, it has bounced around the top five of the competitive tally. Now, in its fourth stint on the list, it vaults to the throne in what has turned out to be a relatively quiet period for major new releases.
Eleven introduced IVE to the world, with the girl group making a major splash with a single album that features just two tunes. Lead single and title track “Eleven” has become a solid hit in South Korea, improving to a new peak position of No. 4 on the Gaon Digital chart, the all-encompassing look at the most-consumed songs in the Asian nation. It initially barely broke into the top 100 on the tally, but it quickly shot into the top 10, and it has been slowly but steadily rising since then.
“Eleven” debuted just outside the top 10 on the Gaon Download chart, which lists the bestselling tunes in South Korea. It eventually climbed to No. 4, and now it seems its descent has begun. Fellow Eleven cut “Take It” hasn’t yet made a commercial impact in the band’s home nation, though it could soon if the outfit decides to switch focus and make the B-side their next promotional item.
After opening in first place last week, NCT’s Universe drops precipitously on the Gaon Albums chart, failing to earn a second stay inside the top 10. This frame, the title is down to No. 18, though it might rebound.
