K-Pop Dominates U.S. CD Sales as Physical Media Thrives in 2025
K-pop claimed over half of the top 10 best-selling CDs in the U.S. for 2025, showing the genre's continued strength in physical album sales.

K-pop artists claimed more than half of the top 10 best-selling CD albums in the United States for 2025, according to new data from music tracking firm Luminate.
The year-end report highlights K-pop's continued dominance in physical album sales, even as the music industry increasingly shifts toward streaming. While specific album titles and rankings haven't been detailed, the strong showing demonstrates how K-pop fans continue to support their favorite artists through physical purchases.
This marks another successful year for Korean music in the American market, where groups have consistently performed well on both digital and physical charts. The CD format, though considered declining in many markets, remains popular among K-pop fans who value the collectible aspects of physical albums, including photobooks, photocards, and special packaging.
Luminate, which provides data for the Billboard charts, tracks album sales across various formats. The company's year-end reports offer insight into purchasing patterns and genre performance in the U.S. music market.
The strong physical sales numbers come as K-pop continues expanding its presence in Western markets. Major groups have been touring extensively in North America, while newer acts gain traction through social media and streaming platforms.
Physical album sales have become a crucial revenue stream for K-pop artists and labels, particularly as streaming royalties remain relatively low. The format also serves as a key metric for fan engagement, with many groups offering multiple album versions and exclusive content to drive sales.
The 2025 results suggest that despite broader industry trends toward digital consumption, K-pop's unique fan culture and collectible album approach continues to drive significant physical sales in the American market.
