In 2017, Big Hit Entertainment ranked second place in the physical sales market, just below the reigning king of the K-Pop industry, SM Entertainment, thanks to BTS‘s popularity.
Big Hit took home 18.58% of the market, or 2,690,607 sales! Their success is especially impressive, considering that BTS is one of only two active groups (BTS and a duo, Homme) under Big Hit. SM has at least ten times that many artists, under multiple subsidiaries.
SM Entertainment ranked first with 26.01%, or 3,767,226 sales. Their artists include EXO, SHINee, and Girls’ Generation.
JYP Entertainment came in third place with 14.07%, or 2,038,538 sales. Their artists include TWICE, GOT7, and 2PM.
YMC Entertainment arrived in fourth place with 9.36%, or 1,355,618 sales. Their artists include Wanna One and Ailee.
Pledis Entertainment claimed fifth place with 7.50%, or 1,086,485 sales. Their artists include SEVENTEEN, PRISTIN, and NU’EST.
YG Entertainment ranked sixth with 3.95%, or 571,540 sales. Their artists include BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, and WINNER.
Starship Entertainment took home seventh place with 3.53%, or 511,790 sales. Their artists include Cosmic Girls and MONSTA X.
Around Us came in eighth with 1.84%, or 266,002 sales. This company, established by Highlight, currently only includes the Highlight members.
FAVE Entertainment placed ninth with 1.76%, or 255,330 sales. Their artists include IU and FIESTAR.
Will BTS help Big Hit to take first place in 2018? Only time will tell!