Baekhyun has solidified his status as a global solo artist with the release of his fifth mini album, Essence of Reverie, which dropped on May 19, 2025.
The album’s impact was immediate and monumental, surpassing 1 million copies sold in just three days, setting the highest first-week sales record for any solo artist so far this year.
This remarkable achievement highlights Baekhyun’s ever-growing influence both in South Korea and internationally.
Launching his comeback with the pre-release track “Chocolate,” Baekhyun quickly captured fans’ attention through consecutive performances on music shows, followed by dynamic stages for the album’s title song “Elevator.”
Beyond his musical showcases, Baekhyun also connected with fans on a personal level by appearing on popular YouTube variety programs, revealing his charm and wit.
In addition to digital and broadcast promotions, Baekhyun deepened fan engagement with offline events.
Seoul hosted a concept-themed pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul from May 22 to 28, where exclusive merchandise and album-related exhibits were available, creating a unique immersive experience for fans.
At the same time, international promotional efforts extended to the United States with pop-up events across eight cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., between May 23 and 25.
These efforts coincided with the album’s physical release at major U.S. retailers like Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble, marking a strategic push to expand Baekhyun’s global physical sales presence.
The album’s popularity was immediately reflected on iTunes charts, where it reached No. 1 on Top Albums in 24 regions and topped Top Songs in 14 regions.
This rapid success also exceeded the momentum generated by Baekhyun’s previous releases, underlining the increasing demand and enthusiasm surrounding his music.
Looking ahead, Baekhyun is preparing for a significant milestone in his solo career with the launch of his first solo world tour titled Reverie.
The tour kicks off with a highly anticipated two-night show at Seoul’s KSPO Dome on June 7 and 8, promising an unforgettable experience for fans and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his journey as a global solo artist.
