K-pop powerhouse aespa has once again proven their dominance on the global music stage, setting a new Billboard record that reinforces their status as one of the most influential girl groups of their generation.
Their latest mini album, “Rich Man,” has debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, marking another historic achievement and continuing the group’s incredible streak of chart success.
On September 16, 2025 (local time), Billboard officially revealed that aespa had secured yet another impressive debut on its Top 200 Albums chart, which ranks the most popular albums in the United States across all genres and formats.
With this new entry, aespa becomes the first K-pop girl group in history to chart their first seven albums within the top 50 of the Billboard 200 — a feat that no other girl group has accomplished before.
This achievement reflects not only aespa’s powerful U.S. fanbase but also their consistency in delivering commercially successful and artistically resonant projects.
Since their debut in 2020, aespa has steadily risen through the ranks of K-pop’s elite, and “Rich Man” adds another milestone to their legacy.
Breaking Down the Billboard Performance: “Rich Man” Delivers Big
naespa’s latest mini album is already being hailed as a major success across multiple Billboard charts. Here’s how “Rich Man” performed in its debut week:
- No. 12 on the Billboard 200 – aespa’s highest-charting release since “Drama”.
- No. 3 on both the Top Album Sales and Top Current Album Sales charts – indicating “Rich Man” was the third best-selling album in the U.S. that week in terms of pure sales.
- No. 14 on the Billboard Artist 100 – marking aespa’s 17th non-consecutive week on the influential chart that measures artist performance across sales, streams, airplay, and social media presence.
- No. 15 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, and No. 30 on the Global 200 – showcasing their growing international footprint beyond just North America.
These numbers further affirm aespa’s global appeal and sustained popularity.
With both digital and physical sales playing a huge role in the album’s success, it’s clear that the group has secured a fiercely loyal fanbase — known as MYs — who consistently support their every move.
aespa’s Record-Breaking Streak: Seven for Seven in Billboard Top 50
While many K-pop acts have managed to chart albums on the Billboard 200, aespa has distinguished themselves with remarkable consistency.
All seven of their eligible releases to date — including full albums and mini albums — have not only entered the Billboard 200 but have done so within the top 50 positions.
This makes aespa the first K-pop girl group ever to debut each of their first seven albums in the Billboard 200 top 50, a rare accomplishment that speaks to their enduring global impact.
It’s important to note that this record highlights aespa’s consecutive track record, meaning that from the start of their career until now, every Billboard-eligible album they’ve released has broken into the top 50.
That level of consistency is not easily achieved, especially in such a competitive and fast-evolving music market.
“Rich Man”: Concept, Sound, and Fan Response
“Rich Man” is not only a commercial success but also a creative leap for aespa. The mini album dives into themes of self-empowerment, wealth (both material and emotional), and ambition, while balancing the group’s signature futuristic and experimental sound with more melodic, vocal-driven tracks.
The title track, also named “Rich Man,” has quickly become a fan favorite, blending trap beats, sultry vocals, and bold lyricism.
The song’s music video, full of high-fashion visuals and symbolic imagery, has garnered millions of views within days of release and continues to trend globally on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Fans and critics alike have praised aespa’s artistic evolution, noting that “Rich Man” shows a more confident and commanding side of the group while maintaining their distinct AI-influenced, tech-savvy identity that first set them apart.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for aespa?
With their latest chart success, aespa is entering a new era of global stardom.
Their ability to dominate Western charts while staying true to their unique identity sets them apart from both their predecessors and peers in the K-pop scene.
As they continue promoting “Rich Man,” aespa is also expected to appear on several U.S. talk shows and music programs, further expanding their international reach.
Rumors are swirling about a potential world tour extension, which could include stops in Latin America and Europe—markets where their fanbase has seen explosive growth.
Meanwhile, the group remains a staple in brand endorsements and fashion, working with global luxury labels and continuing to be at the forefront of K-pop’s crossover into Western media and culture.
Final Thoughts
naespa’s record-breaking entry into the Billboard 200 with “Rich Man” is more than just a number — it’s a clear indicator of their global influence, strategic vision, and the unwavering support of their fans.
In just five years since their debut, the group has achieved what many artists spend decades pursuing.
With seven out of seven albums landing in the Billboard top 50, aespa has written their name in K-pop history, and it’s evident: this is only the beginning. Congratulations to aespa on yet another historic achievement!
