Singer becomes first K-pop soloist to ever debut Top 10 on Billboard 200
Nayeon, one of the members of the global K-Pop powerhouse Twice, made Billboard chart history this past week, becoming the first K-pop soloist to ever debut in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Her debut solo EP, Im Nayeon, reached No. 7 on the coveted chart, and took the top spot on the Billboard World Albums Chart and Top Album Sales Chart, making her the first K-pop solo artist to have a No. 1 debut. The EP also boasts the biggest first-week sales for a K-Pop/Korean soloist in Billboard 200 history.
The EP marks Nayeon’s first solo venture since her Twice debut in October 2015, and she is the first member of Twice to release a solo EP. Im Nayeon, which cleverly means both “I’m Nayeon” and “Lim Nayeon,” her full name to highlight her reintroduction as a solo artist, has garnered wide critical praise since its June 24th release.
MTV’s Fresh Out Live aired Nayeon’s solo US broadcast debut performance of the “Pop!” capturing the track’s exhilarating and addictive energy, as well as Nayeon’s undeniable charm and her unique, fresh energy.
Through this EP, Nayeon – in conjunction with prominent hit makers such as Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall, The Stereotypes, Sim Eun-jee, earattack, and Shift K3Y – uses the skills she’s honed over the last seven years with Twice to create her own sound. Im Nayeon also features Felix of Stray Kids and Wonstein, which marks the first time Twice and its members have featured other artists on an album. Further, the EP features two tracks written by Nayeon, which further exemplifies her musicality.
This solo release comes on the heels of what has already been a momentous 2022 for Nayeon with Twice. Last month, Twice made their in-studio US broadcast debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where the group performed their Billboard Hot 100 hit, “The Feels.” They also performed back-to-back, sold out performances at Los Angeles’ Banc of California Stadium – encore performances of their sold out arena tour, 4th World Tour III. These performances were a major milestone for the group, as they made Twice the first female K-pop group to play a North American stadium.
