The Korea Customs Service said April 28 that CD exports in the first quarter totaled $120 million, up 159.0% from a year earlier.
Annual CD exports totaled $300 million last year, but this was the first time quarterly exports exceeded $100 million. With quarterly results continuing to set new highs since the third quarter of last year, the agency said the annual record could also be broken.
The surge is being attributed to the global popularity of K-pop, including BTS, and to fandom culture in which fans buy physical albums to own them and support artists. Demand is also rising among listeners who bypass major streaming-service algorithms and seek out physical CDs.
By destination, the United States accounted for $36 million, or 28.8% of the total, followed by Japan at $31 million (25.3%), the European Union at $21 million (16.5%), China at $18 million (14.4%) and Taiwan at $9 million (6.9%).
Exports to the United States jumped 506.4% from the first quarter of last year, the fastest growth rate. Shipments to the EU rose 461.9%, while Japan increased 157.4% and China 38.2%.
Growth was strongest outside Asia. First-quarter exports to non-Asian markets rose 408.3%, far outpacing the 71.9% increase to Asian markets. North America climbed 449.2% and Europe 397.7%. Exports went to 131 countries, and 94 of them — 72% — posted their best first-quarter results.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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