Could SuperM do even better than BTS? 5 things to know about the first K-pop act to debut at No 1 on the Billboard album charts

Nov 5 , 2019

Could K-pop boy band supergroup SuperM topple BTS? Photo: Instagram

Led by Baekhyun and combining members from EXO, SHINee, WayV and NCT 127, seven-piece supergroup SuperM have been dubbed the ‘Avengers of K-pop’ – after topping the Billboard album charts, are they on the road to toppling BTS’ crown?

Grandiosely touted as the “Avengers of K-pop”, brand new supergroup SuperM is already blasting its way into its intended American market, while also making waves all over the globe.

The seven-piece boy band, stitched together from existing members of other popular groups in the SM Entertainment family, made a bang with the live launch of their debut EP “SuperM”, in Hollywood at Capitol Records on October 4.

At the time of writing, the music video for lead single, Jopping, has nearly 39 million YouTube views. On October 13, they became the first K-pop group to debut at number one on the Billboard album charts. Recently the boys also filmed a safety procedure video with Korean Air.

The group is made up of plenty of familiar faces, including main vocalist and group leader Baekhyun from EXO; lead vocalists Taemin, a K-pop veteran of SHINee, and Ten from WayV; lead rappers Lucas, also from WayV, and Kai, also from EXO; and, finally, from NCT 127 are rappers and dancers Taeyong and Mark. These seven artists have collectively sold more than 14 million “adjusted albums” – a combined tally of streaming, downloads and physical sales – and accumulated close to four billion YouTube views.

It’s a new sort of team but they will be in their own teams still, of course. We’re trying to unite the fandoms. Fans, please don’t worry about it. We’ll make you all happy

SM executive Chris Lee

The buzz for the group is hot. Despite their obvious instant success, what don’t we know yet about this boy band?

Taemin and Kai are best friends

Despite Taemin and Kai being long-time best friends, this is the first chance they’re getting to work in one group together. Each was the main dancer in SHINee and EXO, respectively, and Taemin and Kai are considered among the best dancers in the industry today.

“We’ve known each other for such a long time, there’s nothing new to learn,” Kai said. “But if I had to add something … we’ve been friends for such a long time, but we’ve never worked together as artists.

“We’ve had separate groups and careers, so coming together on the same team like this has changed the way we communicate, because we’re teammates now. We’re not just friends, and we’re not just giving each other advice, but we share the same goal and create team synergy. So that’s something that’s changed with our dynamic.”

Hard to believe – but some fans are unhappy with the collaboration

There are actually fans unhappy with the idea of SuperM. They do not want the band members to leave their original groups. They seem unconvinced that the members’ participation will not detract from the work they’re doing in their existing bands.

SM executive Chris Lee promises it won’t be an issue: “We’re maintaining their groups, their solo careers, and on top of this we have this ‘Avengers’ group to pull them together.

“It’s a new sort of team but they will be in their own teams still, of course. We’re trying to unite the fandoms. Fans, please don’t worry about it. We’ll make you all happy.”