LE SSERAFIM reached major success in Japan with their fifth mini album HOT, earning Gold certification from the RIAJ. The group topped both Japanese and U.S. charts, proving their global appeal and growing influence. Fans in Korea praised the group and looked forward to the world tour starting in Incheon.
LE SSERAFIM Album Performance in Japan Charts
LE SSERAFIM has achieved an impressive milestone in Japan. Their fifth mini album, HOT, was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). This certification is awarded to albums that ship over 100,000 copies. With HOT, LE SSERAFIM has now reached Gold status with four Korean albums in a row.
Their previous albums—UNFORGIVEN, EASY, and CRAZY—also surpassed 100,000 units in Japan. This shows how well their Korean releases continue to perform abroad. The group includes Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae.
How RIAJ Certifies Albums
The RIAJ classifies albums based on cumulative shipment numbers. Albums with over 100,000 copies receive Gold status. If they sell more, they may be certified as Platinum, Double Platinum, or even Million. LE SSERAFIM reaching Gold for four Korean albums is rare and significant, especially for a non-Japanese group.
Their momentum continues to grow with each release. It’s clear that their fan base in Japan remains strong and loyal.
LE SSERAFIM Popularity Rising Fast in Japan
The HOT album sold nearly 70,000 copies in Japan on its release day, March 15. That day, it ranked No. 1 on the Oricon Daily Album Chart. LE SSERAFIM has now topped this chart with all six of their Korean albums, starting with their debut FEARLESS.
After briefly dropping in the rankings on March 16, HOT returned to No. 1 on March 17. It also claimed the top spot on the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Chart for March 10–16. These results confirm the group’s strong popularity in Japan.
Billboard Success in the United States
HOT performed well not only in Japan but also in the U.S. It debuted at No. 9 on Billboard’s main chart, the Billboard 200. Among fourth-generation K-pop girl groups, LE SSERAFIM is the only one to enter the Top 10 for four consecutive albums.
The album also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. This chart ranks albums based on pure sales over one week. LE SSERAFIM’s ability to chart in both Japan and the U.S. proves their growing international influence.
First World Tour Kicks Off Soon
LE SSERAFIM will begin their first world tour, 2025 LE SSERAFIM TOUR ‘EASY CRAZY HOT’, on April 19–20 in Incheon. The tour will focus on the three recent albums—EASY, CRAZY, and HOT. The group plans to deliver an energetic and fun message to fans around the world.
Their team shared that the tour aims to create joyful moments with fans. “Let’s enjoy this moment together with LE SSERAFIM,” they said. With so many hits and an expanding fan base, expectations are high for the tour.
Korean Fans Praise LE SSERAFIM and Japan Achievements
News of the Gold certification quickly spread on Korean community sites like MLBPARK. Fans congratulated LE SSERAFIM and called them a true rising force in K-pop. Many users named HOT as the best song of the year so far.
Some fans suggested that LE SSERAFIM should consider releasing an original Japanese album. They believe the group’s popularity in Japan is strong enough to support a local-language release. With their current momentum, this idea could become reality soon.
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Watching LE SSERAFIM’s dances makes it look SO easy! They look like they’re having so much fun, but you know memorizing and doing all that is seriously impressive! Their clean dancing is just so satisfying to watch!