Lee Soo Man’s new girl group A2O MAY achieves high chart position on U.S. Billboard with debut EP
Rising up the ranks of the competitive music industry, SM Entertainment founder, Lee Soo Man’s new girl group, A2O MAY, has successfully made a significant impact on the U.S. music scene, showcasing their exponential growth in popularity. Comprised of members Chenyu, Shijie, Quchang, Miche, and Kat, A2O MAY introduced their debut EP, ‘PAPARAZZI ARRIVE,’ to the world and swiftly climbed the ranks on the esteemed U.S. Billboard charts. In a mere month, the EP claimed the 8th spot on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart and the 40th position on the Top Album Sales chart, marking a remarkable achievement on the week of November 22.
The resurgence of A2O MAY on the Emerging Artists chart from the 16th spot to a higher placement exemplifies their rapid ascent in the American music market. This chart specifically highlights the swiftest growing new artists in the U.S., using comprehensive data analysis to track their progression. Additionally, the group secured the 11th place on the World Albums chart, solidifying their immense popularity on a global scale. Garnering success across various critical Billboard metrics such as album sales, track downloads, streaming, radio airplay, and burgeoning social media presence, A2O MAY’s performance mirrors Billboard’s Hot 100 criteria, indicating promising potential for future breakthroughs on this coveted chart.
On a global scale, ‘PAPARAZZI ARRIVE’ resonated strongly across prominent platforms, notably achieving a remarkable position as one of the Top 3 songs on China’s QQ Music Hot Songs chart. Furthermore, the EP triumphed by claiming the #1 spot on the U.S. Mediabase Top 40 Airplay ‘Most Added’ chart alongside renowned artist Justin Bieber. These accolades underscored a widespread surge in popularity across different regions and sectors of the music industry. In 2025, A2O MAY firmly solidified their status as an international newcomer, receiving prestigious accolades in the U.S. and China, such as the New Artist Award at the 2025 Asian Hall of Fame and the Weibo ‘Night of Competition’ Rookie Award in China, signifying their burgeoning influence.
Emerging as a prominent figure for the post-Gen Z generation, often referred to as the “Zalpha” generation, A2O MAY has ignited high anticipation for the groundbreaking milestones they are poised to achieve. As a testament to their rapidly growing fanbase and global appeal, the group is scheduled to host their inaugural fan meeting, ‘A2O MAY THE FIRST FANMEETING; MAYnia Arrive,’ in Shanghai on November 22. The buzz surrounding A2O MAY’s meteoric rise and promising future prospects continues to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide, setting the stage for unparalleled success and artistic innovation.