Rookie K-pop boy band GOT7 is attracting attention in Japan, a day after the septet released its debut EP there.

The worldwide attention focused on the idol band is noteworthy, given the septet has not won much acclaim in its home country, Korea.

In Japan, Got7’s debut EP “Around the World” became the most reserved album on Oct. 20 at Japanese music store Tower Records. Also, the EP topped Tower Records’ Daily Sales chart on Oct. 21, a day before its release.


The EP’s title track "Around the World" and “So Lucky,” prereleased on Sept. 8 and Oct. 6, respectively, both ranked No. 1 on Japan’s biggest mobile ringtone site Reco Chalk. “So Lucky” was written and composed by 2PM member Jun.K.

In Tokyo, the posters to promote GOT7’s new album can be easily seen in subway stations and record stores. The Shibuya branch of Tower Records plastered its ceiling with GOT7 posters, set up a photo zone and sold water bottles named after the group to mark its Oct. 22 debut.


The idols proved their popularity in Thailand as well. The boys, all in their teens and 20s, drew thousands of Thai fans to the airport when they arrived. Fans also flocked to their concerts and the hotels they were staying at during their visit from Aug. 22-24.

The group also topped the Billboard World Albums chart with its Korean debut EP “Got it?” on Jan. 31, 12 days after the album release.

GOT7 -- JB, Mark, Jr., Jackson, Youngjae, Bambam and Yugyeom -- debuted on Jan. 16 under JYP Entertainment, one of the largest labels in Korea. Though their debut was highly anticipated, GOT7 did not make a strong impression in Korea.

The group will wrap up its first concert tour in Japan, “GOT7 First Japan Tour,” at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall, Tokyo, on Nov. 5 and 6. Jun. K will appear as a special guest.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)

(photo credit: JYP Entertainment)