Taeyang makes shining debut on iTunes overseas

Oh yeah…Who said it?  “I expect only world domination.”  DASSSS RIGHT. Me (+Teddy) keke.

This is news we all already knew, but this is just one of the many many articles circulating Korean newsites right now.  Taeyang is making huge waves in the country and outside.  Honestly, this came to me as a pleasent surprise.  I knew Taeyang had a huge international fanbase, but that this big.  As of right now, he is #87 in the overall TOP ALBUMS chart – which in includes ALL albums sold on iTunes from all genres.  Congrats Taeyang!  This is such a feat – unexpected, but wonderful nonetheless.  Don’t forget to support him by downloading his album from iTunes!  This is one way of telling Taeyang how strong his international fanbase is!  Go us!

”]Korean singer Taeyang of popular idol group Big Bang has made a shining debut in North America, placing his solo album “Solar” high atop Apple’s iTunes online music charts.

According to a press release by agency YG Entertainment on Friday, “Solar” came in at No.1 on Top R&B/Soul Albums chart of Canada iTunes and No. 3 on the U.S. site. It is the first time and the highest that an Asian artist has ranked on either charts.

YG explained that Taeyang’s iTunes chart entry may be considered significant for two major grounds; first, the album was recorded in Korean and sold in English-speaking countries, not to mention the U.S. being the biggest pop market in the world. And secondly, one must have a billing address in the U.S. and Canada to make a purchase on iTunes, meaning it would have been impossible for fans in Korea to buy the singer’s album.

The deluxe edition of “Solar,” a limited 30,000-copy release, sold out when it hit the stores in Korea on July 1. The regular edition will be out in stores today.

“Solar,” the first full-length album by Taeyang, includes the title track “I Need A Girl” featuring fellow Big Bang member G-Dragon and YG labelmate Sandara Park of girl band 2NE1.

“I Need A Girl” claimed the No. 1 title on Mnet music show “M! Countdown,” which aired yesterday, and its music video will be unveiled this afternoon.

Born Dong Young-bae, Taeyang was the first Big Bang member to debut as a solo artist, releasing his first mini-album “HOT” in May 2008. The album produced two hit singles “Prayer” and “Look Only at Me”.

He also released two digital singles “Wedding Dress” and “Where U At” last November.

”]Source: AsiaE
Credit: bigbanghaven, 21bangs