TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) has once again made waves on the U.S. Billboard charts.

According to an article published on November 17 by Billboard, TXT’s 7th mini album, The Name Chapter: SANCTUARY, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 for the chart dated November 23.

The album recorded an impressive 95,500 album sales and 2,500 SEA units (streaming equivalent albums).

This marks TXT’s 11th album to enter the Billboard 200, a record surpassed only by BTS among K-pop groups. TXT has charted eight Korean and three Japanese albums on the prestigious list, further solidifying their global reach.

Since their debut in March 2019, TXT has shown remarkable consistency. Their first mini album, The Dream Chapter: STAR, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 140, less than two weeks after their debut. Every year since, they’ve landed albums on the chart, demonstrating their steady rise.

Notably, six of TXT’s Korean albums, including Chaos Chapter: FREEZE (No. 5, 2021), minisode 2: Thursday’s Child (No. 4, 2022), The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION (No. 1, 2023), The Name Chapter: FREEFALL (No. 3, 2023), minisode 3: TOMORROW (No. 3, 2024), and now The Name Chapter: SANCTUARY (No. 2, 2024), have consecutively landed in the Billboard 200 Top 5.

TXT’s incredible success highlights their growing influence in the North American music market, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]