The group managed to debut on “Billboard Hot 100”!
ATEEZ has made history as the first fourth-generation K-pop boy group outside of the “Big 4” companies to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart!
Their latest title track, “Lemon Drop,” from the album GOLDEN HOUR : Part 3, entered the chart at #69 — a major milestone for both the group and their fans.
Despite the achievement, ATEEZ has found itself at the center of controversy. While many ATINYs — the group’s dedicated fanbase — celebrated the moment, others on social media have questioned the legitimacy of the debut. Some international fans expressed surprise at the charting position, pointing out ATEEZ’s relatively modest presence on major global streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes.
Global Spotify: OUT (no entry)
US Spotify: OUT (no entry)
Apple Music: OUT (no entry)
Apple Music US: OUT (no entry)
Amazon music: OUT (no entry)
US iTunes: OUT (peak #36)
Billboard global 200: OUT (no entry)Billboard hot 100: #69 ??? https://t.co/Ukkc2sNVRJ
— Car (@Car1591669) June 23, 2025
Congratulations ateez for being the first artist to entry hot100 without charting on spotify global https://t.co/esGibyaZFn
— L (@SKingZ__) June 23, 2025
hot 100 means nothing anymore 😭 like wdym a song that appears literally nowhere is charting https://t.co/szMK5zCjR6
— ☆。🚧 (@jencoholic) June 24, 2025
Some even accused the group’s agency, KQ Entertainment, of inflating sales numbers. According to the claim, the physical version of “Lemon Drop” was priced just $1 above Billboard’s minimum requirement, making it easier for fans to purchase in bulk and boost sales.
the fraudulence needs to end https://t.co/0emVektPAY pic.twitter.com/fNgR5wqBpJ
— bia (@kittysniki) June 23, 2025
No global Spotify, no US Spotify no Apple Music Us, no Amazon music just pure fraudulence https://t.co/5oUslFaebb
— Yezz (@rryunnabe) June 23, 2025
In response, fans defended the group, emphasizing that ATEEZ’s debut was driven by strong sales and fan dedication, not manipulation. They also highlighted the significance of the group achieving this milestone without the support of a major label.
every single bitter bitch in the qrts is mad because ateez is a group who didnt need the help of a big company and did this all on their own. “they’re frauds” no babe this is what organic growth looks like after almost 7 years of hard work, y’all are just used to privilege. https://t.co/S8jULlRhMw
— pink ☆ (@moodyves) June 23, 2025
freshly debuted kpop groups from big 4 companies can debut and have songs chart immediately but it’s all of a sudden fraudulent when it’s ateez who has been in the game for 7 years 🌝 https://t.co/yOLmkL4AgO
— m☆ri 🍋🍸 (@finaljjong) June 24, 2025
As the debate continues online, ATEEZ’s Billboard debut remains both a historic accomplishment and a lightning rod for ongoing discussions about charting methods in K-pop.
