Netizens are amused and intrigued.
A controversial rookie female idol’s debut album has caught the attention of netizens because of its incredibly low sales numbers.
The idol in question is 19-year-old NINA (real name Shen Jia Run), who debuted on June 19 with her album Never Afraid.
A week since the release, NINA’s album has sold less than 100 copies. In fact, on the first day, the record sold only one copy, and its highest sales so far was 33 copies sold on the fourth day.
[HT] NINA 1st Mini Album
DAY 1: 1
DAY 2: 2
DAY 3: 1
DAY 4: 33
DAY 5: ㅡ
DAY 6: 26
DAY 7: 02TOTAL: 65#NINA #니나 pic.twitter.com/MuewaelUXQ
— KOREAN SALES (@koreansales_twt) June 25, 2025
The numbers have left many taken aback, given the solid backing NINA has in the industry. She became a controversial figure even before debuting because both her parents are very popular Chinese celebrities. Her father, Xiao Shen Yang (also known as Xiaoshenyang), is a Chinese actor, as is her mother, Shen Chun Yang.
Actor’s “Ugly” Daughter Is Debuting As A K-Pop Idol This Month
Given that she is the first soloist under her label BNB Music, netizens have also claimed that the company was specifically created to help her debut as a K-Pop artist, bypassing the usual process.
Netizens have reacted to NINA’s album sales with humor, though some appear to be sympathetic with her as well.
Omg go buy her album https://t.co/jsQ9sk7Fdq
— 🌎 K-Pop Updates (@kpopggpromoter) June 26, 2025
AOTY https://t.co/gtWCi9mJqK
— lau (@archonchan) June 27, 2025
sometimes i wish my favs were nugu cuz imagine buying 1 album and being sure you have a fancall with them… https://t.co/gi65gXxykz
— ❀ (@jendenku) June 27, 2025
she’s a chinese nepo baby, but the album is good https://t.co/N4vuseUENi
— kys (keeping my sanity) (@eatsafraaanc) June 27, 2025
The demand is there https://t.co/FajV5AczkM
— ‘ (@kimreborn69) June 27, 2025
Regardless of the reactions, it is undeniable and ironic how these low sales numbers have given NINA’s debut much more visibility than all the other marketing strategies her team might have been implementing so far.
