Global K-pop powerhouse TWICE has just carved out a historic achievement in the U.S. music industry. The nine-member girl group has officially received RIAA platinum certification for their 2024 single Strategy, making them the first K-pop girl group to accomplish this feat with a solo track — one without any featured collaborations.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) grants platinum status to singles that surpass one million certified units, counting both digital sales and streaming equivalents.
TWICE’s Strategy crossed that milestone earlier this year, with the announcement made public on November 26. The recognition underscores the group’s growing dominance and cultural influence in one of the most competitive music markets in the world.
A Breakthrough Moment for K-pop Girl Groups in the U.S.
While a small number of K-pop acts have earned RIAA accolades, TWICE’s accomplishment stands out for being a solo, non-collaboration track — a rare and challenging milestone for international artists. To date, only one other single by a K-pop girl group has reached platinum in the United States: POP/STARS, a 2018 hit by the virtual group K/DA, featuring members of (G)I-DLE alongside Western vocalists.
By achieving platinum status without collaboration, TWICE has demonstrated the independent global draw of their music, appealing not just to their loyal ONCE fandom but also to casual listeners and broader audiences across the U.S.
Significance Beyond Sales Numbers
Industry analysts note that this milestone reflects both the changing patterns of music consumption and the rising profile of Korean artists in the global entertainment landscape. Streaming has allowed international acts to bypass traditional promotional barriers, allowing talent like TWICE to organically grow a devoted fan base stateside.
According to the RIAA, platinum certification is more than a sales benchmark — it represents sustained commercial success, long-term replay value, and market impact. TWICE’s achievement may well inspire other K-pop girl groups to pursue ambitious goals in international markets without relying on Western collaborations.
What This Means for the Future
With Strategy now a part of RIAA’s platinum-certified history, TWICE continues to set new industry standards for K-pop representation in the United States. This achievement not only strengthens their U.S. presence but also reaffirms K-pop’s long-term potential in the Western music scene.
As the group moves forward, their groundbreaking certification could pave the way for more non-collaboration K-pop songs to find mainstream success overseas — proving that music truly transcends borders.
