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G-Dragon, TVXQ and KARA top Japan music charts

K-pop singers grabbed the top slots on the Japanese Oricon music charts on Wednesday, led by G-Dragon, TVXQ and KARA.

“G-Dragon’s solo debut album is looking to break the record for most albums sold out of Big Bang as a group and other members as solo artists,” said YG Entertainment, citing Japanese music industry officials.

G-Dragon ranked second on Oricon’s Daily Albums Chart the day “Coup D’etat” was released with 34,597 copies sold in Japan. Meanwhile, TVXQ hit second on the Daily Singles Chart with their new single “Very Merry Xmas” which sold 77,831 copies upon its release.

TVXQ is set to begin their Japan tour from April 27, performing on six of the country’s largest concert stages.

Girl group KARA’s new single “French Kiss,” a mid-tempo ballad that features a romantic atmosphere on Christmas Eve, placed fourth on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart. A compilation of the group’s hit songs in Japan and Korea called “Best Girls” also ranked fourth on the Daily Albums Chart. The Japanese version contains 14 tracks including their first debut single “Mr.,” “French Kiss,” the theme song for their drama “URAKARA” and a TV ad.

KARA, however, may go from five to three members next year. Nicole is set to leave the group when her contract expires at the end of the year, and Ji-young has yet to make a decision on her contract.

By Yoon Ha-youn, Intern reporter
(yhayoun@heraldcorp.com)