JO1 Makes history on U.S. radio with "BE CLASSIC" as global momentum grows

Japanese idol group JO1 has reached a major milestone on the global stage, with their English-language track “BE CLASSIC” making a historic debut on U.S. radio. The single has become the highest-debuting and highest-charting song by a Japanese male idol group on the Mediabase Top 40 Radio Airplay Chart, landing at #34—a groundbreaking achievement that underscores the group’s expanding international reach.

JO1 Makes history on U.S. radio with “BE CLASSIC” as global momentum grows

“BE CLASSIC”, which creatively samples Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, was first released in Japanese as part of JO1’s fifth anniversary "Best Of" album. The track topped Billboard Japan’s Download Songs and Hot Shot Songs charts on April 2 and also reached #1 on Japan’s Oricon Daily Sales Chart, affirming its widespread popularity. The English version, released on April 28, is fueling their growing presence in Western markets.

The accompanying music video has also drawn major global attention, garnering over 27 million views since its release. The visual complements the song’s blend of classical inspiration and modern pop, further amplifying its cross-cultural appeal.

As part of their expanding footprint in the U.S., JO1 recently became the first Japanese idol group to headline Dodger Stadium’s Heritage Night, a significant cultural event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Demonstrating their commitment to social causes, the group donated $50,000 through their “WHENEVER WE ARE” campaign, a fundraising initiative created with their fanbase to support communities in need.

JO1 also made history as the first Japanese group to perform at GLOBAL SPIN LIVE, held at the Grammy Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. The event is part of a prestigious series under the Grammy Awards umbrella, spotlighting standout talent from around the world.

With a string of firsts and an ever-growing global fanbase, JO1 is poised to become a defining force in international pop. The group continues to explore new frontiers, with exciting projects and performances planned to further solidify their global impact.