Jay Chou tops IFPI Global Album Sales Chart, makes history

Taipei, March 28 (CNA) Taiwanese pop singer Jay Chou (周杰倫) was unveiled as having the best-selling album in the world for 2022 Tuesday, the first Mandopop singer to do so, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

The IFPI announced its Global Album Sales Chart top 10 for 2022 in a tweet, with the 44-year-old singer from Taiwan topping the list with his "Greatest Work of Art," followed by the Korean boy band Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) and Taylor Swift in second and third places, respectively.

"This is a historical moment for Mandopop. This is beyond my imagination. Thank you all. This proves that music may come in different languages, but art transcends language," Chou said via JVR Music after the announcement, crediting the achievement to his fans.

The trophy was decorated with a cover photo of Chou's award-winning album when awarded, according to JVR Music.

Referred to as the "King of Mandopop" by the IFPI, Chou released his 15th studio album "Greatest Work of Art" last July, a work for which his fans had waited for six years since the release of "Jay Chou's Bedtime Stories" in 2016.

That Chou's career has spanned over 20 years is a testament to his talent, said IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore, who praised Chou for establishing deep friendships with fans from around the world through his songs.

This is the second time Chou has appeared on an IFPI list this year. On Feb. 23, he was ninth in the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year 2022 rankings and the first Mandarin singer to ever appear on the list. The award was won by Taylor Swift.