BTS on Dec. 6, 2019, performs at the KIIS-FM Jingle Ball concert in Inglewood, California. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

BTS took the top two spots on last year's Global Album Sales Chart of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). 

The London-based federation on March 11 said the group's fourth studio album "Map of the Soul: 7" topped the chart, while its fifth "Be" finished second.

The boy band's album for the Japanese market, "Map of the Soul: 7 - The Journey," ranked eighth, meaning BTS had three of the chart's top 10 albums.

The album chart rankings are based on global sales of physical and digital album downloads.

The debut studio album of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, "The Album," was No. 5 on the chart.

Japanese artist Kenshi Yonezu's "Stray Sheep" was third and American singer Taylor Swift's "Folklore" fourth.

Earlier on March 4, BTS became the first Asian act to top the IFPI's Global Artist Chart.

IFPI CEO Frances Moore said BTS's success "is unprecedented and demonstrates the amazing global appeal of their music."

jihlee08@korea.kr