SEVENTEEN’s influence just keeps multiplying — literally. The group’s latest sub-unit, CxM, made up of S.COUPS and MINGYU, has officially entered Billboard history with their debut EP Hype Vibes, setting a new benchmark for K-pop sub-units worldwide.
Released digitally on September 29 via PLEDIS/Geffen/Interscope/Capitol and physically on October 10, the project wasted no time lighting up the charts. Hype Vibes entered the Billboard 200 at No. 71, marking the highest-ever debut for a K-pop sub-unit — breaking a 13-year record previously held by Girls’ Generation–TTS, whose Twinkle peaked at No. 126 in 2012.
Record-Breaking Debut for CxM
For the chart week ending October 25, Hype Vibes scored 13,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., according to Luminate, with nearly all of those coming from pure sales. The mini album also debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s World Albums chart and No. 5 on Top Album Sales, proving the duo’s commercial punch extends far beyond SEVENTEEN’s core fanbase.
In another impressive feat, CxM also soared straight to No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, making them the fifth act to debut atop the list in 2025, following ZEROBASEONE, Calum Hood, Vulfpeck, and Geese.
They even landed on the Billboard Artist 100 at No. 43, a rare achievement for a newly launched sub-unit.
What Makes CxM Different
In K-pop, sub-units are more than side projects — they’re creative playgrounds. For SEVENTEEN, a group known for its self-producing ethos and meticulous artistry, these sub-units give members the freedom to experiment while staying connected to the group’s DNA.
CxM’s concept — sleek, cinematic, and rhythm-driven — aligns perfectly with the album’s title Hype Vibes. It’s a confident evolution from SEVENTEEN’s larger-than-life performances, distilled into something tighter and moodier. S.COUPS’ charismatic leadership and MINGYU’s smooth delivery play off each other like light and shadow.
The duo’s visuals and music direction also caught international attention, including a feature cover on Hypebeast Magazine Issue 36, a rare crossover moment that signals just how culturally relevant CxM has become outside K-pop circles.
SEVENTEEN’s Expanding Universe
CxM marks SEVENTEEN’s third sub-group to make waves on Billboard. Earlier came BSS (BooSeokSoon, featuring DK, HOSHI, and SEUNGKWAN), who charted five tracks on World Digital Song Sales, and HxW (HOSHI and WOOZI), who reached No. 9 with “96ers” earlier this year.
Another duo, JxW (JEONGHAN and WONWOO), launched in 2024, underscoring how SEVENTEEN continues to build a multiverse of creative offshoots — each with its own aesthetic and fan energy.
As a full group, SEVENTEEN have charted nine projects on the Billboard 200, including seven Top 10 albums and 11 No. 1s on World Albums, placing them among the top four most successful acts in the chart’s history.
Why This Matters
For international fans, CxM’s debut represents more than just a chart milestone. It’s proof of K-pop’s evolving structure — where creative autonomy and member-led projects can thrive globally without diluting the main brand.
The project also reflects how SEVENTEEN’s label, PLEDIS Entertainment (under HYBE), continues to push its artists toward global visibility, now in partnership with major U.S. distributors like Geffen and Interscope.
On the cultural side, Hype Vibes lands at a time when Western listeners are increasingly open to bilingual pop and genre-blending — positioning CxM as a bridge between Seoul’s studio innovation and Los Angeles’ chart machinery.
What’s Next for CxM
With Hype Vibes storming charts and fan engagement skyrocketing across TikTok and YouTube Shorts (where “Hype Vibes” dance challenges are already trending), CxM’s next move could cement them as K-pop’s next global sub-unit powerhouse.
Expect special performances on music shows, U.S. late-night appearances, and potentially a mini world tour to follow the buzz. SEVENTEEN’s upcoming group comeback is also rumored for early 2026 — making CxM’s rise a perfect prelude.
FAQ
Q1: What is SEVENTEEN’s sub-unit CxM?
A: CxM is a SEVENTEEN sub-unit featuring members S.COUPS and MINGYU, debuting with their EP Hype Vibes.
Q2: How did CxM perform on the Billboard charts?
A: Hype Vibes debuted at No. 71 on the Billboard 200, No. 2 on World Albums, and No. 5 on Top Album Sales, setting a new record for K-pop sub-units.
Q3: What record did CxM break?
A: CxM became the highest-charting K-pop sub-unit ever on the Billboard 200, surpassing Girls’ Generation–TTS’s 2012 record.