This is really huge. I think that, despite Kpoppies shitting on it at first, the lore & whole SMCU concept really helped them build a huge fanbase cause no one is really doing that (at least to the extent they're doing it) right now.
Also their music which is very BG-like. They really remind me of a boy group, down the music to the way they're selling. It's really impressive that they're managing to outsell their 4th gen BG counterparts & labelmates, very reminiscent of how SNSD used to outsell BGs in the 2nd gen
Completely agree especially with their lore I think it’s because of their lore and how serious SM are about it that’s bringing in more interest. Look how people eat up MCU and DC