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Korea Herald
8 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
K-pop groups fade from charts — are solo artists the new trend?
Rise of solo artists reflects shifting tastes, diversified platforms and the waning impact of idol group comebacks The Korean music scene is undergoing a notable shift. Once dominated by idol groups, the nation's top streaming charts are now increasingly led by solo artists — signaling changing tastes, industry dynamics and the evolving behaviors of K-pop consumers. As of Tuesday, girl group aespa was the only idol act ranked in the top 10 of Melon, Korea's largest music streaming service. The monthly Melon chart for May showed aespa, Ive, and BoyNextDoor placing at No. 7, No. 9, and No. 10, respectively. In stark contrast, last May's chart was packed with K-pop groups: Illit landed at No. 2, followed by Ive, I-dle, QWER, TWS, aespa and Babymonster — collectively occupying seven of the top 10 spots. A similar pattern emerged on the April digital chart released by Circle Chart, run by the Korea Music Content Association. That month's top 10 included soloists G-Dragon, Jennie, Woodz, Zo Zazz, Hwang Garam and Rose. Only aespa's 'Supernova,' Ive's 'Heya' and Le Sserafim's 'Hot' represented idol groups. On the latest weekly chart, just three groups — aespa, BoyNextDoor and Riize — managed to stay in the top 10. Comebacks fall flat: A lack of impact from new idol songs Despite the sheer number of group comebacks this year, many new releases have failed to leave a lasting impression. NCT Wish, Le Sserafim, TWS, BoyNextDoor, Hearts2Hearts and Kiiikiii are among the teams that either returned or debuted in the first half of 2025. Yet few managed to maintain a stable presence on the charts. 'Frankly, K-pop groups aren't doing well right now,' said music critic Lim Hee-yun on Tuesday. 'Of course, artists like IU are consistently strong, and soloists like Woodz, Hwang Garam and Zo Zazz have made impressive rebounds or gradually built momentum with ballads. But when it comes to idol groups, there haven't been many new songs that truly capture the public's attention.' Many soloists dominating the local charts are former members of mega-popular groups such as Big Bang and Blackpink, whose brand recognition, fan bases and individual artistry contribute to their strong performance. Big Bang's G-Dragon, for instance, ranked No. 1 in Circle Chart's April 'Digital Top 400 Artist Index,' securing 12 songs in the top 400 and accounting for a 5.5 percent share of the entire chart. A format built for focus: Solo tracks resonate in the streaming age Lim believes part of the shift is rooted in the musical format itself. Idol music, often designed around choreographed performances and rap-heavy breaks, can be thrilling on stage but less appealing for passive listening. 'K-pop idol songs can be fun and dynamic with raps and powerful choreography. But as listening experiences, they're often less cohesive,' he said. 'Even if a group has strong vocalists, it can be jarring when a weaker member jumps in with a rap verse mid-song. Solo tracks, in contrast, are built around a single vocal tone and emotional arc — making them more immersive for listeners.' Lim also noted that K-pop fan behavior has changed. Younger fans, in particular, have drifted away from traditional streaming platforms. 'K-pop fans once played a central role in boosting their favorite groups on domestic charts. Now, with so many platforms — social media, fandom apps, exclusive content — their efforts are more spread out. Idol groups no longer dominate the charts like they used to,' he said. jaaykim@
Korea Herald
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
K-pop groups losing dominance? Solo acts take over Korean music charts
Rise of solo artists reflects shifting tastes, diversified platforms and the waning impact of idol group comebacks The Korean music scene is undergoing a notable shift. Once dominated by idol groups, the nation's top streaming charts are now increasingly led by solo artists — signaling changing tastes, industry dynamics and the evolving behaviors of K-pop consumers. As of Tuesday, girl group aespa was the only idol act ranked in the top 10 of Melon, Korea's largest music streaming service. The monthly Melon chart for May showed aespa, Ive, and BoyNextDoor placing at No. 7, No. 9, and No. 10, respectively. In stark contrast, last May's chart was packed with K-pop groups: Illit landed at No. 2, followed by Ive, I-dle, QWER, TWS, aespa and Babymonster — collectively occupying seven of the top 10 spots. A similar pattern emerged on the April digital chart released by Circle Chart, run by the Korea Music Content Association. That month's top 10 included soloists G-Dragon, Jennie, Woodz, Zo Zazz, Hwang Garam and Rose. Only aespa's 'Supernova,' Ive's 'Heya' and Le Sserafim's 'Hot' represented idol groups. On the latest weekly chart, just three groups — aespa, BoyNextDoor and Riize — managed to stay in the top 10. Comebacks fall flat: A lack of impact from new idol songs Despite the sheer number of group comebacks this year, many new releases have failed to leave a lasting impression. NCT Wish, Le Sserafim, TWS, BoyNextDoor, Hearts2Hearts and Kiiikiii are among the teams that either returned or debuted in the first half of 2025. Yet few managed to maintain a stable presence on the charts. 'Frankly, K-pop groups aren't doing well right now,' said music critic Lim Hee-yun on Tuesday. 'Of course, artists like IU are consistently strong, and soloists like Woodz, Hwang Garam and Zo Zazz have made impressive rebounds or gradually built momentum with ballads. But when it comes to idol groups, there haven't been many new songs that truly capture the public's attention.' Many soloists dominating the local charts are former members of mega-popular groups such as Big Bang and Blackpink, whose brand recognition, fan bases and individual artistry contribute to their strong performance. Big Bang's G-Dragon, for instance, ranked No. 1 in Circle Chart's April 'Digital Top 400 Artist Index,' securing 12 songs in the top 400 and accounting for a 5.5 percent share of the entire chart. A format built for focus: Solo tracks resonate in the streaming age Lim believes part of the shift is rooted in the musical format itself. Idol music, often designed around choreographed performances and rap-heavy breaks, can be thrilling on stage but less appealing for passive listening. 'K-pop idol songs can be fun and dynamic with raps and powerful choreography. But as listening experiences, they're often less cohesive,' he said. 'Even if a group has strong vocalists, it can be jarring when a weaker member jumps in with a rap verse mid-song. Solo tracks, in contrast, are built around a single vocal tone and emotional arc — making them more immersive for listeners.' Lim also noted that K-pop fan behavior has changed. Younger fans, in particular, have drifted away from traditional streaming platforms. 'K-pop fans once played a central role in boosting their favorite groups on domestic charts. Now, with so many platforms — social media, fandom apps, exclusive content — their efforts are more spread out. Idol groups no longer dominate the charts like they used to,' he said.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Turkish firms see promise and peril in sanctions-free Syria
By Ceyda Caglayan ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish companies see big opportunities in neighbouring Syria as a lifting of U.S. sanctions clears the way for investment in post-war reconstruction, but they remain wary of challenges, from lingering insecurity to banking and tax headaches. President Donald Trump's decision to end long-standing restrictions that severed Syria from the global financial system under former President Bashar al-Assad is seen as a lifeline for a nation decimated by 13 years of war. Construction, transportation and manufacturing firms from Turkey - a close ally of Syria's new administration after backing anti-Assad rebels - are poised to play a major role in repairing the damage, which the U.N. estimates at nearly $1 trillion. "The lifting of sanctions was just an urban legend, rumours for a time. But with Trump's announcement, everything has suddenly changed," said Omer Hot, a director at Istanbul-based Formul Plastik. Syria's Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh has called his country "a land of opportunities" and said the government plans to overhaul the tax, customs and banking systems to foster foreign investment and facilitate donor funding pledges. Interviews with officials from two dozen Turkish companies reflect both optimism over the potential of a previously sealed off market with vast needs and caution over rushing investments in a country where even money transfers can be difficult and banknotes scarce. Formul Plastik has received the first plastics orders from Syria, Hot told Reuters. He estimated that Turkish companies could end up with a quarter of Syria's reconstruction pie. But he is already facing hurdles. "Rather than banks, there are brokers such as exchange bureaus that mediate trade payments. This model will have to be used for now," Hot said. Other Turkish companies at the Buildex construction materials expo in Syria's capital Damascus this week said demand from Syrian counterparts was very high, even as they listed worries over tax rates, customs snarls and creaking transport infrastructure. "We are taking a calculated risk, let's say," said Burak Serim, regional export manager at construction materials producer Entegre Harc. SECURITY AND INVESTMENT In the wake of Assad's December ouster and the establishment of a government under new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Turkey is already feeling economic benefits. Ankara has pledged to help rebuild Syria's economy, including by providing natural gas. And Ziraat, Turkey's top state bank, told Reuters it would step in to support its banking sector when conditions are right. Turkish firms Kalyon GES Enerji Yatirimlari and Cengiz Enerji are set to expand Syria's power grid under a new deal. Syria's trade with the rest of the world all but dried up during the war. But Turkish exports to its neighbour were up 37% year on year in the first four months of 2025, official data show. In an indication of its gaping needs for construction materials, Syrian imports of Turkish machinery more than tripled and non-ferrous metals doubled. Glass and ceramics were up 73%. Pledges of financing have, meanwhile, come in from wealthy Western nations, multilateral donors, and the likes of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. But for the most part, those are still largely promises. And Turkish company managers voiced concern there may not be enough for all the roads, bridges, dams and power plants that must be rebuilt. Syria's economy shrank dramatically during the war years. And with over 90% of its 25 million people now living below the poverty line, according to U.N. agencies, the government has scant resources. Volkan Bozay, chief executive of the Turkish Cement Manufacturers' Association, told Reuters that much hinges on which lenders finance the reconstruction projects but added that Turkish companies would play a major role no matter what. "It is out of the question that we will not take advantage of the opportunities," he said. Beyond construction, Turkish manufacturers are also eyeing Syria as a possible hub for low-cost production. "Lower production costs in Syria are an advantage," said Ahmet Oksuz, a board member at Turkish textile manufacturer Kipas. "But Turkish and Syrian authorities should coordinate to establish organised industrial zones that will ensure entirely safe areas for manufacturers," he added. Questions of security in a country still awash with arms where the new central government wields only tenuous control remain at the top of the list of concerns for many would-be investors. Hakan Bucak, former Turkish-Syrian business council board director, said Syria will likely need six months to ensure security and set up bureaucratic systems. "Security risks should be fully eliminated and investors need to feel it," said Bucak, who is already looking to open a quarry near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. "If we feel safe, we have plans to invest."
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Turkish firms see promise and peril in sanctions-free Syria
FILE PHOTO: People ride on a motorbike past a damaged building as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria, in Aleppo, Syria May 14, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hassano/File Photo ISTANBUL - Turkish companies see big opportunities in neighbouring Syria as a lifting of U.S. sanctions clears the way for investment in post-war reconstruction, but they remain wary of challenges, from lingering insecurity to banking and tax headaches. President Donald Trump's decision to end long-standing restrictions that severed Syria from the global financial system under former President Bashar al-Assad is seen as a lifeline for a nation decimated by 13 years of war. Construction, transportation and manufacturing firms from Turkey - a close ally of Syria's new administration after backing anti-Assad rebels - are poised to play a major role in repairing the damage, which the U.N. estimates at nearly $1 trillion. "The lifting of sanctions was just an urban legend, rumours for a time. But with Trump's announcement, everything has suddenly changed," said Omer Hot, a director at Istanbul-based Formul Plastik. Syria's Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh has called his country "a land of opportunities" and said the government plans to overhaul the tax, customs and banking systems to foster foreign investment and facilitate donor funding pledges. Interviews with officials from two dozen Turkish companies reflect both optimism over the potential of a previously sealed off market with vast needs and caution over rushing investments in a country where even money transfers can be difficult and banknotes scarce. Formul Plastik has received the first plastics orders from Syria, Hot told Reuters. He estimated that Turkish companies could end up with a quarter of Syria's reconstruction pie. But he is already facing hurdles. "Rather than banks, there are brokers such as exchange bureaus that mediate trade payments. This model will have to be used for now," Hot said. Other Turkish companies at the Buildex construction materials expo in Syria's capital Damascus this week said demand from Syrian counterparts was very high, even as they listed worries over tax rates, customs snarls and creaking transport infrastructure. "We are taking a calculated risk, let's say," said Burak Serim, regional export manager at construction materials producer Entegre Harc. SECURITY AND INVESTMENT In the wake of Assad's December ouster and the establishment of a government under new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Turkey is already feeling economic benefits. Ankara has pledged to help rebuild Syria's economy, including by providing natural gas. And Ziraat, Turkey's top state bank, told Reuters it would step in to support its banking sector when conditions are right. Turkish firms Kalyon GES Enerji Yatirimlari and Cengiz Enerji are set to expand Syria's power grid under a new deal. Syria's trade with the rest of the world all but dried up during the war. But Turkish exports to its neighbour were up 37% year on year in the first four months of 2025, official data show. In an indication of its gaping needs for construction materials, Syrian imports of Turkish machinery more than tripled and non-ferrous metals doubled. Glass and ceramics were up 73%. Pledges of financing have, meanwhile, come in from wealthy Western nations, multilateral donors, and the likes of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. But for the most part, those are still largely promises. And Turkish company managers voiced concern there may not be enough for all the roads, bridges, dams and power plants that must be rebuilt. Syria's economy shrank dramatically during the war years. And with over 90% of its 25 million people now living below the poverty line, according to U.N. agencies, the government has scant resources. Volkan Bozay, chief executive of the Turkish Cement Manufacturers' Association, told Reuters that much hinges on which lenders finance the reconstruction projects but added that Turkish companies would play a major role no matter what. "It is out of the question that we will not take advantage of the opportunities," he said. Beyond construction, Turkish manufacturers are also eyeing Syria as a possible hub for low-cost production. "Lower production costs in Syria are an advantage," said Ahmet Oksuz, a board member at Turkish textile manufacturer Kipas. "But Turkish and Syrian authorities should coordinate to establish organised industrial zones that will ensure entirely safe areas for manufacturers," he added. Questions of security in a country still awash with arms where the new central government wields only tenuous control remain at the top of the list of concerns for many would-be investors. Hakan Bucak, former Turkish-Syrian business council board director, said Syria will likely need six months to ensure security and set up bureaucratic systems. "Security risks should be fully eliminated and investors need to feel it," said Bucak, who is already looking to open a quarry near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. "If we feel safe, we have plans to invest." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Producer Spotlight: Carl Bown Tops Producer Charts Thanks to Breakout Sleep Token Album
Billboard's Producer Spotlight series highlights creatives currently charting on Billboard's producer rankings. Whether they are new to the industry or have been churning out hit after hit, the intention is to showcase where they are now, and their work that's having a chart impact. Longtime hard rock producer Carl Bown scores a career milestone on Billboard's latest charts (dated May 24), thanks to his work on Sleep Token's breakout album, Even in Arcadia. More from Billboard Tory Lanez Is Being Transferred to a New Prison After Being Stabbed, His Dad Says Aaron Paul Opens Up About Tracking Down Tour Managers to Get Bands to Perform in His Living Room Ye Claims He's 'Done With Antisemitism': 'Forgive Me for the Pain I've Caused' The band reaches unprecedented heights this week, as the album debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 127,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in its first week, according to Luminate. Concurrently, all 10 tracks from the album land on the Billboard Hot 100, making Sleep Token the first hard rock act in history to chart as many as 10 songs simultaneously in a single week. Here's a full breakdown of Sleep Token's entries on the Hot 100: No. 56, 'Dangerous' (debut) No. 57, 'Caramel' (re-entry; peaked at No. 34) No. 58, 'Emergence' (re-entry; peaked at No. 57) No. 61, 'Even in Arcadia' (debut) No. 66, 'Look to Windward' (debut) No. 70, 'Past Self' (debut) No. 72, 'Damocles' (re-entry; peaked at No. 47) No. 75, 'Gethsemane' (debut) No. 77, 'Provider' (debut) No. 100, 'Infinite Baths' (debut) Bown is credited as the sole producer on all 10 tracks, propelling him to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Producers chart for the first time in his career. He also claims the top spot on Rock Producers, Alternative Producers, Hard Rock Producers, and Rock & Alternative Producers. Bown, a veteran of the U.K. hard rock scene, has been a go-to producer for many of the genre's biggest names. He's also worked with Bullet for My Valentine, Bring Me the Horizon, While She Sleeps, Gunship, Pendulum and Trivium, among others. Before teaming up with Sleep Token, Bown had only appeared on Billboard's song charts with four singles by Bullet for My Valentine: 'You Want a Battle? (Here's a War)': No. 37 on Mainstream Rock Airplay, No. 46 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (2015) 'Don't Need You': No. 49 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (2016) 'Knives': No. 16 on Hot Hard Rock Songs, No. 39 Mainstream Rock Airplay (2021) 'Shatter': No. 24 on Hot Hard Rock Songs (2021) Based in Manchester, U.K., Bown is also the founder and owner of Treehouse Studios in Chesterfield, a popular recording hub for many of the records he's helmed. Meanwhile, two of Sleep Token's members, Vessel I and Vessel II, also achieve a notable feat. They rank at Nos. 1 and 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Songwriters chart, respectively. Known for their anonymity, the cloaked and masked artists have remained publicly unidentified. Vessel I is credited as a writer on all 10 of the band's Hot 100 entries, while Vessel II is credited on eight. Billboard launched its songwriters and producers charts in June 2019, including those for individual genres. The charts are based on total points accrued by a songwriter and producer, respectively, for each attributed song that appears on their respective 'Hot' or 'Top' chart. As with Billboard's yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings). The full Songwriters and Producers charts, plus those for other genres, can be found on Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
