Latest news with #TooBad
Korea Herald
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Why Korean music charts still matter for K-pop artists
Korean music charts such as Melon, Genie, Bugs and FLO have become less of a priority for major K-pop agencies as fans increasingly focus on boosting their favorite idols' presence on global platforms like Billboard and Spotify. BTS played a pivotal role in lowering the barrier for entry into the US music market, proving that K-pop idols can achieve high rankings on internationally recognized charts. As a result, many fans in Korea have shifted to using global platforms that contribute to chart placements abroad and offer comprehensive data on new releases. The shift in fans' attention notwithstanding, industry insiders stress that domestic charts still play a key role in maintaining K-pop's global momentum. 'These days, as K-pop idols' success is more frequently measured by their performance on overseas charts, fans tend to pay less attention to domestic rankings,' said an official from a major K-pop agency, Tuesday. 'Also, the average age of listeners using Korean music platforms is gradually getting older.' As of Wednesday, G-Dragon's 'Too Bad' topped the Melon chart, followed by Jo Jazz's 'Don't You Know (Prod. Rocoberry)' at No. 2 and Hwang Garam's 'I Am a Firefly' at No. 6. While these tracks may be unfamiliar to many K-pop fans abroad, they're dominating Korean charts. Music critic Lim Hee-yun attributes this to a gap left by K-pop idols who are increasingly focused on foreign markets and are more concerned with overseas chart rankings. 'When idol fandoms were highly active in Korea, they drove chart success through mass buying of songs and albums — a tactic often called 'total attack,'' Lim said Wednesday. 'But now, many younger listeners who used to stream K-pop on Melon have moved to platforms such as YouTube, Spotify or TikTok, changing the way chart performance reflects popularity.' According to Kakao Entertainment, which operates Melon, the shift toward international audiences is clear. K-pop artists now release songs with global appeal and prioritize performing overseas. Still, industry insiders stress that domestic charts remain a key benchmark — especially for rookie groups and mid-tier artists. 'The home of K-pop is Korea. The trends begin here, and Melon is where it starts,' said a source from a major K-pop label. Lim warned that aiming too early for international success without local traction can backfire. 'Some agencies aim for a global sound right away, hoping to break into mainstream foreign markets. But unless you're on the level of BTS' Jungkook or Blackpink, it rarely works,' he said. 'Even with global popularity, abroad, K-pop remains part of a subculture— not quite in the mainstream.' That is why domestic chart performance is still regarded as a vital indicator of potential success for idols without an established fanbase. 'Even within large companies, only top-tier acts consistently chart well. Many rookie groups struggle to make it to the Top 100. That initial visibility is crucial,' Lim said. There is also a growing call for more Korean identity in the K-pop sound as the market matures. 'Global markets already have local artists. Naturally, fans prefer those they are familiar with,' Lim added. 'For K-pop artists, bringing a distinctively Korean element to the table may be the key to standing out, not blending in.'
Korea Herald
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
G-Dragon unveils solo tour plan
G-Dragon announced initial plans for his upcoming solo world tour via agency Galaxy Corporation on Thursday. According to the poster unveiled, he is planning to hit the stage at Tokyo Dome May 10-11. After the two-date show, he will visit seven more cities in Asia: from Bulacan, Philippines and Osaka, Japan to Macao, Taipei and Hong Kong as well as Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. The artist will be performing at Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome in Osaka for the first time in about eight years, since his previous solo tour 'Act III: M.O.T.T.E.' The upcoming tour is named after his third solo full album, 'Ubermensch,' that was rolled out last month. The LP swept all music charts at home, from real-time and daily to weekly tallies, as did focus track 'Too Bad (feat. Anderson. Paak)' while all songs from the album made it to the top 15 on the Melon chart, a first in the chart's history.
South China Morning Post
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
K-pop's G-Dragon is proving his ‘super idol' status with chart-toppers, sell-out shows
K-pop icon G-Dragon is reclaiming his throne with record-breaking success across music, television and live performances. Advertisement Since releasing his solo track 'Power' in October, the artist has dominated digital music charts, sold out massive concerts and drawn widespread attention through his first leading role on a variety show. His comeback has earned him a new nickname in the music industry, 'super idol'. In the current digital music landscape, it is G-Dragon versus G-Dragon. His song 'Home Sweet Home', which dethroned Blackpink's Rosé's hit 'APT' in late November, continues to maintain its high chart position. His latest release, 'Too Bad', is now competing for the top spot, while 'Power' also remains in the upper chart ranks. Ubermensch, his first studio album in 11 years, debuted at No 2 on Korean music chart platform Circle Chart's album ranking, selling 440,000 copies in its first week.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aespa's Karina gives fans ‘whiplash' with new bob haircut (VIDEO)
SEOUL, Feb 26 — K-pop group Aespa's leader Karina showed off her new bob haircut to fans as she flew off to Milan for the Prada Fall/Winter 2025 show. Karina is a global brand ambassador for Prada but is known for her trademark long dark locks so her short haircut is a big departure from her usual style. Fans have already been sharing videos and pictures of the singer online with one fanmade compilation video already amassing over 131,000 views. karina with a bob is my new obsession — aespa pics (@aespapic) February 26, 2025 OMFG KARINA WITH BOB HAIR KARINA AT MILAN FW25#KarinaxPradaMFW@Prada — Karina (@ujiminphoria) February 26, 2025 It's not a surprise something as simple as a haircut would get buzz in Karina's case as she is considered one of Korea's It girls with various endorsements including one recently for Sprite as well as a cameo in K-pop veteran G-Dragon's MV for his latest hit Too Bad. Now fans are eagerly awaiting to see Karina's styling at the Prada show. Aespa recently concluded the North American leg of their SYNK: Parallel Line world tour, and member Ningning was recently announced as Maybelline's Asia Brand Ambassador. As for their next comeback, the group has teased that it will be something different from their past comebacks describing it thusly: 'Rather than a metallic taste, it feels more like the sun, sunlight, molten iron, a blast furnace, or a blacksmith. We asked the company to go a little overboard, so we think you might be surprised.'
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Listen: G-Dragon releases new album, 'Too Bad' music video
Feb. 25 (UPI) -- K-pop sensation G-Dragon is back with new music. The South Korean singer and rapper, 36, dropped a pair of music videos for his singles "Too Bad," and "Drama," which appear on his latest album Übermensch, released Tuesday. In October, the singer and rapper released a music video for "Power," which is the second track on Übermensch. Prior to that, the former BigBang member had not released new music since his 2017 EP Kwon Ji Yong. Übermensch features 8 tracks in all. Others include "Home Sweet Home," "IbelongIIu," "Take Me," "Bonamana," and "Gyro-Drop." The music video for "Too Bad" begins with G-Dragon, wearing a red jacket and gloves, appearing in multiple places in a small conference room. Instead of a table, there are three rows of chairs, and each is covered in clothes. Anderson .Paak joins G-Dragon for the upbeat song. The "Drama" music video, meanwhile, shows G-Dragon as an apparent wind-up toy, mourning a complicated love relationship. "You never like it when it's nice," he sings. "'Drama queen' got it from her mama. Rather hang up to pick a fight..." He appears in all white, on a circular white stage, with a ballerina. G-Dragon will promote his new album with an upcoming world tour.
