Solo artists have recently dominated South Korea’s digital music charts, pushing K-pop idol groups out of the top positions. Since April, solo performers have consistently held the highest ranks on major music charts, marking a clear change from previous years when groups led the scene.
Data from the Korea Music Content Association’s Circle Chart shows that solo artists have occupied all five top spots on the combined streaming and download digital chart for eight straight weeks, from March 16 to May 10.
Some of the recent chart leaders include WOODZ with “Drowning,” Jennie’s “Like Jennie,” G-Dragon’s “Too Bad,” 10CM’s “To Reach You,” Zo Zazz’s “Don’t You Know?,” and Hwang Garam’s “I Am a Firefly.”
This pattern is also evident on Melon, Korea’s largest music platform. Since the girl group IVE’s “Love & Heart” reached No. 5 in late March, the top five positions have been held by solo artists.
In the most recent weekly Melon chart (May 12–18), aespa’s “Whiplash,” released in October last year, was the highest-ranked K-pop group song at No. 7. The only other group tracks in the top 10 were BOYNEXTDOOR’s “I Love You” and IVE’s “Rebel Heart,” both released in January.
Although the early months of the year are often slow for K-pop, the current trend is a notable shift compared to spring 2023. Last year, groups like NewJeans, IVE, Le Sserafim, and aespa regularly topped the charts.
This year, many popular groups such as NCT WISH, TWS, Le Sserafim, Zerobaseone, BOYNEXTDOOR, and P1Harmony have released new music, but their impact on the charts has been limited.
New girl groups like Hearts2Hearts and KiiiKiii, despite significant backing, have yet to produce breakthrough hits.
Experts attribute this shift to several causes. Although idol groups are releasing new songs, many of the top-ranking tracks now are rising in popularity organically, without heavy promotion.
Viral moments on social media and word-of-mouth have helped older or lesser-known solo songs gain attention.
For example, WOODZ’s “Drowning” came out two years ago but surged up the charts after a memorable performance on KBS2’s “Immortal Songs” last year. The broadcast was a military special, and WOODZ is currently serving in the army.
Similarly, 10CM’s “To Reach You” is a cover of a 15-year-old Japanese anime theme that gained popularity when entertainer Joo Woo-jae featured it in a viral video challenge. Songs by relatively unknown artists like Hwang Garam and Zo Zazz have also stayed on the charts due to social media buzz.
Music analysts say this change reflects both shifting listener preferences and a more varied music scene in Korea.
Kim Jin-woo, a music data journalist, said, “The success of ballads and the growing popularity of Japanese songs beyond the top 200 show that listeners want more variety. Ballads, dance, hip-hop, and rock all have their fans. Korea’s digital music market is becoming more diverse and healthier.”
As solo artists lead the charts and alternative paths to success grow stronger, the long-standing dominance of idol groups in Korea’s music industry may be changing for good.
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