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Trending K-pop: 10 hottest tracks of the week

By Yim Hyun-su

  • Published : Apr 30, 2019 - 16:16
  • Updated : Apr 30, 2019 - 16:16

Trending Kpop is a bi-weekly piece based on the 10 most streamed tracks on South Korea’s leading music streaming service Melon ? the week ending on April 28

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An indie band has marched its way to the top of the chart last week, knocking none other than BTS off the top spot. Jannabi, is a force to be reckoned with, making their mark on streaming charts and giving the country heavily dominated by K-pop at the moment a generous dose of rock ‘n’ roll.

While BTS charted at number two after sitting on top of the chart for a week, another big player has entered the game. Twice ranked in the fourth place with the new electronic dance tune “Fancy.”

Kassy also managed to stay in the top 10 with her string-heavy ballad number “The day was beautiful.”



1. “For lovers who hesitate” - Jannabi

“For lovers who hesitate” from Indie rock band Jannabi’s new album “Legend” became the most popular track of the week, leaving behind the likes of BTS, Twice and Blackpink.

The retro-themed music video for the string-heavy folk rock tune, which has racked up over 1.2 million views on YouTube, has been showered with praise for its effort to recreate the atmosphere of the past decades.

The band who debuted in 2014 with the rock number “Rocket” has solidified its following over the years since. Despite becoming a radio darling, the band doesn‘t shy away from TV either. Their appearance on the popular TV show “I Live Alone” last month showed a glimpse of their life to viewers.

2. “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey - BTS

BTS is one spot down from last week after enjoying its reign on the chart for a week. Still, the song is among the most popular, having been liked over 200,000 times on Melon.

The group is set to perform at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards with Halsey who was featured in the song on Thursday.

3. “Bom” - Bolbbalgan4

Bolbbalgan4 is also one place down. The duo’s effort to deliver yet another spring anthem seems to have paid off as they continue to deliver one spring anthem after another.

Packed with gentle synth and acoustic guitar riffs and a string-tinged chorus, the song, which comes in the thick of the spring, makes for smooth listening perfect for the season.


4. “Fancy” - Twice

The new song is a departure from their signature bubblegum sound, as Twice adopted a more rhythmic and beat-heavy sound with its new single “Fancy.”

Ditching its quirky festive tone in previous songs that has defined their style, the somewhat mature-themed tune skillfully mixes mellow mood pop electro beats with catchy melodies.

Speaking to the press, bandmate Jihyo said though the group always showcased “bright and energetic performances” in the past, they wanted to focus on their mature sides with the new album. “At the same time, however, we tried not to lose our unique cheerfulness by mixing chic and cheerful sides,” she said.

5. “Four Seasons” - Taeyeon

The Girls’ Generation member continues to solidify her position on the music scene as a solo artist with the alternative pop-rock tune “Four Seasons.” The catch whistling chorus lingers on as she asks in the lyrics, “Did I even really love you?” adding a layer of mystery and romance to the song. The song looks back on her previous romance as she goes through each season.

6. “Kill This Love” - Blackpink

The latest single from the four-piece girl group breaking records for K-pop, including rocking the stage at Coachella recently, is at number six this week.

Written by Teddy, R.Tee, 24 and Bekuh BOOM, the tune follows in the footsteps of the previous success “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” featuring an intense build-up that bursts into their signature grandiose chorus.

The video for the brass-heavy rhythmic tune has racked up over 270 million views as of Tuesday.

7. “Karaoke” - Jang Beom-jun

A self-written track from the vocalist of Busker Busker’s new album has retained last week’s position. “Karaoke” has been described as “different” to other work of his with stronger instrumental accompaniment and more descriptive lyrics.



8. “Stars over me” - Bolbbalgan4

Bolbbalgan4 is the one of the two acts that have two songs in the top 10 alongside Jang Beom-jun. The one half of the double-sided single, both of which received the music video treatment, is another smooth sailing track from the duo. Their cotton-candy voice seamlessly mixes with a dreamlike instrumental, which together makes for easy listening.

9. “Every Moment With You” - Jang Beom-jun

“Every Moment With You” is another track from Jang Beom-jun to chart in the top 10. The straightforward folk rock number comes with light guitar riffs and a lingering chorus that goes, “Slowly with you.”

The self-directed music video also features couples and family members in their everyday lives, reflecting the lyrics that speak to the special moments in day to day life.
Jang said he tried to write the songs for his third album from the present perspective.



10. “The day was beautiful” - Kassy

Having debuted in 2015 with the song “In My Bed,” the former “Unpretty Rapstar” contestant’s song has managed to stay in the top 10 for the four consecutive weeks.

Buoyed by swelling strings and twinkling piano lines that help heighten the emotion, the acoustic ballad with sentimental lyrics see memories come flooding back. The song briefly keeps at bay emotions before it reaches a climax and ends with a burst of feelings.

By Yim Hyun-su (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)

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