Weekly Charts: August 16 - August 22
While summer favorites like BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, and TWICE continue to top weekly music charts, new releases introduce fresh concepts and music to bop to. This week’s charts feature (G)I-DLE’s first comeback with an even stronger image, MXM’s playful charms, and must-listen original soundtracks from SEVENTEEN and the talented trainees of Produce 48.
LOVED AND LOST
Following their explosive debut, (G)I-DLE returns with their first comeback and the dark dance track “HANN,” released on August 14. Debut track “LATATA” captivated listeners with its catchy lyrics about intense love to a tropical house beat, which became a summer hit for these super rookies. “HANN” contrasts from their previous release in that it introduces a darker side of the Cube Entertainment girl group as they try to erase their history with a past lover. Eerie whistling creates a haunting atmosphere and the girls adorning black garments, on top of the video being embellished with guns and scorpions, adds an edgier image to the group that goes beyond mourning for a former lover and instead turns into a thirst for revenge. Resting at number four on Instiz and five on Genie’s weekly chart, (G)I-DLE establishes itself not only as a powerful rookie group, but as a top girl group in the works.
MORE X MORE TO LOVE
MXM shows off its whimsical side with “YA YA YA” from their first studio album, More Than Ever, released on August 14. A playful hip-hop track complete with a cheery piano tune and whimsical flutes, Youngmin and Donghyun express how they’ve fallen head over heels in love, comparing their love interest to coffee that keeps them awake at night, and despite its bitter taste, the boys become addicted and can’t imagine a world without it. The song doesn’t feel complete without watching the charming music video with popping monochromes, a comical dance break, coffee cups in nearly every shot, and the duo’s goofy antics matching with the sanguine melody. Ranked fourth on Mnet and 21 on Instiz, one listen to this track will have you ya ya ya ya ya-ing on repeat.
AS SEEN ON TV
SEVENTEEN released their OST “A-TEEN” for web drama series Eighteen on August 13. Members Joshua, Hoshi, Woozi, Vernon, and Dino combine their talents for this hip-hop track that serves as an anthem for 18-year-olds. Like the drama, the song speaks out on the pressures of being 18—on the edge of youth and adulthood-—from first loves to intense exams while still trying to cherish every moment with friends before going separate ways and beginning a new chapter in life. Currently 19 on MelOn and 11 on Bugs!’s weekly music chart, “A-TEEN” resonates among young listeners who can relate to the struggles of youth, and adults keen on reminiscing about their memorable teenage years.
The ladies of Produce 48 get creative in producing their own song through their concept evaluation with the release of the 30 Girls, 6 Concepts digital EP on August 18. Trainees were evaluated on concepts through original tracks such as contemporary pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, New Jack Swing, and Tropical Pop Dance; however, moombahton/trap became an audience favorite with “Rumor” released on August 18. A fusion of house and reggaeton, “Rumor” centers around a girl blindly in love with her love interest, seeking assurance of their relationship solely from her partner despite the surrounding rumors and gossip. The stage performance by Nation’s Hot Issue—consisting of Lee Sian (Stone Music), Kim Shihyun (Yuehua), Han Chowon (Cube), Kwon Eunbi (Woolim), and Murase Sae (NMB48)—elevates the song lyrics with the members’ hypnotic gazes, sexy choreography, and alluring outfits tying up the concept, leading them to the eleventh spot on Instiz’s weekly chart as the top-ranking concept evaluation song.