Weekly Charts: August 30 - September 5
We partied non-stop in the heat until we danced the summer nights away as we transition to the brisk autumn season. While summer hits from Shaun, BTS, and Red Velvet currently top music charts in the first week of September, fresh new tracks welcome the seasonal change for a refreshing start of the month.
FEARLESS YOUTH
This week’s hot release is Baekhyun and LOCO’s “Young,” the second track of SM Station X 0. Released on August 31, this electro-R&B single combines the vocal talents of EXO’s main vocalist and the fire bars from one of South Korea’s hottest rappers for a lyrical message centered around preserving authenticity and creativity during youth. The music video is worth dissecting with images of routine and imitation—robotic gestures, copied outfits, and perfectly molded clay—juxtaposed by symbols of creative freedom, imposed by Baekhyun and LOCO wreaking havoc. Taking the number one spot on Soribada and number six on MelOn for this week’s chart, return to your young, fearless roots with this inspiring track.
ABOARD THE LOVE BOAT
Commemorating their 20th debut anniversary, SHINHWA released “Kiss Me Like That” on August 8 from their special anniversary EP, Heart. The six members celebrate with class in their music video through a private cruise party decked out with elegant bars, ritzy jazz bands, and posh rooftops while they serenade with the track’s soft acoustic tempo and sultry lyrics. Painted with warm orange hues—representative of the band’s fan color—and complete with a fireworks show, the music video transforms into a personal fan party for SHINHWA Changjo. Currently 21 on Instiz’s weekly chart, SHINHWA lives up to their name as legends as the longest-running K-Pop group, making their mark on the music charts even after two decades.
STAR-CROSSED FATE
NU’EST W serves this week’s dose of OSTs with “AND I” from Mr. Sunshine OST Part 10 released on August 26. The four vocalists sing a beautiful story of the drama’s star-crossed lovers cherishing their moments together before they tragically part ways, still dreaming about fate guiding them to cross paths again. Currently number three on Mnet and number eight on NAVER’s weekly charts, NU’EST W’s dreamy vocals will have listeners fantasizing of meeting their fated lover.