Despite much of the world focused on K-pop’s reigning king, PSY, the Billboard Korea K-Pop Hot 100 chart, which is refreshed every Thursday, has yet to feel his impact after his single was released the day after.
Known as a representative for male vocals, K.Will is No. 1 with new single “Love Blossom.” He had earned a previous No. 1 when his emotional ballad “Please Don’t” topped in November. The latest track showcases a more Michael Buble-style of singing with a funky, soul-inspired sound paired with top-notch vocals. The song nicely fits with the feel-good sounds of spring, heard in charming tracks like No. 1 K-Pop Hot 100 hit Busker Busker’s “Cherry Blossom Ending.”
Hong Dae Kwang, a Top 4 contestant on Korean singing competition “Superstar K4,” who has captured viewer attention with a rich artistic identity, has pre-released a track off his first EP, “Goodbye.” The track features Soyou of mega girl group SISTAR. The acoustic ballad, co-composed and -arranged by Hong, enters at No. 8 this week. The song is based on the artist’s own love story to which he adds depth with his serene vocal delivery on lyrics such as, “Goodbye my sky, goodbye my smile, goodbye to your scent.” Hong’s debut EP, said to feature a diverse range of genres, is set for release on April 19.
Hip-hop duo Lil Boi and Louie, called GEEKS, makes a huge debut this week at No. 5 with their latest “How About,” featuring male R&B singer Hareem. The song was written by GEEKS with a help from Kim Do Hoon, who crafted one of the Color of K-pop tracks “Mermaid Princess” sung by After School’s Lizzy, KARA’s Jiyoung, 4minute’s Gayoon, SISTAR’s Bora, and Secret’s Sunhwa. The song’s head-bopping beat mixed with lyrics including, “I thought you were the only one for me, but that changed,” showcases a new side of the duo for listeners who recall their first single, “Officially Missing You,” featuring SISTAR’s Soyou, that was a mainstay in the Top 10 for many weeks.
Despite PSY’s unusual release schedule for “Gentleman” with a Friday morning digital release and its music video revealed on Saturday night in Korea, rather than the usual all-in-one rollout from K-pop stars for maximum impact on debut, it looks likely for PSY to own this week’s K-Pop Hot 100.
Upon its release, PSY’s “Gentleman” has been at the top of digital retail charts with a No. 1 debut looking likely. PSY’s Happening concert and press conference on Saturday in Seoul, with over 50,000 attendees, has been covered extensively in the domestic and international media. Even before the viral video craze of “Gangnam Style” translated overseas, the single was already topping the K-Pop Hot 100 beginning a five-week run. Billboard Korea estimates that it is likely he will rule for at least one week with “Gentleman.” Check back on Thursday morning when the K-Pop Hot 100, as well as the rest of Billboard’s charts, are refreshed to see if PSY earned another No. 1.