JYP Entertainment / FLUXUS Music
The K-Pop industry has come a long way since its inception all those years ago. It has become a worldwide phenomenon, and with the rise of the fourth generation, we see groups like Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, and IVE dominating the music charts. They, among many others, have started to reach the forefront of the K-Pop industry, representing the distinct qualities of what makes the current generation special.
Although their success is clear for everyone to see, we cannot forget that the genre as a whole has seen a large number of successful artists pass through its doors. K-Pop has a storied history that would take weeks to properly sort through and cover. But here at Kpopmap, we're taking it one month at a time with our series, K-Pop Flashback.
Through this series, we open the gates of nostalgia at the end of every month and take a look at a specific time in K-Pop. We aim to look back no less than 7 years, the average contract length of your typical idol group. Our goals are to both reminisce and introduce newer K-Pop fans to older groups and trends that dominated the market all those years ago.
As the month of June comes to a close, let's travel back to the year 2016. Meet the artists and songs that dominated the charts down below!
Melon Chart
Melon Chart
Circle Chart
Circle Chart
Seven years doesn't seem too long until you realize how much has changed in the K-Pop industry since. But looking back at June 2016, there were various songs that brought on waves of nostalgia with their iconic melody. On both Melon Chart and Circle Chart, the top half of the top 5 songs were practically identical. The K-Pop artists that dominated the charts in June 2016 includes TWICE, EXO, BLOCK B's Park Kyung, and soloist Baek AhYeon. Then there's vocally talented group Urban Zakapa, Ben, and an original song featuring an assortment of rappers from Mnet's "Show Me The Money 5".
Top Songs Of June 2016
Urban Zakapa - 'I Don't Love You'
Topping the list on both charts is Urban Zakapa's heartbreaking ballad, 'I Don't Love You'. The track's piercing lyrics instill a lasting sense of sadness within your heart that lasts for days at a time. 'I Don't Love You' plucked the heartstrings of those across the nation, allowing it to rise to the top for the month of June 2016.
TWICE - 'Cheer Up'
After a massively successful debut, TWICE made a comeback with the EP, "Page Two" and along with it came the wildly popular title track, 'Cheer Up'. It was during this time that the iconic phrase "Shy, shy, shy" was born and everyone around the world started to focus their attention on the lovely girl group. K-Pop fans everywhere cannot deny that even seven years later, they still find themselves singing along to this incredibly catchy song.
Baek AYeon - 'so-so'
Baek AYeon initially made her way onto the music scene through her appearance on the first season of SBS' "K-Pop Star". Her skills were recognized by both judges and audiences alike as she was able to become the runner-up of the competition program. 'so-so' continued to show her growth as a singer, becoming a song that everyone could relate to. Just one listen will be enough to help you understand the song's appeal and why it topped the charts seven years ago.
Ben - 'Just Like A Dream'
June saw the captivating tvN K-Drama "Another Miss Oh" reach its climactic end, sweeping the hearts of thousands as it graced TV screens everywhere. Amazing vocalist Ben lent her voice to the drama, producing the legendary OST 'Just Like A Dream'. Its sweet melody and heartfelt lyrics allowed audiences to completely immerse themselves within the drama completely from start to finish.
EXO - 'Monster'
EXO's 'Monster' has become a legendary track within the K-Pop industry. It has found its way onto various audition programs, becoming a must cover song for contestants on these shows. While they've portrayed incredible, the original will always hold a special place in our hearts. 'Monster' is a prime example of a K-Pop track done right and will live in the memory of the K-Pop community for all time.
BLOCK B's Park Kyung - 'Inferiority Complex'
Despite being released in May, it continued to remain on the charts throughout the month of June. Park Kyung's melodic rapping combined with VIVIZ EunHa's heart-fluttering vocals had fans in a chokehold, causing them to hit the replay button a million times over.
Various Artists From "Show Me The Money 5" - 'Who You?'
Through various stages, Mnet's "Show Me The Money" has always produced trendy and addictive tracks that capture the hearts of hip-hop enthusiasts everywhere. 'Who You?' is no different as it brings an eclectic group of rappers in Simon Dominic, BewhY, G2, and One. The track goes hard on all levels and will get you grooving in your seat once the music starts.
How did you like this trip down memory lane? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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