This Rookie Beats aespa, NewJeans, IU Topping Korea's Largest Music Platform's Year-End Chart

A rookie group less than a year into their debut has made history by claiming the No. 1 spot on Melon’s 2024 year-end chart, the country’s largest music platform. The group in the spotlight is TWS, who rose to fame with their mega-hit debut song "Plot Twist."

According to Kakao Entertainment, which operates Melon, TWS secured the top position on the annual chart with their debut track, an extraordinary achievement for a rookie artist. This marks the first time in K-pop history that a group so early in their career has dominated the domestic music market, surpassing even some of the industry’s biggest names. Melon recognized TWS as the best rookie of the year, emphasizing their influence on both domestic and global music trends.

With their debut track reaching the summit of the year-end chart, TWS has carved a new chapter in K-pop history. Competing against established stars like IU, aespa, and NewJeans, TWS stood out thanks to their strong musicality and a dedicated fanbase. Their success isn’t seen as mere luck but as a testament to their artistry and growing popularity.

In second place was (G)I-DLE’s "Fate," which gained traction as a sleeper hit, climbing the charts thanks to its viral popularity among fans. aespa’s "Supernova" ranked third, dominating the weekly chart for 15 consecutive weeks—a record-breaking streak on Melon. The group further cemented their status as a top-tier act with additional hits like "Drama," "Armageddon," and "Spicy," all of which ranked prominently on the charts.

IU secured the fourth spot with her song "Love Wins All," showcasing her enduring appeal as a solo artist 16 years into her career. Her ability to consistently captivate fans has solidified her as one of K-pop’s most beloved figures.

K-pop band DAY6 also had a remarkable year, with their timeless tracks "You Were Beautiful" and "Time of Our Life" landing in fifth and seventh place, respectively. Despite being older releases, these songs continued their upward trajectory, thanks to a wave of rediscovery. Additionally, their recent releases "Welcome to the Show" and "HAPPY" charted well, demonstrating a fresh wave of interest in band music within the K-pop landscape.

The 2024 Melon chart reflects a dynamic year for K-pop, blending rookie breakthroughs, enduring legends, and genre-crossing collaborations. With acts like TWS leading the charge, the industry continues to evolve and push boundaries, captivating fans worldwide.