Two girl groups from Starship Entertainment have made a remarkable achievement by securing top positions on the music charts simultaneously. This showcases the entertainment company's competitive edge with both a rising star and an established powerhouse.
As of 9 AM on the 19th, Kiki's '404 (New Era)' claimed the number one spot on Melon's 'Top 100' chart. Following closely, IVE's pre-release track 'BANG BANG' secured the second position. Despite strong competition from artists like Hwasa and Hanloro, who have maintained their presence in the top ranks since last year, the fact that two groups from the same agency have clinched the top two spots is noteworthy.
For Kiki, this comeback marks a significant turning point. Although their debut track performed well, subsequent releases did not achieve notable success. However, '404 (New Era)' quickly climbed the charts upon release, securing the top position.
Particularly, the youngest member, Kiya, has received positive feedback. Despite being born in 2010, she impressively handles live performances and captivates listeners with her deep voice in the intro. Members like Kiya and Isol, who excel in lower vocal ranges, have been highlighted as Kiki's strengths since their debut. This comeback further emphasizes these strengths.
IVE has also proven their prowess as a music powerhouse. Consistently achieving above-average results since their debut, they have once again delivered strong performance with their pre-release track. 'BANG BANG' diverges from IVE's previous style, featuring EDM and electronic sounds with a Western swing intro. The track carries a message of self-determination, encouraging listeners to forge their own paths despite external opinions or rumors. The catchy hook and rap, featuring words like 'explosive,' 'aggressive,' and 'offensive' that play on the group's name 'IVE,' are key highlights.
This success has heightened anticipation for IVE's new album. The group often employs a pre-release strategy to build excitement before a comeback. Previously, they showcased contrasting charms by releasing 'Kitsch' ahead of their first full album 'I AM.' Similarly, they drew attention with 'REBEL HEART' before unveiling their third mini-album 'IVE Empathy.' The buzz generated by 'BANG BANG' is expected to carry over to the title track.
Kiki has successfully rebounded, while IVE maintains a stable performance trajectory. This dynamic, with both a rookie and a veteran group in the top ranks, demonstrates the lineup's competitive strength. The focus now is on whether Kiki can establish themselves as a new growth engine for Starship, following in IVE's footsteps.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr