The Longest-Charting Melon Top 10 Hit Ever Has Left The Charts After Almost A Year
It’s the end of an era. After a staggering 339-day streak, the phenomenal hit “Hype Boy” has finally left MelOn’s Daily Chart Top 10. This record-breaking track etched its name in K-Pop history, becoming the longest-charting Top 10 song on South Korea’s premier music platform.
NewJeans made a splash in the K-Pop scene when they released their debut single, “Attention.” They quickly followed it up with the announcement of their self-titled extended play, which was set for release on August 1, 2022. With a total of four tracks — including two additional singles — fans eagerly awaited what the group had in store.
“Hype Boy” made its grand appearance as the group’s second single on July 23. The release was amplified by a 50-second introductory clip introducing the members, along with four member-specific music videos that showcased each performer’s unique style and charisma.
The song was a creative collaboration, with contributions to the lyrics from Gigi, Ylva Dimberg, and NewJeans member Hanni. Dimberg and 250 took the reins as producers. The end product was a catchy track with Korean and English lyrics that ran for 2 minutes and 56 seconds. The track was so catchy it even got critics addicted.
Carmen Chin from NME lauded “Hype Boy” in her review of the mini album. According to Chin, the song was a stark departure from the “slow-jam nostalgia” of their preceding single “Attention.” She commended the track for its contemporary reimagining of 2000s sounds, complete with tropical touches and future bass, and how these elements conjured a dreamy, almost hazy atmosphere.
“Hype Boy” garnered several accolades, with NME naming it the No. 1 K-Pop song of 2022. Rolling Stone echoed the praises, placing “Hype Boy” 24th on their list of the top 100 best songs of 2022. They especially admired its addictive choreography and catchy chorus. Time magazine also acknowledged the track, listing it as one of the best K-Pop songs of the year.
Even though “Hype Boy” has finally stepped down from MelOn’s Daily Chart Top 10, its legacy is cemented in K-Pop history. Its record-breaking chart performance is a testament to NewJeans’ musical prowess and the industry’s ever-growing global influence. With “Hype Boy,” NewJeans created a timeless piece that will continue to resonate with fans, chart or no chart.
As we bid farewell to this era, fans around the world are left eagerly waiting for what NewJeans will bring next. Will they break their own record? Only time will tell.
