Korean Netizens React To RIIZE's Unexpected Recent Chart Performance

The K-Pop industry is nothing if not unpredictable, and RIIZE, the highly-anticipated new boy group from SM Entertainment, has been experiencing this reality firsthand.

The young boy group made a grand entrance earlier this month with their debut single, “Get A Guitar.” While their album sales were nothing short of extraordinary, making them the first SM artist since H.O.T in 1996 to sell over a million copies with their debut album, their initial streaming performance was unexpectedly muted.

On popular South Korean music streaming platforms, RIIZE’s debut single charted at #24 on Bugs, a modest #97 on MelOn, and even slipped beyond the top 100 on Genie, starting at #116. But as they say in the world of music, it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.

[DEBUT] RIIZE “Get A Guitar” 07PM KST Update:

#24 Bugs
#97 MelOn
#116 Genie

— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) September 4, 2023

Weeks after their debut and subsequent promotions, RIIZE’s “Get A Guitar” has begun its steady and surprising ascent up the charts. A recent post on TheQoo, a popular online community, highlighted the song’s improved performance on Melon.

@riize_official

ba🎸💂‍♂️⭐️🧋💙by #RIIZE #라이즈 #SHOTARO #쇼타로 #WONBIN #원빈 #SOHEE #소희 #aespa #æspa #에스파 @aespa official #KARINA #카리나 #WINTER #윈터 #GetAGuitar #RIIZE_GetAGuitar #SMTOWN #SMTOWNJAKARTA2023

♬ Get A Guitar – RIIZE

@riize_official

Get A Guitar and Feel our Rhythm 😙🎵 #RIIZE #라이즈 #SHOTARO #쇼타로 #ANTON #앤톤 #레드벨벳 #RedVelvet @Red Velvet #SEULGI #슬기 #GetAGuitar #RIIZE_GetAGuitar #SMTOWN #SMTOWNJAKARTA2023

♬ Get A Guitar – RIIZE

The song added over 7,400 new listeners in just a day, pushing its daily unique listener count to a whopping 86,150. This surge helped the song reach No. 47 on MelOn’s daily chart, a commendable achievement for a group so fresh in the industry.

But what has been the reception among Korean netizens? Fortunately, netizens seem to be rallying behind RIIZE and their debut track.

“It’s binge-listening, lol. The song’s so good.”
“Let’s gooo.”
“Oh, it’s a daily chart. The number of users has increased a lot.”
“Oooh, isn’t this binge-listening? Anyways, congratulations! This makes me happy.”
“The song’s good!”
“I know this song, hehe.”
“The song’s insane and on top of that, a sudden climb on the charts? Wow.”

These comments from the netizens underline a broader sentiment: good music can take its time to be recognized, but it will eventually find its audience.

RIIZE’s trajectory serves as a lesson for budding artists: patience and consistency are crucial. Initial chart performance is not always indicative of a song’s quality or potential longevity. With the right mix of talent, strategy, and timing, even a slow starter can turn into a hit.

As for RIIZE, the future seems bright. Their initial album sales speak of their potential, and their rising streaming numbers showcase their growing appeal among the masses. The next few months will be critical for them, and fans and netizens alike will be watching keenly.