aespa Karina Becomes First 4th-Gen Soloist to Rank #1 on MelOn Top100 + More Feats
In less than two days since aespa Karina released her solo "UP," the idol is already writing history among 4th-gen soloists as well as in the music scene.
On Oct. 9th, aespa unveiled its special digital single, "SYNK: PARALLEL LINE," which contains four solo tracks from each member. This includes "UP" by Karina, "Dopamine" by Giselle, "Spark" by Winter, and "Bored!" by NingNing.
The quartet initially performed these songs during their concert tour, and due to popular demand, they were released as an official single.
Indeed, music fans and MYs (fandom) support was massive, especially for "UP," Karina's first self-written solo song. Before its release, the song became a viral dance challenge on TikTok due to its addictive English chorus.
This fame continued upon its official release as "UP" secured its spot at the top of the biggest South Korean music charts including the Bugs real-time chart and MelOn Hot100 as well as entered the Top 5 of Genie and Flo.
Among these charts, MelOn's Top100 is one of the hardest charts to snag first place, but with Karina's strong power and influence, she rose atop this rankings as well, just a day after its release.
READ ALSO: aespa Members' Popularity Sparks Discussion Following Chart Performance of Solo Music Releases
KARINA earns her first #1 as a soloist on MelOn TOP100 with ‘UP’. pic.twitter.com/7KbJPxOY6O
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) October 10, 2024
to think they've been debuting soloist from 4th gen since early 2018 but this 2024 this is the first and only time that a 4th gen soloist reach and top the melon music chart. karina you will always be famous. the 4th gen it girl the face of 4th generation.
— roseanne (@intorosiepark) October 10, 2024
KARINA’s UP has reached #1 (+1) on MelOn Top100 at 11PM KST 💙
— KARINA Charts (@karinachartss) October 10, 2024
— KARINA now joins Taeyeon as the only SM soloist to reach this milestone
— KARINA is the first 4th generation soloist to reach this milestone #KARINA #카리나 #KARINA_UP pic.twitter.com/r62TriZdex
#KARINA and #JENNIE are the only female girlgroup members to reach #1 on MelOn TOP100 in 2024. pic.twitter.com/BiJIfqU1gU
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) October 10, 2024
Karina joins Lee Youngji, Jennie, BIBI and IU as the only female soloist to reach #1 on the MelOn TOP100 chart in 2024:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 10, 2024
• Karina — UP
• Lee Youngji — Small Girl
• Jennie — Spot!
• BIBI — 밤양갱 (Bam Yang Gang)
• IU — Love wins all pic.twitter.com/zaBQojSPuV
With this, she became the first-ever 4th-gen soloist to rank No.1 on MelOn's Top100.
Also, Karina became the fifth female idol to secure this spot this 2024 following Jennie, Lee Young Ji, BIBI, and IU. Among girl group members, she and Jennie were the only ones to accomplish it this year.
Furthermore, Karina also proved her status among SM Entertainment artists as the first female act to attain this after SNSD Taeyeon.
As of writing, Karina holds the title of 4th-gen act with the highest unfiltered streams on Spotify Counter, earning 1.07 million listens.
The group's popularity, including Karina's, is expected to explode even more once its fifth mini-album, "Whiplash" is released on Oct. 21st.
RELATED ARTICLE: aespa Karina's 'No Makeup' Look Garners Admiration: 'She's Prettier With Bare Face'
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
