[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Singer Oban has topped the music charts, surpassing BTS. This has sparked a heated debate among netizens, with some claiming chart manipulation and others arguing that Oban earned the top spot through talent.
On the 6th, Oban posted on his Instagram account a message saying, "Thank you for trying to use someone as insignificant as me," along with a screenshot of the domestic music streaming service Genie Music's chart.
The number one spot on the chart Oban shared was his song "Eotteoke Jinae" (How Are You). BTS's "ON" was second, and Zico's "Any Song" was third. Oban released his new digital single "Eotteoke Jinae" at 6 p.m. on the 5th.
According to the Genie Music real-time music ranking graph, Oban's "Eotteoke Jinae" overtook Zico's "Any Song" within five hours of release and then surpassed BTS's "ON" an hour later.
On the morning of the 6th, singer-songwriter Oban posted a clarification on his Instagram story in response to allegations of "bulk buying" after achieving first place on the music charts. Photo by Oban Instagram capture
Following the news of Oban topping the music charts, a debate erupted among netizens between claims of chart manipulation and congratulations for his achievement.
Some netizens raised suspicions of rank manipulation, pointing out that Oban overtook popular artists like Zico, who had held top positions for a while, and BTS, who have a solid fan base, in just half a day.
One netizen commented on Oban's chart-topping post, saying, "No one acknowledges this ranking." After the comment received many likes, Oban responded directly.
Oban explained regarding the comment, "I also find it hard to accept. I will work harder so that you can acknowledge it."
As the suspicions of chart manipulation intensified, Oban denied the allegations through his Instagram story, saying, "I don't want to get hurt. I don't want to be hated. This is not a lie. I'm sorry for being someone who doesn't deserve it and is suspected. But this is really not a lie."
On the other hand, other netizens expressed support, saying things like, "As a fan who likes Oban, it's really nice to see him at number one," "Is there a rule that only well-known singers can be number one?" "The song is good, so what's the problem?" and "I hope more people listen to it."
Meanwhile, Oban was previously embroiled in suspicions of chart manipulation when his song "Seumusal-i Wae Iri Neunggeulmat-a" (Why Is Being Twenty So Cheeky), released in September 2018, entered the top 40 on the music charts.
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