The sibling duo AKMU once again proved their strength as a 'music chart powerhouse.' In a K-pop market full of English, they are showing what real K-pop is. With lyrical melodies and lyrics that comfort listeners' weary hearts, they are demonstrating the true healing power of music.
On the 7th, AKMU, which released the full-length album "Blooming" for the first time in seven years, continues its success by surpassing 2.5 billion cumulative streams on Melon, the country's largest music platform. According to Melon Data Lab, the cumulative play count built up over about 12 years since their 2014 debut reached 2,536,170,000 plays as of the 30th of last month, which is the highest record for a mixed-gender artist.
This new record "Blooming" carries a meaning beyond a simple comeback. It is their first new work in two years, their return with a full-length album after seven years, and their first release presented after leaving YG Entertainment and going independent.
The results have appeared immediately. The title track "Joy, sorrow, beautiful heart" topped the Melon weekly chart for April 6-12, beating BTS, IVE and others. In addition, the included track "Paradise of rumors" has also secured a high ranking, showing a 'double hit' trend and rapidly spreading by word of mouth among listeners. The title "Paradise of rumors" explains why it is called a 'rumored masterpiece.'
What is particularly striking is the musical direction. In recent K-pop trends where English titles and choruses dominate, AKMU instead chose to go head-to-head with titles and lyrics that preserve the texture of the Korean language. They chose understated emotion over sensational sounds and lyrical language over exaggerated messages.
This choice produced results. Among listeners, responses have continued such as "It sounds fresher because it's different from what is called K-pop these days" and "It soothes my tired heart." In a market accustomed to fast and intense stimulation, the slowly seeping sensibility and sincere lyrics are said to create a deeper resonance.
With their own color that contains sincerity instead of trendiness. AKMU once again showed the fundamentals of K-pop. They are demonstrating the healing power of music that comforts listeners' weary hearts.
[Photo] "A wellspring of inspiration"
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