BIGBANG's 'BIG' goes straight to No. 1 as streams of 'Haru Haru' and other hits explode 333%

A 20-year veteran group's full-lineup comeback sends megaton shock waves through the music industry

BIGBANG, celebrating its 20th anniversary, went straight to the top of the charts with its new song 'BIG' (BiiiG), reaffirming its firm grip on the throne. Streams of the group's past hits also exploded 333% from the previous month, underscoring the unmatched power of a full-lineup group in its 20th year.

According to data released on the 1st by Melon, Kakao Entertainment's music platform, the digital single 'BIG', released on the 19th of last month, seized control of the main chart immediately after its release. At the same time, such former era-defining hits as 'Haru Haru', 'Still Life' and 'Lies' were all recalled to the charts in an unprecedented resurgence.

The new song, led by group leader G-Dragon in both lyrics and composition, shot to No. 1 on Melon's 'Top 100' immediately after its release and continues to hold firmly to the top of the daily chart. The song's breakout success has also stirred public nostalgia for the group's older music, sending total streams of all 'BIGBANG' songs on Melon soaring 333% over the previous month.

The explosive figures coincide with a successful launch for the new world tour. They reflect renewed attention to songs on the concert setlist after the shows were held to great acclaim at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex from the 21st to the 23rd of last month. The 2008 megahit 'Haru Haru' averaged No. 224 on the daily chart in July. Its ranking began climbing sharply on Aug. 20, the day before the concert, reaching No. 91 on the 'Top 100' on Aug. 23 and settling at No. 67 on Aug. 24. Streams of the song surged 298% immediately after the concerts compared with its July average.

'Still Life' likewise jumped from a July average of No. 231 to No. 86 on the 'Top 100' on Aug. 24. 'Lies,' which shook up the music scene in 2007, ranked No. 90 that same day, completing a remarkable chart resurgence.

The response has also heated up across the global K-pop market. Melon said 'BIGBANG' claimed the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive week on the Global K-Chart for the third and fourth weeks of August, jointly operated with China's Tencent Music and Japan's Line Music. The result reflects overwhelming anticipation for the group's full-lineup comeback across Asia, not just in South Korea.