Winter Song Resurfaces a Decade After Release, Boosted by TikTok Challenge

Courtesy of SM Entertainment

K-pop boy band EXO's winter song, "The First Snow," has recently claimed the top positions on major South Korean music streaming charts, approximately a decade after its initial release in 2013.

As of Tuesday, the song secured the top spot on both the daily and TOP 100 charts of Melon, while also reaching No. 1 on other platforms such as Bugs and Flo. Notably, this marks the first instance of "The First Snow" topping Melon's daily chart. 

▲ Courtesy of SM EntertainmentThe resurgence of the song is attributed to the popularity of a version that gained traction on the Chinese video-sharing platform, TikTok. A dance challenge initiated by a TikTok user last month spurred participation from various individuals, including members of the girl group IVE and boy band NCT DREAM. Notably, some EXO members, including Sehun, Suho, and Baekhyun, also engaged in the challenge, contributing to the song's increased online buzz.

Expressing their appreciation, EXO's frontman Suho conveyed gratitude to fans and remarked on the unexpected success of the song on streaming charts. Suho, through his management company SM Entertainment, mentioned that the group celebrated the achievement together and expressed hopes that fans could enjoy a warm year-end season with the track. Additionally, Suho announced EXO's intention to return with new music and performances in the upcoming year.

Composed by Kenzie and Kim Jung-bae, "The First Snow" is an acoustic pop song with a Christmas ambiance, featured in EXO's 2013 album, "Miracles in December." The song's lyrics revolve around a man's nostalgia for the past when he was with his first love.

EXO, which debuted in 2012 with "MAMA" and gained prominence with the 2013 hit "Growl," released their seventh full-length album, "EXIST," in July. The album achieved million-seller status, marking the seventh for the group, and dominated the iTunes top album chart in 70 regions.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com