8 Hit K-Pop Songs Shockingly Did Not Earn Any Music Show Wins
These eight well-loved K-pop songs may have been massive hits, but they still could not take home a music show win.
1. Jessi - 'NUNU NANA'
Though "NUNU NANA" was a commercial success in South Korea, Jessi surprisingly did not earn any music show win with the single. Despite that, the song peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart, making it her first entry since "Gucci" in 2017.
Moreover, it is her highest-charting song to date. "NUNU NANA" also peaked at number two on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 and number 17 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.
2. EVERGLOW - 'LADIDA'
"LADIDA" was released in September 2020 as the lead single of the mini-album "-77.82X-78.29." The song was well-loved by music critics, with Billboard even naming it the best K-pop song of 2020.
Unfortunately, despite how well-loved the track was by music experts, EVERGLOW did not take home a win for this comeback.
3. Weeekly - 'After School'
Weeekly released "After School" in March 2021 as the lead single of their first mini-album, "We Play." The song was well-loved by the public, with many praising their highteen concept. The song even went viral on TikTok, with users making covers or edits with the song.
But, sadly, they did not win in any music show with this release.
4. EXO Kai - 'Mmmh'
EXO's Kai made his solo debut with the mini-album "KAI" and the lead single "Mmmh." The song is simple yet addictive. The minimalist track is described as a charming, straightforward love song. The song was well-loved during its release but failed to achieve a music show win.
The song went viral several times due to the visuals of Kai's backup dancer, Noze.
5. aespa - 'Next Level'
"Next Level" not achieving a music show win may be surprising, but it's true!
Despite how successful the song was and how it cemented aespa's monster rookie status, it did not win any awards on music shows. Still, "Next Level" peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.
On the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100, "Next Level" peaked at number five.
"Next Level" also entered the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S.
6. TWICE - 'Like OOH-AHH'
TWICE debuted with the lead single "Like OOH-AHH" in 2015. Though the song was moderately successful in South Korea, it failed to score a music show win.
"Like OOH-AHH" debuted at number 22 on the Gaon Digital Chart, peaking at number ten three months after its release.
On the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, "Like OOH-AHH" peaked at number six.
7. TREASURE - 'BOY'
TREASURE debuted with "BOY" in August 2020 as the lead single of their single album "The First Step: Chapter One." The song was moderately successful in South Korea and the United States, peaking at number seven on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart.
Still, the song did not win any music show awards. However, "BOY" was successful in Japan, topping the streaming platforms in the country, including LINE Music, Rakuten, and AWA Rising Chart.
8. BLACKPINK - 'BOOMBAYAH'
You might be surprised to hear that BLACKPINK's debut track, "BOOMBAYAH," did not earn any music show win. This is because the song was often blocked by their other debut song, "WHISTLE," which was the more successful track of the two in South Korea.
Nevertheless, though it did not win any music show award, "BOOMBAYAH" still ranked high in Korea, debuted at number seven on the Gaon Digital Chart.
Which song do you think deserves to win a music show award?