If you’re a K-pop fan, you’ve probably seen idols hold up a shiny trophy on a music show and thank their fans (and sometimes cry their hearts out). These “music show wins” are a huge deal in the Kpop Singers world because they symbolize success, popularity, and the hard work behind the music. But how do K-pop songs actually win on these shows? Let’s break it down in a fun and simple way!
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What Are Music Shows in K-pop?
Music shows are weekly TV programs in South Korea where idols perform their latest songs. Think of them as mini concerts where fans get to see their faves slay live stages. Some of the most popular music shows are:
- M Countdown (Mnet, every Thursday)
- Music Bank (KBS, every Friday)
- Show! Music Core (MBC, every Saturday)
- Inkigayo (SBS, every Sunday)
- The Show (SBS MTV, every Tuesday)
These shows don’t just showcase performances; they also hand out trophies to the top songs of the week. Winning one of these trophies is a big deal, especially for rookie groups or solo artists.
The Scoring Systems: Math + Fandom Power
Each music show has its own way of calculating scores, but they usually combine a mix of digital streaming, physical album sales, broadcast points, voting, and live scores. Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Digital Streaming (The Real MVP)
This is one of the biggest factors for most music shows. Digital streaming and downloads on platforms like Melon, Genie, Bugs, and even international sites like Spotify or Apple Music can seriously boost a song’s chances.
For example, if your fave’s song is trending on Melon’s charts, it means more points for them. This is why fans stream songs non-stop during a comeback—every play counts!
2. Physical Album Sales (Albums = Power)
If your group releases a physical album, those sales contribute to their score. This is why groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids (who sell a ton of albums) often dominate music shows.
Fans buy multiple copies of the same album just to boost their favorite group’s chances. And let’s not lie—collecting photocards doesn’t hurt either. 👀
3. Broadcast Points (TV Time = More Love)
Broadcast points are all about how much airtime a song gets on TV and radio. The more the song is played or talked about, the more points it earns.
While this isn’t something fans can control directly, groups that are frequently featured on variety shows or talk shows tend to rack up extra points.
4. Voting (Fans Assemble!)
Here’s where the fandom power comes in. Voting happens in two ways:
- Pre-show voting: Fans vote for their faves on apps like Mubeat, Idol Champ, or Whosfan. These votes are added to the final score.
- Live voting: During the live broadcast, fans can send in votes in real-time (usually via text or app).
This is why K-pop stans are always hyping up voting guides and staying up all night to cast votes for their idols.
5. YouTube and SNS Points (Social Media Matters)
Some shows, like Inkigayo, factor in YouTube views and social media engagement. If a group’s MV goes viral or racks up millions of views in the first 24 hours, that’s major points right there.
So when fans say “stream the MV,” it’s not just for fun—it’s literally helping the group win trophies.
6. Judge or Studio Scores (Professional Opinions)
This is where music show producers, judges, or industry experts come in. They evaluate the song’s quality, performance, and overall vibe.
While this isn’t something fans can influence, it’s a reminder that a killer stage presence and vocal talent matter a lot.
How Are the Scores Calculated?
Let’s take a closer look at some popular music shows and their scoring systems.
- M Countdown:
- Digital streaming: 45%
- Album sales: 15%
- Global fan votes: 10%
- Social media: 20%
- Mnet broadcast: 10%
- Music Bank:
- Digital streaming: 60% (huge factor!)
- Album sales: 5%
- Broadcast points: 20%
- Viewer voting: 10%
- SNS: 5%
- Inkigayo:
- Digital streaming: 55%
- Album sales: 10%
- YouTube views: 30%
- Real-time voting: 5%
As you can see, digital streaming is almost always the biggest contributor, so it’s no wonder fans go crazy with streaming parties after a comeback. Also, Follow the Live Tech Spot for the latest content.
Fan Strategies: How Stans Help Their Faves Win
When it comes to music show wins, fandoms go into full-on battle mode. Here are some common strategies fans use:
- Streaming Parties: Fans organize group streaming sessions on platforms like Melon, Spotify, and YouTube to maximize plays. There are even detailed guides on how to stream “correctly” to make sure the plays count.
- Buying Albums in Bulk: To boost physical sales, fans buy multiple copies of the same album—some even organize group orders for international fans.
- Voting Campaigns: Fandoms set up Twitter accounts and Discord servers dedicated to coordinating votes. Some even share tutorials for newbies who don’t know how to use the voting apps.
- Social Media Hype: Fans trend hashtags, share memes, and spread the word about their group’s comeback to boost social media engagement.
Rookie Groups vs. Big Names: Who Wins?
Winning a music show is a huge milestone for rookie groups. It’s like a stamp of approval from the industry and fans. For example, groups like TXT, ITZY, and NewJeans celebrated their first wins within weeks of debuting, proving their immediate impact.
For veteran groups like BTS, EXO, TWICE, and BLACKPINK, music show wins are more about cementing their dominance. While they might not “need” the trophies anymore, it’s still a reminder of their fanbase’s loyalty.
Iconic Music Show Wins in K-pop History
Here are a few legendary moments from K-pop music show history:
- BTS’s First Win (2015): BTS’s first win for I Need U on The Show was a turning point for the group. The members cried on stage, and fans still talk about it to this day.
- BLACKPINK’s Ddu-Du Ddu-Du Era (2018): BLACKPINK dominated every music show with this bop, showing their massive power even as a four-member group.
- EXO’s 100th Win (2019): EXO celebrated their 100th win during Obsession, solidifying their status as K-pop legends.
Criticism and Controversies Around Music Show Wins
While music show wins are a dream for idols and fans alike, they’re not without their fair share of drama and debates. One common criticism lies in the scoring systems, which often prioritize certain metrics like digital streaming or physical album sales. This can make it tough for smaller or rookie groups to compete against well-established acts with massive fandoms. Fans argue that these systems can feel biased toward bigger names, leaving underdogs at a disadvantage.
Another hot topic is sajaegi—a term for alleged chart manipulation. Some companies have been accused of inflating digital streams or bulk-buying albums to artificially boost scores. While these claims are hard to prove, they spark heated discussions within the K-pop community.
Favoritism is another issue, with some fans believing that specific networks give more airtime or better promotions to groups from affiliated agencies. For example, Mnet has faced accusations of supporting artists under their own label, raising questions about fairness.
Despite these controversies, many fans continue to celebrate wins as a reflection of hard work. While the system isn’t perfect, music show victories remain a cherished tradition that fuels the competitive yet heartwarming spirit of K-pop.
The Bottom Line
Winning a music show isn’t just about having a great song—it’s a team effort between idols, companies, and fans. From streaming and voting to buying albums and boosting social media presence, every little action adds up.
So the next time your fave wins, know that it’s not just about the numbers—it’s a celebration of talent, hard work, and the bond between idols and their fans.
