This year has been nothing short of tumultuous for the K-Pop industry, especially with many prominent artists managing their careers and the demands of mandatory military service. A recent spotlight has shone on members of BTS and groups like aespa, who not only continue to release chart-topping music but also climb the ranks of global year-end charts.
Adding to the mix, Song Min-ho, known as Mino from the boy band WINNER, was recently embroiled in controversy after police booked him as a suspect for not properly fulfilling his mandatory military duties as a social service officer. Following allegations from Dispatch reported on December 7, 2023, the Military Manpower Administration requested police to investigate his service performance. If found lacking, Mino could face the possibility of his discharge being reversed, requiring him to complete the period during which he allegedly failed to meet his responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, K-Pop continues to surge ahead on the international stage. This year saw girl group aespa release two albums, with their first full-length album, "Armageddon," debuting since 2020, and its double title tracks, "Supernova" and "Armageddon," dominating the charts. Their efforts were duly recognized on year-end lists, with The U.K.'s NME ranking "Supernova" as the 9th best song of 2024. "Bursting with a bouncy electro beat and superior hook, 'Supernova' affirms the girl group’s ability to thrive in uncharted territory," the publication noted. Their momentum continued with their fifth mini-album, "Whiplash," released just months later in October.
On the solo artist front, BTS members have kept busy as well. Jimin secured his place on several Billboard year-end charts, making him the only K-Pop artist listed on the Streaming Songs chart with his song "Who," which landed at No. 74. His second solo album, "MUSE," released this past July, helped Jimin reach No. 9 on the Digital Song Sales chart. Notably, he became the only K-Pop singer to feature more than one song on the Billboard Global 200 chart, with "Who" and "Like Crazy" ranked No. 106 and 154, respectively.
Meanwhile, Jungkook, who is currently carrying out his military service along with other BTS members, has not been idle during this period. His recent full-length release, "Golden," secured the highest spot among K-Pop acts on the Billboard 200, coming in at No. 80. He also placed No. 60 on Billboard’s Top Artist chart. Despite fulfilling military duties, he released his song “Never Let Go” earlier this year, showcasing his ability to balance commitments.
IU's remarkable year cannot go unnoticed either. Dominant on music charts, her prerelease song “Love Wins All” contributed to her becoming Korea’s representative for Billboard's Global No. 1 artist series. The song, part of her sixth mini-album "The Winning," cemented her position as Korea's top-ranking artist for the series. Her works also ranked high on Billboard's lists, with both her song and album taking second place on The 25 Best K-Pop Songs and Albums of 2024: Staff Picks.
Adding to this narrative of success, NewJeans muscled their way onto The New York Times’ Best Songs of 2024 list with their title track “Supernatural” from the album of the same name. The newspaper praised their sound, saying, “Why anyone would want to get in the way of the most stylistically impressive K-Pop group of the past few years making tremendous, nostalgically precise, and modernly sophisticated songs like this one is beyond me.” Their other track “How Sweet,” released earlier this year, earned the 35th spot on Rolling Stone’s The 100 Best Songs of 2024.
But the narrative of K-Pop artists is not just about smashing records and topping charts. The hiccup surrounding Song Min-ho serves as a stark reminder of the legal obligations under which these artists work. The police are currently deliberative on whether to categorize his actions as violations of the Military Service Act. The military service is not just about individual duties but reflects the stringent societal expectations placed on South Korean citizens, especially those who have become global icons.
Joseon Korea mandated military service as pivotal contributions to the nation. While many K-Pop artists like Jimin and Jungkook navigate both their thriving careers and their military obligations, the case of Song Min-ho puts the spotlight on the potential ramifications of failing to meet these requirements. Fans eagerly await resolutions, but for now, these artists continue to soar, showcasing their talent and tenacity on international platforms.
Even with the military hiatus, groups and artists have shown remarkable resilience, ensuring their presence is felt on the music charts. Whether by releasing new music, climbing year-end charts, or attending to military obligations, they strive to balance their dual identities — K-Pop stars and responsible citizens. The K-Pop phenomenon sets the stage for what is undoubtedly one of the most captivating industries, and its artists exemplify the story of success rooted amid adversity.
