It all has to do with The8’s solo song.
SEVENTEEN’s latest album, HAPPY BURSTDAY, is making waves online, but not solely for its musical content. Released just today, May 26, the album boasts 16 tracks, including the title song “THUNDER,” along with two B-sides and solo pieces from each of the 13 members. While many fans are celebrating the group’s artistry and dedication, a bubbling controversy over Melon’s “Like” feature has sparked intense discussions among Korean netizens.
On the Korean forum TheQoo, a viral post emerged questioning the legitimacy of using Melon’s like count—known as “hearts”—as a measure of domestic popularity. The discussion highlights how international fans, particularly from China, have reportedly found ways to give hearts without undergoing the identity verification process.
This loophole has raised eyebrows, especially since The8 holds the record for the most hearts on his solo track, surpassing the likes of the album’s title track.
“Foreign fans, especially from China, have figured out how to give hearts on Melon,” noted the viral post. “SEVENTEEN’s Chinese member The8 has the most hearts on his solo song—more than the group’s actual title track. Streaming can only be done with a verified account, so this issue is separate from the heart count being misused!”
Commenters on TheQoo pointed out that concerns around inflated like counts aren’t new; other groups with significant Chinese fan bases experience similar challenges. Some have even suggested that the criticism leveled at SEVENTEEN might be somewhat unfair.
As the debate continues, users shared their mixed feelings, with one stating, “The gap’s even bigger now lolol,” while another remarked, “It’s insane that fans won’t like the group song if their bias isn’t featured.”
The discourse highlights the complexities of K-pop fandom dynamics, where international fan engagement can sometimes complicate how success is measured. It’s a topic that certainly deserves more attention as SEVENTEEN navigates their rising global presence amidst a myriad of online conversations.
The excitement around HAPPY BURSTDAY may just be the beginning of a larger conversation about the evolving nature of K-pop fandoms in a digital world. As always, fans remain on the edge of their seats, eager for what’s next from their favorite group.
