Lim Chang-jung vs. BTS Rival: 'Unknown Indie' Bolbbalgan4, the Miracle of "I'll Give You the Universe" from 10 Years Ago [Choi Hye-jin's Latte]

*This content was translated by AI.

[Editor’s Note] Reporter Choi Hye-jin introduces hit songs she used to listen to during her "Latte" days.

Ten years ago, Bolbbalgan4 achieved a miraculous record.

On August 29, 2016, Bolbbalgan4 released their first full-length album "Red Planet."

The title track "I'll Give You the Universe" is a song expressing the desire to gift the universe to someone they love. Its cute lyrics, catchy melody, and vocalist Ahn Ji-young's unique vocal tone combined to showcase Bolbbalgan4's distinct style.

At that time, Bolbbalgan4 was not yet as widely recognized by the public as they are today. They began gaining attention with their mini-album "Red Ickle," released in April 2016, and followed up with their first full-length album in August of the same year.

"I'll Give You the Universe" did not immediately top the charts upon release. However, it gradually gained popularity through word-of-mouth among listeners.

Indeed, a rising trend appeared on Melon's weekly comprehensive chart. After entering the chart during the week of August 29 to September 4 (the 5th week of August), "I'll Give You the Universe" surged an impressive 23 positions to reach third place in the week of September 19 to 25 (the 4th week of September). Then, in the week of September 26 to October 2 (the 5th week of September), it finally claimed the number one spot. It maintained its top position through the weeks of October 3 to 9 and October 10 to 16, securing three consecutive weeks at the summit.

Chart competition at the time was fierce. On September 6, Lim Chang-jung released "The Love I Committed," and Park Hyo-shin pre-released the track "Breath" from his seventh full album "I am A Dreamer" on September 29. Both songs showed strong performance on music charts and competed directly with "I'll Give You the Universe." In the week of September 26 to October 2, Lim Chang-jung ranked second, while Park Hyo-shin took third place.

Additionally, groups SHINee, Sechs Kies, and BTS all released new songs in succession. SHINee announced their fifth full album "1 of 1" on October 5, Sechs Kies unveiled their first new song in 16 years, "Three Words," on October 7, and BTS released their second full album "WINGS" on October 10. Even amidst a wave of high-profile new releases from these prominent artists, "I'll Give You the Universe" held its ground at the top of Melon's weekly comprehensive chart.

Meanwhile, Bolbbalgan4 debuted as a duo consisting of Ahn Ji-young and Woo Ji-yoon. However, after Woo Ji-yoon left in April 2022, Ahn Ji-young has continued to perform as a solo artist.

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*This content was translated by AI.