SBS Inkigayo’s Global Chart Integration Sparks Debate

Recently, it was reported that the SBS music show Inkigayo will add global music platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, etc., to their scoring criteria. Historically, Inkigayo attributed most points to digitals based on domestic charts.

‘Inkigayo’ is highly regarded, largely reflecting trends in the Korean market. Music sources make up 55% of the scoring, while YouTube’s social media score contributes 30%, emphasizing the importance of music video views. Additionally, it’s possible for a popular group to have two songs nominated at the same time.

— Creatrip

Starting on October, Inkigayo will be adding global music platforms to their scoring criteria.

“We plan to add aggregate data of many global music platforms. Through this, we want to upgrade to a more realistic and comprehensive chart.” pic.twitter.com/r04PTibQiW

— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) September 16, 2024

Initially, this update sounded progressive. Some netizens believed it might be a good change.

Looks like Inkigayo is updating their chart to include digital streams on global music platforms. This should be a good thing. https://t.co/xhJ6Ppe5tt pic.twitter.com/ZJQQhJnjw2

— Girondelle⁷⁼¹ 💜 🃏👩‍🚀👖☺️🥢🏖️💛🕺🗺🧚‍♀️ (@dominguez_cg) September 16, 2024

🚨Lmao, it looks like Melon is not the number one priority anymore 😂 Starting in October, SBS Inkigayo will use global charts and global music platforms for scoring!! pic.twitter.com/aUDIi6gGGy

— ʚSSERAFIMERSɞ (@Sserafimers) September 16, 2024

Have you dumbasses considered that inkigayo will count the performance of the idols in the global streaming PLATFORMS/APPS itself? The visibility of smaller groups who're more popular internationally will be higher & domestic chart manipulation will end https://t.co/CCavJEP8TM

— Name cannot be blank (@M0NSTER0SES) September 17, 2024

Yet, many netizens are concerned that the change will negatively impact smaller artists. They fear that only popular mainstream artists from large labels will win.

why does korean music shows are changing their criteria to cater global charts when they are a KOREAN music show in the 1st place like??? this will only hinder groups from smaller companies from winning and will only benefit the artists from big labels. https://t.co/J22AfbFr01

— icy lala ❄️ (@icygworlz) September 16, 2024

Some are still hopeful, though. Knowing that many “smaller” groups are actually more popular internationally, fans hope their favorite artists will finally have a chance at winning.

Still, there is evidence from other music shows that incorporate global charts that say otherwise.

after changing their criteria to cater global charts in 2022 or 2021, most of the artists that wins at mcountdown are from the big 4.

— icy lala ❄️ (@icygworlz) September 17, 2024

more global listeners doesn't equate to having the chance to chart. yes you may be right that groups from smaller companies may be more popular internationally rather than domestic but they don't have access to playlisting and other stuff that big 4 has.

— icy lala ❄️ (@icygworlz) September 17, 2024

What do you think?