Unexpected “Inkigayo” Winner Baffles Viewers For Two Shocking Reasons

In an unexpected twist on this week’s Inkigayo, singer WOODZ took home the first-place trophy — and fans are still trying to process how it happened. The win surprised many for not just one, but two major reasons!

| @woodz_dnwm/Instagram

WOODZ won with the track “Drowning,” which secured 5,179 points, beating out LE SSERAFIM — who scored 4,035 points with their latest release. Considering LE SSERAFIM were actively promoting and considered the front-runners, WOODZ’s win came completely out of left field.

| SBS Inkigayo

What’s even more surprising is that “Drowning” is not a new release. The song originally dropped on April 26, 2023 — over two years ago — as a b-side track on WOODZ’s album OO-LI. It wasn’t even the title track during its original release, making its sudden rise to the top of a major music show all the more impressive.

Cover art for WOODZ’s “OO-LI” | @woodz_dnwm/Instagram

Adding to the shock, WOODZ himself is currently serving in the military, meaning he hasn’t been promoting or actively participating in the music scene at all. Many fans were left wondering: how did a two-year-old b-side by an enlisted artist suddenly top Inkigayo?

| @woodz_dnwm/Instagram

The answer likely lies in a recent viral performance. A few months ago, WOODZ performed “Drowning” on the popular Korean variety show Immortal Songs. That stage has since gone viral in Korea, with the YouTube clip racking up over 13 million views — a rare feat for a soloist’s performance video.

The renewed attention appears to have brought the song back into the spotlight and the charts, eventually leading to this week’s win.

#WOODZ : “I will shine even in military”

– Drowning Immortal Songs made it viral
– Drowning charted at top 10 for months on any music platforms
– Drowning reached #1 on Melon TOP100
– 250511 Drowning 1st Win on Inkigayo

WOODZ congratulations, you made it🤍 pic.twitter.com/wajojSX8GN

— pin🌴 (@woodz32e_) May 11, 2025

“Drowning” by WOODZ has reached #1 on MelOn TOP100. pic.twitter.com/LcddiVwSqi

— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) May 6, 2025

While the outcome may have baffled fans at first, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Netizens have flooded social media with praise and congratulations, calling it a well-deserved win and a true example of good music standing the test of time.

“DROWNING” JUST WON 1ST PLACE AT INKIGAYO!!!!!! 🏆

a song released two years ago won first place at a music show!!!

WOODZ has poured his heart into every note, and to see that recognized today is everything he deserves and more. A well-earned victory for an incredible artist. pic.twitter.com/WeNOmNRYje

— 𝐰𝐳. (@woodzxc) May 11, 2025

getting a win on a 2 y/o song while youre in the military is kinda iconic ngl https://t.co/de0uXq9ajJ

— lily✡️ (@crushondayeon) May 11, 2025