An Unexpected Song Takes 1st Place On The K-Pop Music Program “Inkigayo”

“How is this song still number one?” asked many netizens when they discovered the rankings of SBS‘s music program Inkigayo.

“Inkigayo” emcees Monsta X’s Hyungwon (left) and actress Kim Ji Eun (right) | SBS

On the June 18 episode of Inkigayo, a K-Pop song drew attention for being a somewhat “older” song ranked number one.

| SBS

The number-one song was none other than “I AM” by IVE, which was released on April 10, 2023. It is the title track for IVE’s first full album. With its powerful beat, empowering lyrics, and a very high note, it’s a song that shows a different side of the girl group.

IVE members | Starship Entertainment

Since “I AM” is a great song, it’s no surprise it would rank number one. However, what surprised netizens is that it is number one despite IVE being done with their activities for the song. The song surpassed recent releases such as Stray Kids‘ “S-Class” and aespa‘s “Spicy.”

Stray Kids’ “S-Class” | JYP Entertainment

This is the second time “I AM” has ranked number one on Inkigayo—the first win was on April 23. It’s their eighth win in general, with their other six wins being on M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, Show Champion, and The Show.

IVE’s win with 6,398 points on “Inkigayo” | SBS

When the news of IVE’s song still being number one came out, netizens responded with comments such as, “This can happen?“, “I’m still not sick of the song,” “Wow, still?” and “That’s amazing.”

| SBS

“I AM” is still popular even two months after its release—and it’s evident from the 105 million YouTube views (as of this article) for its music video. The comment section shows just how much people appreciate this song and how hard DIVEs worked to get this song its eighth win.

Comments on the “I AM” music video | starshipTV/YouTube

• “IVE ranked number one on ‘Inkigayo.’ Thank you to all the DIVES around the world!”

Congratulations to IVE for their eighth win for “I AM”!