Why Circle Chart Director Thinks FIFTY FIFTY Will Be A One Hit Wonder

In a recent video analysis, Circle Chart Director Steve Choi delivered a sobering assessment of K-Pop sensation FIFTY FIFTY‘s future. Despite the group’s global hit, Choi warns they may be at risk of becoming a “one-hit-wonder.”

FIFTY FIFTY, which hails from a small to medium-sized agency, has managed to achieve an impressive global reach despite relatively modest domestic traffic in Korea. The group’s international appeal primarily comes from their massive global streams on Spotify, as well as the attention they have received on TikTok and YouTube, among other social media spaces.

@phoebe.mulyana

NEW CUTE DANCE TREND! // dc by @tutordancetiktok #dancechallenge #tutorial #cupid #fiftyfifty

♬ Cupid Twin Version (Sped Up) – Remix – Music Factory

Choi, however, issues a cautionary note. He questions the group’s staying power, attributing their success more to the hit song itself than the artists.

So to speak, it’s more appropriate to say that the music itself, rather than the artists, had a greater influence on FIFTY FIFTY’s hit.

— Steve Choi

The Circle Chart Director explains that when an artist becomes a star due to their personal qualities, they can maintain performance levels even if a song isn’t particularly successful. However, when popularity hinges primarily on a single hit song, the artists risk losing relevance if subsequent releases fail to match the success of their breakout track.

In other words, there’s a good probability FIFTY FIFTY won’t be able to do this well on the next song…

— Steve Choi

He illustrates his point by mentioning PSY, whose follow-up tracks could not match the overwhelming success of “Gangnam Style.” This phenomenon is a real concern for FIFTY FIFTY, as the group’s success primarily hinges on a single song rather than their individual characteristics or public image.

Complicating matters further, Choi acknowledges recent legal troubles plaguing FIFTY FIFTY. He warns of how quickly success can crumble, particularly in the face of controversy. The director warns viewers about the troubles greed can bring to anyone, stating that in FIFTY FIFTY’s situation, it’s “everyone succeeds, or everyone fails.” Choi emphasizes the need for careful decision-making and resolution of the group’s current issues.

It is incredibly hard to succeed like this, and very easy to collapse.

— Steve Choi

Currently positions of #FIFTYFIFTY and #Cupid on Billboard Charts:

#피프티피프티 #FIFTYFIFTY_Cupid pic.twitter.com/ofNennLPtS

— FIFTY FIFTY Charts (@FiftyCharts) July 16, 2023

Despite his stark predictions, Choi still holds a glimmer of hope for FIFTY FIFTY. He closes his analysis with a poignant statement, “I want to say that it’s just the beginning for FIFTY FIFTY.”

While the future remains uncertain for FIFTY FIFTY, Choi’s analysis underscores the crucial role of sustainable fame in the idol industry, going beyond the success of a single hit. As fans and industry watchers alike wait for FIFTY FIFTY’s next move, the group’s trajectory will undoubtedly provide more insights into the capricious nature of global music trends.