The competition in the music industry has already been heated up for the second half of 2012. Artists like 2NE1, T-ARA and SISTAR have all come back around the same time and are pretty much head to head in terms of popularity. It became common to hear 2NE1, T-ARA, and SISTAR being referred to as "Music Bullies" because of their invincibility on the music charts. These three idol groups dominate the music charts as soon as they release an album.

Looking at the charts clearly show the reason why they're called the "Music Bullies." According to the Gaon Charts, SISTAR, 2NE1 and T-ARA were all ranked number 1, 2 and 3 during the first week of July with "Loving You", "I Love You" and "Day By Day." Even during the second week, the three idol groups went up and down in the top 3 spots.

2NE1 vs T-ARA vs SISTAR. The competition among the invincible groups of K-Pop is getting more and more intense. 2NE1's unique concept and song caused the uproar of obsessed fans and T-ARA's rhythmic melody and lyrics connected them to their fans while SISTAR's addicting hook put them on top.

2NE1 "Distinct Personality, Strong Level of Obsession"

2NE1's constant attempt to shock the audience remained the same and was successful in mixing their unique personality with a distinct new concept. Their attempt to create a patent of their own in the music industry was apparent in their new comeback performance. Dara's half shaved head, CL's stud jacket, Bom's green eyelashes and Minzy's scarf tied to her wrist; there was nothing ordinary about their concept. 2NE1 lived up to their reputation by appearing with a fresh distinct concept.

No other girl group in K-Pop is as strong and powerful as 2NE1 in the industry at the moment. The members of 2NE1 have become the role models for girls in their teens and 20s, which has accumulated to become a fandom with an unbelievable number of fans. Regardless of what they present to the fans in the future, they are accepted simply because they are 2NE1.

Last year, "Don't Cry", "Lonely", "I am the Best", "Hate You" and "Ugly", a total of five of their songs were ranked in number one in the music charts. In addition, their latest song "I Love You" became their 6th song to take over the number 1 spot.

2NE1's leader, CL, stated, "In Japan, 2NE1 is categorized as 'Foreign Artist" instead of 'K-Pop Artist', which I believe is the result of our distinct personality. I think we were able to create and maintain a 'mania' of fans because of the unique color of our group."

T-ARA

T-ARA came back with a song containing a strong characteristic of Korea. They also destroyed the belief that only happy dance songs succeed in the summer with their new song. Their song "Day By Day" is full of melancholy emotion in the melody itself that is a dance song with a traditional Korean feel to it.

T-ARA's feedback is actually very impressive. T-ARA's "Roly Poly" that was released last year broke the record for the most downloaded song, beating all the catchy male idol groups' songs. Their success seems to be continuing this year. In the beginning of 2012, T-ARA's "Lovey Dovey" was ranked No.1.

Their main root of their music is trot that contains a sad but upbeat melody. From their debut song "Lies" to their newest song "Day By Day," the trot melodies are present in all their songs. Their songs became popular among people in their teens and 20s as well as people from 30s to 50s because of their familiar beats.

During a fan club meeting on the 14th, Hyomin commented, "Other teams have a lot of powerful performances but our songs are very lyrical and become complete after being mixed with sad melodies. Our songs seem to provoke all types of emotion. Thanks to the unique rhythm of our songs, even the older generation listens to our songs."

SISTAR "Addictive Hook, Futuristic Music"

SISTAR's new summer special "Loving You" contains a very different feel compared to their previously released songs. Their concept changed from sexy to bright and cheerful. Just like all their other songs, an addictive chorus plays a crucial role in their song. The chorus "Loving You~~~" and "Love with you~~~" will make anybody addicted after listening to it just once.

SISTAR previously released "Alone" and remained in the top of the charts. Even amongst tough competition with TaeTiSeo and 4 Minute, SISTAR remained in the number 1 and 2 spots in the month of April. They captured the listeners with their simply but powerful melody.

Their addicting hook plays a significant role in SISTAR's success. The writers of "Alone" and "Loving You" all had one thing in mind: impressionable climax that would captivate the listeners. The most crucial first 30 seconds of the song that reveals the chorus must be a large factor in their online sales.

A representative revealed, "Songs may be purchased after listening to the first 10 to 30 seconds of it beforehand. The first impression of the song is very important. SISTAR's songs are very addicting and catchy not to mention the easy to follow lyrics."