B1A4 - Are They Using Music Chart Manipulation?

B1A4 is being accused of using music chart manipulation and is in the midst of a sajaegi (music chart manipulation) controversy.

B1A4 recently released a new album, but they're caught up in a crisis. They succeeded in reaching top spots on album charts, but other idol fandoms are accusing B1A4 of using music chart manipulation. These fans wrote these accusations on KBS 2TV's "Music Bank" homepage.

The first time these accusations were presented were by 1st place candidate TVXQ's fans. They wrote, "On January 19th, Hanteo Charts recorded a spike in B1A4's Lonely album. In just 2 hours the number rose to 8,000 albums. They claimed that this feat was possible through joint purchasing and fan signing events, but that's impossible."

"Music Bank" K-chart ranks are determined as follows. Digital music is 65%, album sales 5%, broadcast numbers 20%, and viewers' preference makes up 10%. Album sales are only 5% of the total percentage, but it can possibly change the rank. However, TVXQ fans are doubtful.

At this sudden turnaround of events, B1A4 fans are urgently sending out their rebuttals. They wrote, "B1A4's 2nd album Who Am I was released in 6 versions. The most enthusiastic fans would have purchased all of them. That's why there is such a rapid increase in sales." They added, "It's also thanks to the fact that B1A4 is receiving more attention overseas."

A rep from Hanteo Charts stated that there is no problem. One rep said, "B1A4 is just one of the many singers whose albums show a similar form of sales volume. TVXQ's volume is also normal. The doubts raised by some don't make sense."

B1A4 commented on the matter, "Just as Hanteo Charts revealed, there is no truth to the rumors that we've been using music chart manipulation. It's not even worth responding to" and wrapped up their positions.

This isn't the first time there's been a sajaegi controversy. Previously some other idols were accused of larger than expected album sales. Even though their names were cleared, they've been pegged as 'sajaegi idols.'

One music rep commented, "It's through that this type of music chart manipulation must be eradicated, but it's dangerous to blindly carve into them a scarlet letter. It's difficult to prove that sajaegi was even used, and once someone's been accused, it's difficult to clear their names. A cautious approach is needed in these matters."

Tags
B1A4
Music Bank
TVXQ
Hanteo Charts
Lonely
WHO AM I
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