▲ This image of K-pop band Bigbang is provided by music streaming service provider Melon Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Yonhap) -- BIGBANG marked its 20th anniversary with the release of new song "BiiiG" and the launch of a new world tour, boosting its presence on music charts.

 

Melon, Kakao Entertainment's music platform, said Tuesday that the digital single "BiiiG," released Aug. 19, quickly topped the charts, while past hits including "Haru Haru," "Still Life" and "Lies" also returned to the charts, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the four-member group in its 20th year.

 

According to Melon, streaming of all BIGBANG songs on the platform rose 333 percent last month from the previous month. Melon attributed the increase to renewed interest in not only the new song but also the group's back catalog.

 

"BiiiG," co-written and co-produced by group leader G-Dragon, debuted at No. 1 on Melon's Top 100 chart and also topped the daily chart, where it has remained at the top.

 

The group's new world tour also got off to a successful start at Goyang Stadium from Aug. 21-23, prompting renewed interest in the older hits included in the setlist.

 

"Haru Haru," released in 2008, had averaged No. 224 on the daily chart in July before rapidly climbing from Aug. 20, the day before the concert. It reentered the Top 100 at No. 91 on Aug. 23 and rose to No. 67 the following day. Streaming of the song after the concert increased 298 percent from its July average, according to Melon.

 

"Still Life" also climbed from an average No. 231 in July to No. 86 on the Top 100 on Aug. 24, while "Lies," released in 2007, ranked No. 90 on the Top 100 that day.

 

Melon said BIGBANG also topped the Global K-Chart, jointly operated with China's Tencent Music and Japan's Line Music, for two consecutive weeks during the third and fourth weeks of August.

 

"The comeback drew strong interest not only in Korea but also in global markets, including China and Japan," Melon said.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]