EXO's 'First Snow' Climbs Charts As Snowy Season Arrives

▲ A bypasser walks in heavy snow in Seoul on Nov. 27, 2024. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 3 (Yonhap) -- As snow blanketed South Korea on November 26, winter classics like EXO's "First Snow" saw a surge in popularity, embodying the spirit of the season.

According to Melon, a leading domestic music platform, "First Snow" experienced a 55.0% increase in listeners on November 27, the day after the heavy snowfall. 

Other seasonal tracks also saw a significant boost, including Lee Mujin's "When It Snows" (+37.0%), Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (+42.3%), and Sia's "Snowman" (+40.1%). NewJeans' "Ditto", released in January 2023, also gained momentum, with a 7.5% increase in listens.

These songs subsequently climbed the Melon Top 100 chart as of December 2: EXO's "First Snow" landed at No. 8, NewJeans' "Ditto" at No. 44, Mariah Carey's holiday anthem at No. 57, Lee Mujin's track at No. 89, and Sia's "Snowman" at No. 99.

Remarkably, "First Snow", released in 2013, and Carey's 1994 classic managed to re-enter the charts alongside recent K-pop hits. Comments on Melon for "First Snow" celebrated it as "Korea's quintessential December carol."

SM Entertainment, EXO's agency, attributed the song's enduring appeal to its symbolic title and comforting melody. "Its association with the first snowfall resonates with listeners, and the track's nostalgic yet soothing quality continues to captivate fans," the agency stated.

▲ This image of K-pop boy group EXO is provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has been a perennial favorite, breaking into the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 annually and even claiming the top spot last December. On November 1, Carey humorously announced her seasonal return on social media with the caption, "It's Time!!!"

Experts point to the evolution of music consumption as a factor in these songs' resurgence. Music critic Im Hee-yoon noted, "In the past, accessing old carols required digging out vintage LPs. Now, with streaming platforms, anyone can instantly enjoy their favorite songs. The recurring popularity of Mariah Carey's classic coincides with the mainstreaming of music streaming."

These enduring tracks not only evoke the warmth of the holiday season but also highlight the timeless appeal of winter-themed music in the digital age.

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