Jennie and WOODZ Redefine Chart Success Through Viral Live Performances: A New Era of K-Pop Resurgence

In an industry often driven by trends and fast-paced releases, Jennie of BLACKPINK and solo artist WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn) have proven that powerful, emotional live performances can not only reignite interest in their music but also push older releases back into chart-topping territory.

Their recent viral moments—despite drastically different circumstances—have breathed new life into their respective careers and highlighted a growing shift in how fans engage with music in the digital era.

Jennie Dominates Coachella and Charts With “Like Jennie”

Jennie recently took the global stage at Coachella 2025, performing two standout sets at California’s iconic music festival.

On April 13, she headlined the Outdoor Theatre, delivering a setlist of 13 live songs from her full-length solo debut album Ruby.

The performance was not only polished and powerful, but also deeply personal, culminating in her shouting, “Mom, I love you!” on her second night, April 20—a heartfelt moment that became an instant trending topic online.

Among the most talked-about segments was her live stage for “Like Jennie,” which quickly went viral across social media platforms.

The clip ranked No. 2 on YouTube’s worldwide music video trending chart and No. 3 overall, while Billboard recognized her Coachella debut as one of the “Week 1 Hot Performances,” making her the only K-pop act to earn the honor.

The viral momentum translated directly into measurable success. “Like Jennie” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 96 on April 26, and maintained its spot at No. 99 a week later.

On Melon, South Korea’s leading streaming platform, the track finally reached No. 1 on the daily chart on April 28, a significant milestone that underscores the power of sustained public interest fueled by performance, not just initial release hype.

Additionally, the song surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify, cementing its status as a long-term fan favorite.

WOODZ’s “Drowning” Rises From Obscurity to Chart-Topping Status

While Jennie was lighting up Coachella, WOODZ, who is currently serving in the military, witnessed one of the most remarkable comebacks of the year—without any recent promotional activity.

His 2023 B-side track “Drowning” unexpectedly climbed back onto the charts, thanks to a stripped-down live performance on KBS 2TV’s “Immortal Songs” during a military special aired in October 2024.

With nothing but a microphone in hand, WOODZ delivered a deeply emotional rendition of the song, impressing viewers with his flawless high notes and raw vocal expression.

The performance, which began trending soon after the episode aired, was a turning point.

“Drowning,” once a hidden gem known mostly to core fans, jumped from outside the charts to No. 600, then cracked the Top 100 within days, eventually reaching No. 1 on the Genie daily chart and No. 2 on Melon—a stunning feat for a song released two years ago.

In a message to fans, WOODZ shared his gratitude:

“Thank you so much for loving ‘Drowning.’ I’ll continue to show you great things and always make music with a pure, joyful heart.”

His climb to the top of the charts without active promotion is an inspiring testament to the enduring power of great music and genuine talent.

Industry Insights: Live Talent Takes Center Stage
Industry professionals have taken note of this emerging trend. One insider commented,

“Today’s idols often tour and perform overseas, so talent beyond just looks or charm is essential.

Without it, fans can quickly turn away. But when live stages go viral, they can breathe new life into a song—even years after its release.”

This shift is especially encouraging for artists who pride themselves on musicianship.

The success of Jennie and WOODZ shows that audiences still crave authenticity and vocal talent, and that visuals and choreography, while important, aren’t enough on their own.

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