February 23, 2026 Melon Chart: KiiiKiii Holds Amidst New Wave

A Chart in Flux: KiiiKiii’s Reign Continues as New Hits Reshape the Landscape

The Korean music chart presents a fascinating dichotomy this final week of February 2026. While the summit remains unchanged with rookie powerhouse KiiiKiii securing their top spot, the rest of the chart has been completely upended by a tidal wave of new releases from industry titans and rising stars alike. This influx has created a dynamic and unpredictable environment, suggesting a major shift in listener trends as we head into March.

📊 This Week’s Top 10

🔄 Top 3 Analysis & Continuity

The very peak of the chart tells a story of stability, sharp ascent, and resilience. Holding its ground for another week, KiiiKiii’s “404 (New Era)” remains at number one. The track’s futuristic sound and glitch-pop elements continue to captivate a wide audience, proving its initial success was no fluke. Its sustained dominance suggests the group has tapped into a unique sonic identity that resonates deeply with the current generation.

The biggest move in the upper echelon comes from IVE, whose single “BANG BANG” vaults from sixth place to second. This explosive climb demonstrates the group’s unwavering public appeal and the track’s growing momentum, likely fueled by viral performance clips and its powerfully addictive chorus. IVE has effectively reasserted their status as chart heavyweights, turning the top of the chart into a two-horse race.

Slipping just one spot to number three is HWASA’s “Good Goodbye.” Despite the fierce competition from IVE, HWASA’s soulful and emotionally resonant track maintains a strong position. Its continued presence in the Top 3 highlights her power as a solo artist to deliver songs with both critical acclaim and lasting commercial appeal, standing firm amidst the shifting tides.

🔎 K-Culture Insight

The continued success of KiiiKiii’s “404 (New Era)” is reflective of a broader cultural trend in South Korea, where themes of digital identity, virtual realities, and technological evolution are becoming increasingly prevalent in art and music. The title “404,” a direct reference to the “not found” web error, coupled with “(New Era),” speaks to a generation navigating a world where the lines between the physical and digital are blurred. This theme, often explored in recent K-dramas and webtoons, has found its perfect musical embodiment in KiiiKiii’s sound, capturing the anxiety and excitement of defining oneself in a hyper-connected age.

💡 Discovery of the Week – Artist Focus

While global idol groups populate the chart, the most remarkable story within the Top 10 is arguably that of hanroro (한로로). The indie-rock singer-songwriter has not one, but two songs in the upper ranks: “사랑하게 될 거야” at number five and “0+0” at number nine. In a landscape often dominated by pop and dance tracks, hanroro’s success with her distinctive, raw vocal color and emotionally charged rock ballads is a significant indicator of the public’s diverse palate. Her ability to chart so highly without the backing of a major idol agency speaks volumes about the power of authentic musicianship and a growing appreciation for alternative sounds in the mainstream market.

Chart Forecast

Looking ahead, the chart is primed for a major battle. While KiiiKiii’s hold on number one is strong, IVE’s surge with “BANG BANG” poses a credible threat. However, the real story may unfold just outside the Top 10. With colossal new entries like LE SSERAFIM’s “SPAGHETTI,” BLACKPINK’s “뛰어(JUMP),” and solo tracks from ROSÉ and G-DRAGON, we can expect several of these songs to make a powerful push into the top tier next week, potentially dislodging some of the current mainstays.

📉 Extended Chart (11-100)

*Source : https://www.melon.com/chart/week/index.htm

Editorial Department

The KCulture Editorial Team is dedicated to providing deep insights and accurate information about the vibrant world of Korean culture.