Top 2 K-Pop Hits: IVE’s ‘BANG BANG’ vs. Kiki’s ‘404 (New Era)’ – Which One Will Dominate?

Starship Entertainment’s girl groups are ruling the music charts with a one-two punch. Kiki’s “404 (New Era)” and IVE’s “BANG BANG” are both making serious waves.

As of 4 PM on the 10th, Kiki’s title track “404 (New Era)” from their mini-album “Delulu Pack,” dropped on January 26, is sitting pretty at #3 on Melon’s TOP 100 chart – South Korea’s music streaming heavyweight.

Not to be outdone, IVE’s pre-release banger “BANG BANG” from their upcoming sophomore album “REVIVE+” (out February 9) has locked down the #7 spot. Both tracks are also dominating Melon’s HOT 100, with “404” and “BANG BANG” claiming the #1 and #2 positions respectively. Talk about a chart takeover!

Kiki burst onto the scene last February with their debut hit “I DO ME,” instantly earning them the “5th gen it-girls” crown. But their follow-ups “DANCING ALONE” and “To Me From Me” didn’t quite hit the same high notes, leaving some fans wanting more.

Now, Kiki’s back with a vengeance, dropping “404 (New Era)” and proving they’re here to stay. The track cleverly flips the “404 Not Found” error code into a metaphor for boundless freedom – pure Kiki style.

“404 (New Era)” showcases Kiki’s musical evolution and a razor-sharp Gen Z identity. While “I DO ME” was radio-friendly ear candy, this new jam cranks up the intensity with pulsing beats and a killer Y2K-inspired visual concept. It’s a total image refresh that’s got everyone talking.

Fans are losing it over the track, flooding social media with praise: “They absolutely nailed this song,” “Game over from the first verse,” “The lyrics are fire,” “That music video aesthetic is next level,” and “This concept fits them like a glove.” Kiki’s riding high, snagging first place trophies on MBC every1 and MBC M’s “Show! Champion,” as well as MBC’s “Show! Music Core.” Looks like they’ve found their sweet spot again.

Label-mates IVE are also crushing it with their latest release. “BANG BANG” blends EDM and electro-pop with a powerful message: forge your own path and ignore the haters and gossip.

The “BANG BANG” music video, which reimagines IVE as badass Western outlaws, blew past 5 million views in less than 24 hours. It shot to #1 on YouTube’s Korean music trending chart and nabbed the #2 spot worldwide, proving IVE’s global appeal is stronger than ever.

With “BANG BANG” as their opening salvo, IVE is building major buzz for their comeback. They’re hitting up music shows and basking in the praise for “BANG BANG.” Now, all eyes are on their upcoming second full album “REVIVE+,” dropping February 23rd. If this pre-release is any indication, IVE’s about to set the K-pop world on fire… again.

[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]