Lee ChanWon’s New Album Shines Despite Music Bank Snub

Renowned Korean singer Lee ChanWon was nominated for first place on KBS2’s “Music Bank” on October 31, 2025, though he narrowly missed the top prize. This nomination for his new song “Somehow Today” comes on the heels of the incredible success of his latest Lee ChanWon album, solidifying his powerful presence in the industry and on the music show chart.

A Landmark Year for Trot Music on the Charts

While the win on October 31, 2025, eluded him, Lee ChanWon has already made history. In 2024, he achieved a monumental victory by securing the #1 spot on both “Music Bank” and MBC’s “Show! Music Core” with his song “Sky Travel.” This track was the lead single from his 2nd mini-album, bright;燦. His win on “Music Bank” was particularly significant, as it marked the first time in 17 years that a trot singer had claimed the top position on the prestigious music show chart. This achievement highlights the growing mainstream appeal of K-Trot, a genre that continues to capture a wider audience, with artists like Lim YoungWoong also finding success on programs like “Show! Music Core”.

Breaking a 17-Year Hiatus

The last time a trot artist won on “Music Bank” was in 2007, when veteran singer Kang Jin topped the chart with his hit song “Ddaengbeol.” For nearly two decades, the genre was absent from the winner’s circle on the program. Lee ChanWon’s 2024 victory not only broke this long hiatus but also signaled a major shift in the landscape of popular Korean music, proving that trot music could once again compete at the highest level.

‘brilliant(燦爛)’ Album Achieves Massive Success

Lee ChanWon’s recent nomination is backed by overwhelming commercial success. His 2nd full-length album, brilliant(燦爛), has demonstrated incredible sales power. According to Hanteo Chart data, the album officially became a half-million seller on October 22, 2025. During its first-week tracking period, from October 20 to October 26, 2025, the album sold a staggering total of over 610,000 copies. This impressive figure underscores the immense loyalty and support of his fanbase and his standing as a top-tier Korean singer.

The “Music Bank” Nomination for “Somehow Today”

The momentum from his successful Lee ChanWon album carried him to a #1 nomination on the October 31, 2025, broadcast of “Music Bank.” Competing with his new song “Somehow Today,” he was a strong contender for the weekly trophy. Although he did not secure the win, the nomination itself is a testament to the song’s popularity and his continued influence on the competitive music show chart. His ability to consistently rank at the top affirms his status as a leading force in modern trot music.

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