The K-pop idol industry is highly competitive, with weekly music award shows such as Music Bank, M Countdown and The Show, where fans vote for their favourite artists through specific mobile apps. These apps allow fans to earn points by watching advertisements or making purchases, which they can then use to cast votes for their chosen idols, directly influencing the rankings of these weekly programmes.
Such shows are very important for rookie idols, as winning can raise their profile and boost their performance on the music charts. For more established performers, the numbers may matter less, but the awards remain meaningful as a reflection of their fans’ loyalty, as well as recognition for their music. SHINee member Key (키) was recently reminded of this support when he secured an award for his latest single. Watch:
Over the weekend, instead of attending the weekly music award shows, Key (real name Kim Ki-bum) was too busy filming for the “Amazing Saturday”. At one point during the latest episode, the idol checked his phone as he was receiving a flood of notifications. Just as he was about to switch it off, he spotted a very important message. The singer gasped in shock and instinctively covered his mouth.
When the other celebrities asked why he seemed so surprised, Key revealed that his comeback single “HUNTER” had just earned him his first Music Bank win as a soloist, and his fourth solo music show win overall. Overwhelmed by his emotions, the singer lowered his head as he began to cry. His co-stars, including Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon (태연), comforted the 33-year-old by congratulating him on his latest achievement.
The tear-jerking moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans flooding the comments section to congratulate Key on his Music Bank win. Many admitted that seeing the idol cry left them emotional as well, while others highlighted that weekly music awards remain significant in the idol industry, serving as recognition for the artists’ hard work. Fans were also glad that Taeyeon was there by Key’s side as the two stars have been close friends since their early idol days.
Watch the full video below:
His comeback single “HUNTER”:
