Nilo Blocks SNS Comments After 'Unanswered Questions' Broadcast on Music Chart Manipulation Allegations

SBS's "Unanswered Questions" addressed suspicions related to the phenomenon of music chart reversals in the episode titled "Manipulated World - Is It Music Chart Manipulation or Viral Marketing?" aired on the 4th. / Photo by SBS

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Singer Nilo closed the comment section on his social network service (SNS) shortly after a current affairs program aired allegations of chart manipulation involving his music.

After the broadcast, some netizens posted comments on Nilo's Instagram urging him to explain the related suspicions, such as "What is the truth?" and "Please clarify." Nilo reportedly deleted some of these comments and disabled the commenting feature.

Earlier, SBS's current affairs program Unanswered Questions aired an episode titled "Manipulated World ? Is it Music Chart Manipulation or Viral Marketing?" on the 4th, highlighting the sudden rise of Nilo's previously released song "Jinaoda" to number one on the music charts.

"Jinaoda" was released on October 31, 2017. The song suddenly surged from 600th place to number one on the Melon music chart in April last year. Notably, it maintained the top position even after April 12, when major idol groups such as TWICE, EXO, and BIGBANG made their comebacks.

Experts commented that this was "not a typical phenomenon." Professor Lee Gyutak of the Department of Pharmacy at George Mason University Korea said, "There is no visible reason for (Nilo's song) to rise to the top ranks," adding, "(Nilo) did not appear on broadcasts, nor had he solidified a fandom through performances."

Kim Jinwoo, adjunct professor at Chung-Ang University's College of Arts, pointed out, "This is a case where the song climbed the charts very quickly," and noted, "There was no temporary drop or sideways movement on the chart. Since competition to enter the top 30 is fierce, it is not easy to climb all the way to number one."

A representative from an entertainment agency also raised suspicions about the so-called "reverse charting" of "Jinaoda." He said, "Reverse charting songs usually gain popularity in karaoke and see their chart indicators rise accordingly," adding, "Nilo had no reaction but suddenly jumped to 12th place. The song became popular in karaoke only in May, a month after it reached number one on the music charts."

On the other hand, Nilo's agency, Libez Entertainment, refuted the claims, stating it was the "effect of SNS marketing based on content planning and target audience analysis."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.