Wasn't the last time in 2013 with IGAB (I think #10?).
Getting top 10 consistently is very hard, I think only Sistar and Big Bang managed to to dot multiple times with multiple songs for 2g. Even from 3g not even the likes of Twice, BP or RV have managed to that level. BTS isof course doing it but has only done so consistently for last 2.5 years. Expecting a group to do it all the time is asking a lot tbh.
Besides SNSD wasn't just about digital. Their impact was MUCH more widespread. They were the outright best album sellers, they were the biggest touring gg up there with bgs, they were the most popular group worldwide/hallyu leaders, they were constantly on TV often setting TV ratings records, they endorsed a shit ton of products from the high tech to home furniture, are the blueprint and influnec for a ton of ggs and son. Even after SNSD hiatus the members individually are continually among the most popular and busy idols around. Taeyeon tops charts, actress line have hit dramas and movies, some are TV stars, some are models and so on.
SNSD is more than just a music group (which they're still very successful at), their impact and influence was literally at the national level. They were dubbed cultural icons for a reason.
I'm not a numbers guy. So I can't really speak to their charts beyond that they are certainly top tier in terms of success in those areas. Someone else will have to detail the numbers argument.
But I can speak to their placement in a more general sense.
SNSD is remembered as the top girl group of 2nd gen, not just because of their raw numbers or charts but because of their place in shaping the generation, their relationship and cultural relevance with Korea as a nation and their overall impact on kpop.
They initiated a resurgence of kpop girl groups and the rise of 2nd gen girl groups as players. They achieved financial and popular success to rival contemporary boy groups, raising the consideration of girl groups to prestige that was not seen prior. They released multiple National Hits like Gee that defined an era, with Into the New World achieving a cultural affection such that they became part of political movements and domestic causes. As a group, the members came to be loved by a public to a degree that transcended mere "youth celebrity". The nation came to adore them to an extent unheard of, such that they became crowned "Nation's Girl Group" a title indicating a specific type of widespread endearment by not only the target youth market, but the broader populace at large. With this affection, they became staples of variety and other Korean TV shows which further endeared them to the public. They garnered countless awards and recognition and attained a status unlike any other girl group of that era.
It is this all encompassing elevation of the girl group as a concept and their unique cultural relevance and affection from Korea, along with their strict numerical success that crowns them the No. 1 girl group of second generation, and arguably, the most consequential girl group in kpop history.
For SNSD, it wasn't based on that. It was their presence. They were everywhere. They epitomized what being an idol was like, traditionally at least. Even if you didn't care about their music, you would respect them as idols. I don't think the average Korean would be fixated on numbers all the time. They'd just see these girls everywhere and associate them with happiness and pride.
This is where idol vs. artist comes into play. Currently, fans would rather their favorites be referred to as artists and there's even a stigma with the word idol, but back then, SNSD owned the idol reputation. You could get rid of the music and they'd still make an impact with their charisma alone.
Display MoreWasn't the last time in 2013 with IGAB (I think #10?).
Getting top 10 consistently is very hard, I think only Sistar and Big Bang managed to to dot multiple times with multiple songs for 2g. Even from 3g not even the likes of Twice, BP or RV have managed to that level. BTS isof course doing it but has only done so consistently for last 2.5 years. Expecting a group to do it all the time is asking a lot tbh.
Besides SNSD wasn't just about digital. Their impact was MUCH more widespread. They were the outright best album sellers, they were the biggest touring gg up there with bgs, they were the most popular group worldwide/hallyu leaders, they were constantly on TV often setting TV ratings records, they endorsed a shit ton of products from the high tech to home furniture, are the blueprint and influnec for a ton of ggs and son. Even after SNSD hiatus the members individually are continually among the most popular and busy idols around. Taeyeon tops charts, actress line have hit dramas and movies, some are TV stars, some are models and so on.
SNSD is more than just a music group (which they're still very successful at), their impact and influence was literally at the national level. They were dubbed cultural icons for a reason.
IGAB was #13 in 2013. Thanks for explaining the rest makes more sense.
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