Boy Next Door, an idol group, has swept the top of the album charts in both Korea and Japan. According to the latest chart released by Oricon on April 16th (for April 15th), Boy Next Door (comprising Seongho, Ryu, Myeongjaehyun, Taesan, Lee Han, and Unhak) achieved 1st place on the daily album ranking with their 2nd mini album 'HOW?', selling 56,529 copies on the first day of release. This album also maintained its position at the top of the daily physical album chart on the Hanteo Chart for the second day in a row.
Boy Next Door is not only breaking records in album sales but also in various other aspects such as digital music and music videos. They made their debut entry into the Melon Top 100 chart with their title track 'Earth, Wind & Fire,' marking their first entry into the chart since their debut. They then competed for their highest rank on the chart, reaching 63rd place as of April 16th at midnight. Boy Next Door has yet to start formal music show promotions, but it is anticipated that their chart rankings will rise further once they begin these activities, known as the 'music show effect.' The music video for this song surpassed 10 million views on YouTube within 18 hours of its release, setting a record that is approximately 36 hours faster than their previous title track 'What's Up?'.
'HOW?' concludes the 'First Love Story Trilogy' that has been ongoing since their debut single, depicting the story between first love and first breakup. Boy Next Door sings about various emotions between encounters and farewells in the language of youth through this album.
'Earth, Wind & Fire' is a dynamic song that expresses fluctuating emotions due to an unpredictable love. Especially, the 'self-speed-up' part where the lyrics are delivered rapidly in the chorus creates a strong addictive effect despite its brevity.
Boy Next Door will have their comeback stage on Mnet's 'M Countdown' on the 18th.


Written by Yoon Sang Geun
Translated by Lee So Yun