[Courtesy of 325 E&C]
M.C the MAX is not a shining K-pop star like boy groups BIGBANG and EXO which enjoy widespread popularity at home and abroad. Yet, it is respected widely in South Korea's music scene as a long-running rock ballad group with a solid fan base.
The group's public activities and TV exposure have not so been brisk ever since Lee Soo, a leading vocalist, was involved in a humiliating sex scandal in 2009 when he was charged with indulging in underage prostitution during his mandatory military service.
In May 2010, a court suspended indictment against Lee and ordered him to complete a sex-education course. However, the rock band has maintained popularity without splendid concerts or promotional events, probably helped by noraebang karaoke machines.
"No Matter Where" from the group's eighth album released in January topped this year's charts for popular noraebang songs compiled by TJ Communication Co. "Don't worry, Dear", an OST for a cable TV hit drama "Reply 1988", was second.
Experts say karaoke bars have contributed much to South Korea's music development with many would-be singers learning how to sing at more than 30,000 karaoke bars in business nationwide. Singing there is not just a stress-relieving activity for Koreans but an essential part of social life.
M.C the MAX debuted in 2000 as a four-member rock band under the name Moon Child managed by Yoshiki, a founding member of the Japanese heavy metal band "X Japan". After one member left, the remaining three in their mid-30s re-grouped as M.C. the MAX.
In September this year, the group formed an independent music agency, 325 E&C, capping the release of eight full albums and several singles. J. Yoon has made a name for himself as a composer and producer for groups such as INFINITE and Lovelyz.
"No Matter Where" came in third in music and album charts for 2016 in the Gaon Digital Chart, which comprehensively reflects the number of plays and downloads.
The song stood fifth on the list of YouTube's Top 10 K-Pop music videos in South Korea for 2016, based on the number of views, time watched, shares, comments, likes and more. Girl group TWICE's "Cheer Up" stood first with 100 million views.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
