[Editor’s Note] Reporter Choi Hye-jin introduces hit songs she loved listening to 10 years ago, recalling her “latte” days.
Exactly 10 years ago today, South Korea was swept up in the infectious phenomenon of “Sha Sha Sha.”
On April 25, 2016, the acclaimed K-Pop girl group TWICE (Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu) released their highly anticipated second mini-album, ‘PAGE TWO’.
The album’s vibrant title track, ‘CHEER UP,’ is a bright dance song instantly recognizable for its bouncy melody and charmingly cute concept. From the moment it was unveiled, the track garnered immense love, propelled by its easy-to-follow chorus and signature, highly addictive choreography that captivated audiences worldwide.
At the core of ‘CHEER UP’s’ runaway success was the unforgettable “Sha Sha Sha” line delivered by member Sana. During the song’s “Shy Shy Shy when meeting friends” part, Sana’s endearing, slightly unskillful Korean pronunciation transformed “Shy Shy Shy” into the now-iconic “Sha Sha Sha,” immediately becoming a massive talking point and a viral sensation.
This adorable moment rapidly went viral among fans, spreading like wildfire across various social media platforms and online communities due to its sheer cuteness. Combined with Sana’s expressive facial gestures and the accompanying dance moves, “Sha Sha Sha” transcended a mere lyric to become a widely recognized cultural catchphrase. At the time, it was impossible to avoid “Sha Sha Sha,” as it permeated not only the K-Pop industry but also broader entertainment sectors, including television broadcasts and advertisements.
Amidst this unprecedented public interest, ‘CHEER UP’ swiftly dominated major domestic music charts, claiming the number one spot immediately after its digital release. The enthusiasm was equally palpable on global platforms like YouTube, where the music video soared past 400,000 views within a mere 30 minutes. In less than a week, it had surpassed an astonishing 13 million views, demonstrating a significantly steeper upward trajectory than their debut hit, ‘OOH-AHH Like’.
The song’s weekly chart performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Notably, ‘CHEER UP’ clinched the #1 position on the Melon Comprehensive Weekly Chart for the first week of May 2016 (May 2nd to May 8th). This incredible feat was achieved just six months after TWICE’s official debut in October 2015, solidifying their status as rising K-Pop superstars.
