Korean music organizations are demanding that music sites abolish their ‘Song Suggestion’ features. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec.24 (Korea Bizwire) – Korean music organizations are demanding that music sites abolish their ‘Song Suggestion’ features.
The Recording Industry Association of Korea (RIAK), the Korean Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (KOSCAP), the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), the Federation of Korean Music Performers, the Korea Singers Association and the Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association released a statement demanding the abolishment of Song Suggestion systems at online music service providers.
The organizations pointed out that the song suggestion services are distorting the fairness of popularity charts. “Currently, most users have monthly subscriptions to listen to an unlimited amount of music, and more than 80 percent of these users listen to music by automatically playing songs from the popularity chart. Under these circumstances, the ‘Song Suggestion’ systems hamper the fairness of the ranking of popularity charts.”
Recently, other online music service providers such as CJ E&M, KT Music, Bugs and Soribada voluntarily eliminated their Song Suggestion systems. However, industry officials point out that ‘Melon’, run by Loen Entertainment, which has a 60 percent share of the domestic music service, has not shown any intention to stop the service. The organizations have demanded that Melon participate in the efforts being made to nurture a more equitable music industry.
Through ‘Song Suggestion’ systems, online music service sites can offer exposure to a certain song by featuring it at the top of a popularity chart. Once a song is suggested and exposed it is boosted to higher rankings.
Those in the music industry have complained that distributors who manage online music service sites are pushing their own songs instead of those produced by other companies.
Organization officials expressed their sorrow on the matter. “Other online music providers have abolished the Song Suggestion feature even though it could be unfavorable for the songs they produce and distribute. The effect of Song Suggestion seems to be clear seeing that the most influential company is still continuing the service. It is a pity as it seems like fair competition is being hindered.”
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
