Taemin won his first music show trophy for a solo track on MBC's "Music Core" on September 12, securing 8,098 points and beating MONSTA X ("MAGIC") and BIGBANG ("BiiiG") in a close three-way race.
The win marks Taemin's first trophy for "FLOAT." BIGBANG's return represents a significant K-pop event after years of reduced group activity. MONSTA X remains a consistent presence on music show charts. For a solo artist to edge out both is notable, particularly given Taemin's established fanbase and the competitive field.
Taemin's solo career has balanced critical respect with chart performance. He has not always been the dominant solo artist of a given moment, but he has consistently pursued ambitious artistic directions. "FLOAT" appears to be connecting with both dedicated listeners and music show voters simultaneously.
The September 12 episode also featured performances from Soyeon, &TEAM, and VERIVERY. In K-pop, momentum from one music show win can drive streaming gains, social media activity, and retail sales. "FLOAT" may accumulate additional trophies in the coming weeks.
For SHINee fans, this is a recognition of their leader's solo work. For K-pop broadly, it shows that veteran idols can still succeed when the music resonates with audiences.
