Monsta X Earn First No. 1 on World Digital Song Sales Chart With 2017 Track After Fan-Led Initiative
"From Zero" features heavy contributions from former Monsta X member Wonho, who was recently cleared of past drug allegations.
Monsta X and their fans have yet another reason to celebrate this week.
The K-pop boy band earns their first No. 1 on Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales chart as “From Zero” leaps onto the chart to debut at No. 1 more than two years after its release. The tropically-tinged pop cut sold 2,000 copies in the week ending March 19, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. “From Zero” has now shifted 3,000 copies in America to date.
Originally, “From Zero” was included on Monsta X’s 2017 EP The Code, considered by many to be a breakthrough release for the band as it marked their first No. 1 album on Korea’s domestic charts with lead single “Dramarama” landing them their first No. 1 win on K-pop charts. To date, The Code has earned 27,000 equivalent album units to date in America (counting album sales, track-equivalent albums and streaming-equivalent albums).
But there’s a deeper reason for this track just finding its way to the charts this week.
Following the news that Monsta X’s member Wonho was cleared of all charges after an investigation over allegations of past drug use, fans celebrated by purchasing and streaming “From Zero” as a way to show their excitement over the news. The song is considered a special track to Monsta X and particularly Wonho for his heavy involvement in the track’s songwriting and production credits, as well as for its message. The track’s lyrics speak about apologizing and wanting to start over “from zero” even if there’s been pain and hurt in the past — a timely message for MX fans as they responded to the singer’s departure with both online and in-person protests.
Along with the statement from Monsta X’s Korean label home Starship Entertainment that the singer had been cleared of his charges, the agency added that they “will continue to fully support Wonho for developing his own career in the future.”
Monsta X performed “From Zero” on several television, award shows and tour dates around their promotions for The Code. Take a look at the full, seven-member group’s performance from Korean chart show Music Bank: