Hey MOODZ! Is there anything our “All-Rounder” king can’t do? Even while serving his country, WOODZ (Cho Seung-youn) is busy rewriting the history books of K-pop. On May 20, 2026, it was officially confirmed that his masterpiece, “Drowning,” has set a new record for the longest-running Top 10 hit on the Melon Chart for 2026. This “slow-burn” success is proof that high-quality music always finds its way to the top!
WOODZ Melon Chart Milestone Overview
The longevity of “Drowning” is truly unprecedented for a solo male artist in the current idol-heavy landscape. Here is a quick look at the record-breaking stats:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | WOODZ (Cho Seung-youn) |
| Song Title | Drowning |
| Record | Longest Run in Melon Top 10 (2026) |
| Platform | Melon (South Korea’s Largest Music Site) |
| Current Status | Military Service (Active Duty) |
| Release Era | OO-LI |
How “Drowning” Conquered the Melon Chart: Step-by-Step?
Breaking a record on Melon requires a unique blend of fandom loyalty and general public appeal. Here is how WOODZ achieved this feat:

Step 1: The Viral “Word-of-Mouth” Effect
“Drowning” didn’t hit the Top 10 overnight. It gained traction through viral clips of WOODZ’s live vocals and consistent praise from other idols. This organic growth ensured that the general public began adding the song to their daily playlists.
Step 2: Resilience During Military Service
WOODZ enlisted in January 2024, but his absence only made fans miss him more. While he was away, the song continued to climb, proving that a military hiatus doesn’t mean a stop in chart dominance. Fans stayed dedicated, streaming the track as a way to stay connected to him.
Step 3: Dominating the Daily and Weekly Charts
To set the record for the “longest run,” a song must maintain high unique listener counts. “Drowning” stayed stable on the Melon Daily Chart for months, surviving multiple “comeback waves” from massive girl groups and soloists alike.
Step 4: Cementing the 2026 Record
By holding its position in the Top 10 through May 2026, “Drowning” surpassed all other 2026 releases in terms of longevity. This milestone officially makes WOODZ the most consistent digital performer on the chart so far this year.
Want to know more about his journey? Check out our WOODZ members profile and discography guide or stay updated with the latest K-pop news and military discharge updates.
For a deeper look into his incredible transition from X1 to a solo powerhouse, visit the Woodz (singer) Wikipedia page.
FAQs
How long has WOODZ’s “Drowning” been in the Melon Top 10?
As of May 20, 2026, “Drowning” has officially become the longest-running Top 10 hit of the year, maintaining its spot for several consecutive months.
When is WOODZ returning from the military?
WOODZ enlisted in January 2024 and is expected to be discharged in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on his specific unit and service duration.





