Solo artist Nilo has been swept up in accusations of digital chart manipulation.

Nilo’s track “Pass,” which was released in October 2017, rose to first place on Melon’s real-time chart on April 12 at 1 a.m. KST and maintained the position for several hours. The accusations rose as late night charts are generally dominated by idol groups with large fandoms who stream while most people are asleep. TWICE “What is Love?” fell beyond the top 10 after topping the chart throughout the day, but “Pass” maintained its first place position above songs by EXO-CBX, Wanna One, and EXO. A source from Major7 Company, which is in charge of promotional activities for Nilo’s agency Limez Entertainment, commented, “There were no illegal actions taken on the digital charts. The claims of chart manipulation are not true.”

The source added, “As a company that does SNS marketing and viral marketing, Limez Entertainment has a strategy with their own know-how, so this is how the good results were brought about.”

Some have also pointed out suspicious posts on the website for MBC variety show “Radio Star.” Several posts from April 5 through 8 were written with requests for Jang Deok Cheol to guest on the show. Jang Deok Cheol’s song “Good Old Days” previously made a dramatic rise on charts earlier this year and is still maintaining a high position on charts. One post on April 6 requests for “The combination of chart climbing legends Jang Deok Cheol and Nilo,” but this was written before Nilo’s song was ranking very high on charts. Another post on April 7 by the same person has the title “Jang Deok Cheol, Nilo, Lee Jun Ho,” and all three artists are under Limez Entertainment. Many have also questioned the contrast of the song’s chart rankings on different music sites. Source (1) (2)