A Winter Tradition Continues: EXO The First Snow Returns

The arrival of winter is once again being heralded by a familiar tune on the music charts. As of November 23, 2025, the beloved winter song by EXO, ‘The First Snow’, has officially made its seasonal return, re-entering the Melon daily chart at #98. This chart resurgence marks the beginning of its annual climb, cementing its status as a quintessential holiday anthem for fans across the nation. Originally released in December 2013 as a B-side track on their winter special album “Miracles in December”, the song has demonstrated remarkable longevity, becoming a true “winter pension song” for the group under SM Entertainment.

The Unprecedented Impact of the ‘First Snow Challenge’

The song’s enduring popularity experienced a massive surge in 2023, largely thanks to the viral ‘First Snow Challenge’. This trend swept across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, transforming the decade-old track into a widespread cultural meme. The challenge’s success translated into incredible chart performance, pushing ‘The First Snow’ to an unprecedented #1 spot on the Melon chart for the first time, a full ten years after its initial release. This viral phenomenon drew in a new generation of listeners and saw many idols and fans participate in the viral EXO ‘The First Snow’ Challenge.

A Historic Chart Milestone

The 2023 chart run was nothing short of historic. The song recorded an astounding 1.67 million listeners, marking a 72.4% increase from its performance in the previous year. This explosive growth demonstrated the powerful influence of social media trends on music consumption. The ‘First Snow Challenge’ not only revived interest in the song but solidified its place in the modern K-Pop canon as a track that transcends generations.

Analyzing the Enduring Appeal of This Winter Song

The annual return of ‘The First Snow’ is a testament to its timeless appeal and its deep connection with the winter season. Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of the first snowfall, making it a go-to track for listeners as the weather turns colder. This seasonal association is a primary driver of its yearly chart resurgence. For years, fans have often wondered why this particular winter song charts annually, and the combination of nostalgia and seasonal relevance provides a clear answer.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Winter Season

With its early entry into the Melon Top 100 on November 23, 2025, ‘The First Snow’ by EXO is poised for another successful season. The momentum from the ‘First Snow Challenge’ continues to fuel its popularity, ensuring that it remains a staple on winter playlists. As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, music listeners will be watching to see how high this beloved winter song will climb on the charts this year, reaffirming its status as a cherished holiday classic.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.