SEVENTEEN's latest album, *HAPPY BURSTDAY*, is shaking things up, but it's not just about the music this time!

Released on May 26, the album boasts an impressive 16 tracks, including the electrifying title track "THUNDER," two captivating B-sides, and solo pieces from all 13 members. While fans are showering their favorite group with praise for their innovative artistry, a storm of controversy is brewing over Melon’s controversial "Like" feature.

A viral post on the popular Korean forum, TheQoo, has ignited debates about the legitimacy of Melon’s like counts, or "hearts," as a measure of domestic popularity. The post highlights that international fans, particularly from China, have discovered ways to rack up hearts on Melon without having to verify their identities.

The situation has raised eyebrows, especially since SEVENTEEN's The8 currently holds the record for the most hearts on his solo track, even trumping the album's main title track! This discrepancy has led fans to question the validity of using likes as a metric of success.

While foreign fans can flood the likes system, it’s crucial to note that actual streaming requires verified accounts, separating it from this heart-count controversy.

Comment sections are buzzing with users pointing out that this isn’t a unique problem; other K-pop groups with significant Chinese fandoms face similar scrutiny. Moreover, some are raising eyebrows over whether the critiques are being unfairly directed at SEVENTEEN.

As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen how this will impact SEVENTEEN's standing in the competitive K-pop landscape. Will this be just another chapter in the ongoing saga of K-pop fandom dynamics?