Korean boy bands Tohoshinki (a.k.a. DBSK) and SS501 both debuted in Japan with the hopes of sparking their careers. Both have succeeded in making it into Japan’s Oricon Charts with credible ranking. Though SM Entertainment’s DBSK has been working in Japan since 2006, they were outdone by late comers, SS501. DSP Entertainment’s SS501 had made a name for themselves in Japan after their first single made it to the top 10. On the other hand, it took DBSK eight tries to make it to the top 10 and continually stay there. It was even more shocking when SS501’s second single made it to the top ten again! SS501’s success was gladly appreciated as they knew debuting in a new country, especially one as hard as Japan, would be a tough ordeal. But once again, they won the battle against DBSK by winning The Best 10 New Artist of 2008 Award at the Japan Golden Disk Award (an award that shouldn’t be overlooked). Even their first album (ranking #20) outranked DBSK’s first Japanese album (ranking #22). The new artist awards are given to ten artists who debuted in the previous year and ranked top ten in the album sales and revenue category. DBSK may be outselling SS501 in both Japan and China, but looks like that didn’t help them win an award that night. Due to the many rumors of SM Entertainment always rigging award ceremonies and album/single sales, SS501’s award can be seen as truly genuine. Other Korean artists who were honored with a Golden Disk Award were BoA, Ryu Shi Won, and Shinhwa.