KBS's "Music Bank" has announced that they'll be the first public broadcast program with an exclusive chart for OST songs. OSTs will no longer be considered on the 'K-Chart', and they'll be graded with separate standards. According to the production team, the chart will be making its debut on January 28th's episode. Unlike the 'K-Chart', this new chart will not hand out awards for songs who land on the #1 spot. An additional difference lies in the fact that the OST chart will not include the number of broadcasts made, and rankings will be based entirely on digital sales. Regarding questions on why they decided to separate the charts, producers explained that when they first introduced the chart under an event, music producers who were previously ignored suddenly dominated charts. They also expressed that they felt an increase in morale. The producers also argued that music programs tend to place emphasis on introducing new songs, and so including OSTs will exclude other artists who need the attention. Music Bank's January 21st episode saw this tension between mainstream artists and OST songs, as the K-Chart lined up TVXQ against Hyun Bin's "Secret Garden" OST. Since Hyun Bin took second place, other artists who needed that spotlight weren't able to receive it. Those artists who sing for OSTS rarely make appearances on music programs to perform the OST track, as they feel that it isn't necessary to promote the songs as strongly as their official albums. Music programs were forced to deal with OSTs winning the #1 spot, but with no artist appearing to receive the award, leading to a letdown for both the producers and viewers of the show. Therefore, by dividing the two categories, producers hope to lessen some of these concerns. But what do the entertainment agencies and OST production companies think of the new chart? The singers' agencies are welcoming the change, as they're now able to completely exclude OSTs from the rankings, which from their standpoint, were irrelevant. Agency 'A' commented, "In the case of 'Music Bank,' the program is broadcasted internationally. If artists are pushed to the side because of OSTs, it's difficult to receive the spotlight they need. OSTs have an opportunity window bigger than music programs, as they can be promoted through dramas and such. The chart division was something we've wanted for a very long time." OST production companies are also open to the change, as the majority felt that it wouldn't affect them very much. In the first place, OSTs are produced to raise the popularity of dramas, and do not place significant importance or emphasis on their music chart rankings. Others are also glad that the chart division allows OST music to be acknowledged as its own genre. By introducing it on music programs, they're able to receive a bigger promotion effect than normal. Representative 'B' of an OST production company stated, "Whenever the program mentions songs from the OST chart either separately or by flashing it on the screen in video form, we're able to get the song known that much better." Yet some, however, weren't as enthused as their colleagues. Representative 'C' retorted, "I do not believe at all that the quality of OSTs pale in comparison to the other songs out there. There are some OST songs that better represent the culture and trends of the generation than mainstream tracks. Introducing OST songs on a separate chart doesn't give it any justice as a song, and I'm worried that people will rule it as just another piece of background music." Source: SPN via Nate