Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2009 - September week 3

1. (+3) G-Dragon - Heartbreaker *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 943
Genre: R&B / Hip-hop

Album: G-Dragon Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: As expected, G-Dragon's "Heartbreaker" becomes our new No. 1 song. This song has hit the top on every charts in Korea. It is a late coming but well deserved No. 1 on this chart. Perhaps this is going to be one of the biggest hits in 2009, "Heartbreaker" starts off with G-Dragon's powerful narration which is an instant attention getter, plus the additive melody of the song makes it an instant hit.

2. (-1) Brown Eyed Girls - Abracadabra
Score: 910
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Hitchhiker, Lee Min Soo / Lyrics: Kim Lee Na, Miryo
Album: Brown Eyed Girls Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: After 4 weeks on top, Brown Eyed Girls dropped to No. 2 with "Abracadabra". The quartet has been very successful since switching to up-tempo dance songs. "Abracadabra" was co-composed by Rollercoaster’s Jinu (Hitch Hiker) and Lee Min Soo. It is a fresh electronic pop dance number with BEG members' electrifying performance and dance moves already is the talk of the town. Check out our featured artist this week - Brown Eyed Girls.


3. (--) Baek Ji Young (feat. 2PM Taec Yeon) - 내 귀에 캔디 (Candy On My Ear)
Score: 805
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: Baek Ji Young mini-album "Ego" Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Baek Ji Young's "Candy On My Ear" remains at No. 3 this week. "Candy On My Ear" is a Europe style electropop song. 2PM's Taek Yeon (nicknamed as "Beast Idol") who is featured on this song, will also be appearing in the music video and performing on stage with Baek Ji Young, capturing all the idol fans with his manly voice. Songwriter Hitman Bang who also wrote Baek's top ballads "Like Being Hit By A Bullet" and "Is Love A Sin?", wrote this song.


4. (+12) Jewelry - Vari2ty
Score: 685
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Park Keun Tae / Lyrics: Jung Bong Ki
Album: Jewelry Vol. 6 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: With the addition of Kim Eun Jung and Ha Joo Won last year, Jewelry's career reached a new height with their mega hit "One More Time". The quartet returns now with their 6th album "Sophisticated". Through this album the girls are to show both their sexy as well as innocent sides. The title song "Vari2ty" is a dance hit and this week it moves up 12 big spots again becoming their latest top 5 hit.


5. (--) T-Ara - 거짓말 (Lie)
Score: 680
Genre: Pop
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: T-Ara digital single "Lie" Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title song of Tiara's debut digital single album. It is an electronic retro-style song with a repetitive chorus. Tiara's impressive singing and rapping harmonize well with Davichi's voices, resulting in ample sounds. The music video shows popular actor Yoo Seung-ho, who acts out as a guy having love affairs with each of the six Tiara members. (credits to Arirang TV - Pops In Seoul)


6. (+18) 4minute - MUZIK
Score: 638
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Shin Sa Dong Tiger, Lee Sang Ho
Album: 4minute 1st mini-album "For Muzik" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: After successfully debuting with "Hot Issue", rookie female group 4minute releases their 1st mini-album. The title song "MUZIK" is a euro beat street sound dance track that makes use of analog, side-chain, and tape sound. A new genre that is getting more and more popular these days. (credits to ~S2~)


7. (-1) Mighty Mouth (feat. Han Ye Sul) - 연애특강 (Crash Course In Love)
Score: 540
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: Lee Hyun Do
Album: Mighty Mouth mini-album "Crash Course In Love" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Mighty Mouth debuted in 2008 and brought us new patterns of hip hop music through their hit songs like "I Love You", "Energy" and "Family" off their 1st full album. Their latest mini-album features the harmonic principal song "Crash Course In Love" is at No. 7 this week. "Crash Course In Love" has a trendy and electro hip-hop beat that blends well with Mighty Mouth's rapping and sensual melody. The song also features top star Han Ye Seul's charming vocals, which doubles the enjoyment.


8. (-1) FT Island - 바래 (I Hope)
Score: 519
Genre: Rock
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Kim Se Jin / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Han Sung Ho
Album: FT Island Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title song of F.T.Island's third studio album "Cross & Change." Unlike the group's previous songs, this song was written in the crossover genre. It combines electronic music and rock, and its intense melody harmonizes well with the rapping. The cheerful beat and optimistic lyrics are especially impressive. (credits to Arirang TV - Pops In Seoul)


9. (--) Bada - MAD (feat. Untouchable)
Score: 451
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Bada Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Bad remains at No. 9 this week with the title song from her 4th album "MAD". After successfully promoting her 3rd album "Made in Sea" back in 2006, Bada advanced into doing musicals like "Notre Dame De Paris" and "200 Pounds Beauty" which were big hits. She even won an award for best actress at the "2009 Musical Awards". Having a successful career as a musical actress for the past two years, she has finally returned back as a singer and released her 4th album. This album consists of synth-pop sounds that were popular in the 80s/90s and modern electronic sounds. Unlike her previous music styles, Bada is bringing back the bokgo sound in this album.


10. (+16) Cherry Filter - 피아니시모 (Pianissimo)
Score: 449
Genre: Rock

Album: Cherry Filter Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Cherry Filter is one of the most unique rock bands in Korea. Most of the female-fronted bands in Korea are modern rock style. But Cherry Filter combines various sounds with rock including modern techno rhythms, string sounds, and a warm pop image. Returning with their highly anticipated fifth album, the title of their new album,Rocksteric, is a combination of "Rock" and "Hysteric". The title song "Pianissimo" is the best example of this combination. It moves up 16 big spots straight into the top 10 this week. Cherry Filter doesn't release albums too often, but all their albums have produced at least one top 10 hit. It is good to see that this streak is continuing. Check out our "Yesterday Once More" segment this week in which we feature an old song from Cherry Filter.


11. (-1) 2NE1 - I Don't Care
Score: 434
Genre: Hip-hop / R&B
Music + Lyrics: Teddy + Kush
Album: 2NE1 1st mini-album Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of 2NE1's first mini-album. It is a medium-tempo R&B pop song with a gentle, reggae-style melody. It was written by the main YG producer Teddy, who also wrote "Lollipop" and "Fire," and Skush of the reggae band Stony Skunk. The addictive melody of this song is especially impressive. (credits to Arirang TV - Pops In Seoul)


12. (New) Kara - 미스터 (Mister) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 433
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Han Jae Ho, Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Kara has a new hit song "Mister" this week, replacing their former No. 2 song "Wanna". It is our highest debut. Kara has established themselves as one of the top female groups this year and now they have another top 20 hit. "Mister" is a Euro-pop dance track that has a powerful electronic sound.


13. (+25) Kim Tae Woo - 사랑비 (Love Rain) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 399
Genre: Pop
Music: Lee Hyun Seung / Lyrics: Kim Tae Woo
Album: Kim Tae Woo mini-album "T-Virus" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Since returning from his military duties, Kim Tae Woo has released a digital single "Memory and Remembrance". Now he is finally releasing a brand new mini-album "T-Virus". The title song "Love Rain" is our biggest mover this week. Unlike his previous ballads, "Love Rain" is a more up-tempo song. Produced by Kim Tae Woo and Lee Hyun Seung, it took them 5 months to complete this song. The song will penetrate one’s ears and heart with its combination of catchy melody, harmonic vocals, and skillful arrangement.


14. (-6) MC Mong (feat. Jang Geun Ee, B.I) - 인디언 보이 (Indian Boy)
Score: 396
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: MC Mong
Album: MC Mong Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of MC Mong's 5th studio album "Humanimal." It is an Indian-style song with vibrant primeval-like, African sounds and an exciting beat. It was written by MC Mong and it perfectly represents his unique style. The lyrics are about protecting one's love even in the face of adversity. (credits to Arirang TV - Pops In Seoul)


15. (New) Lee Seung Chul - 사랑 참 어렵다 (Love Is So Difficult)
Score: 377
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Lee Seung Chul Vol. 10 Repackaged Version Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: After hitting the top 10 with "My Nails Came Off", Lee Seung Chul recently released a repackaged version of his 10th album. This version includes a bonus DVD and a new song "Love Is So Difficult", which debuts at No. 15 this week. The song is a soft rock ballad where listeners can hear his soft yet deep voice. The MV of this song features Kim Jung Eun and Yoon Sang Hyun.


16. (-5) Boo Hwal - 생각이나 (Thinking)
Score: 376
Genre: Rock Ballad

Album: Boo Hwal Vol. 12 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Veteran rock ballad group Boo Hwal returns to the top 20 for the first time since their big hit "Never Ending Story" in early 2003. This year the group is celebrating their 25th year of formation by releasing their the first part of their 12th album "Part I - 25th Anniversary: Retrospect". The title song "Thinking" gets is surprisingly well received by fans and is at No. 16 this week.


17. (-2) Davichi - Hot Stuff (KBS Drama "My Fair Lady" OST)
Score: 368
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Shin In Soo / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung
Album: KBS Drama "My Fair Lady" OST Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Davichi's retro electronic disco number "Hot Stuff" is the title song of Yoon Eun Hye's new drama "My Fair Lady". It is at No. 17 this week. Davichi is also performing this song on stage as a comeback after their successful mini-album "Davichi In Wonderland" earlier this year. This drama OST has 3 songs on our chart this week. Besides "Hot Stuff", Yoon Eun Hye's own song "Dash Girl" and a love theme "Helpless Love" by Yoon Sang Hyun is also on our top 50.


18. (--) Navi (feat. 4minute Hyun Ah) - 눈물도 아까워 (Even The Tears Are Wasteful)
Score: 321
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung
Album: Navi digital single "Even The Tears Are Wasteful" Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Highly acclaimed but underrated female singer Navi finally have her first top 20 hit "Even The Tears Are Wasteful". Navi is known for her strong vocals and charming styles. This is her first up-tempo song and it is doing wonder. Having top songwriter Cho Young Soo writing this song and also Hyun Ah from 4minute is featured as rapper helps this song. We've seen Brown Eyed Girls being so successful switching from ballad to dance songs. Let see if Navi is following this path.


19. (+13) Miss $ - 사랑이 뭐길래 (What Is Love)
Score: 320
Genre: Hip-hop Ballad

Album: Miss $ Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Perhaps the first girl group in Korea that specializes in hip-hop ballads, Miss $ added a 3rd member Nemo (formerly Oh Sang Eun of Shinvi) as vocalist. The title song "What is Love" moves up 13 spots to become their 2nd top 20 hit. "What Is Love" is a sad song about a girl who cannot forget her lover after the ending of a relationship. The rap and vocals harmonize well in this song.


20. (New) f(x) - 라차타 (La Cha Ta)
Score: 317
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: f(x) digital single La Cha Ta
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This year we have seen so many successful girl groups debuted already. However, one of the biggest companies, SM Entertainment, has been relatively quiet until this week. SM's prized new all female group f(x) finally debuts, and they don't disappoint fans. Their first hit "La Cha Ta" enters our chart at No. 20 this week. The group consists of Korean members, Suli, Luna, and Crystal, and Chinese Members Amber and Victoria, making it a total of five members in this Asia pop dance group. The name is derived from the mathematical function where depending on x (the girls’ respective skills and charms), the group’s result will change. The f also represents flowers while x represents the female’s xx chromosomes. Their debut number is Lachata which was composed by Kenzie. It has hip-hop grooves with an electronica tinge to it. The message of the song is to enjoy life.


21 . (-4) 2PM - 네가 밉다 ( I Hate You ) : 308
22 . (-9) Park Hye Kyung - 하이힐 ( High Heel ) : 271
23 . (+5) Park Ki Young - 녹화된 테잎을 감듯이 ( Winding Up A Recorded Tape ) : 262
24 . (+12) K.Will - 초콜릿 (feat. 마리오) ( Chocolate ) : 246
25 . (New) Lee Hyun (8Eight) - 30분전 ( 30 Minutes Ago ) : 233
26 . (-14) Drunken Tiger - Monster : 231
27 . (-5) Loveholics - Butterfly : 221
28 . (-7) Supreme Team - 슈퍼매직 ( Super Magic ) : 218
29 . (-15) Hong Kyung Min - 그녀가 간다 ( She's Leaving ) : 196
30 . (-3) Son Dam Bi/After School - 아몰레드 ( Amoled ) : 162
31 . (+4) After School - 반쪽 ( Half ) : 154
32 . (+5) 8Eight - 울고 싶어 우는 사람이 있갰어 (Cry Mix) ( No One Cries Because They Want To ) : 152
33 . (--) Wax - 울면 안돼 ( You Can't Cry ) : 131
34 . (-15) Cool - 보고 보고 ( To Look To Look ) : 120
35 . (New) Yoon Sang Hyun - 사랑은 어쩔 수 없네요 ( You Can't Avoid Love ) : 117
36 . (-5) IU - 있잖아 ( You Know ) : 116
37 . (-17) Clazziquai - Love Again : 110
38 . (-8) Roo'ra - 고잉고잉 ( Going Going ) : 93
39 . (New) Tei - 독설 ( Venomous ) : 78
40 . (New) Ryan (Paran) - 자랑해 ( Proud Of My Girl ) : 72
41 . (-12) Hwang Bo - R2Song : 71
42 . (-3) Yoon Eun Hye - Dash Girl : 68
43 . (New) Taru - Night Flying : 61
44 . (+4) Hong Jin Young - 사랑의 배터리 ( Love's Battery ) : 59
45 . (New) Kim Jung Hoon - 눈에 밟혀서 ( Stepped on Eye ) : 47
46 . (New) Hwa Yobi - Kiss Kiss Kiss : 39
47 . (New) Seo Seung Hee (Bubble Sisters) - 고래의 꿈 ( A Whale's Dream ) : 37
48 . (New) Kim Jung Min - 넌 아냐 ( Do You Know ) : 33
49 . (-2) Outsider - 청춘고백 (feat. JOY) ( Youth's Confession ) : 20
50 . (New) Ten - 골라봐 ( Right Choice ) : 17

Blue: Songs to watch out under top 20
Green: Editor's recommendations under top 20

BONUS TRACK:
Winterplay - Gypsy Girl
Genre: Vocal Jazz

Album: Winterplay - Hotsummer Play Track 3
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Very rarely we heard any songs of vocal jazz genre in K-Pop. This week we introduced a song "Gypsy Girl" by Winterplay that was on our chart recently. Winterplay consists of Korea’s best trumpet player, Lee Joo Han, vocalist, Hwe Won who initially gained fame in Japan for good looks and voice, guitarist and vocalist, Cho Woo Jun, and bassist, So Eun Kyu. Together, the band has created music of various genres ranging from pop, jazz, blues, to bossa nova. "Gypsy Girl" has a Euro-gypsy edge to it. It is totally different from what you heard on any k-pop song which makes this song so unique. The group has only performed on contemporary music program like Yeo Hee Yeol Sketchbook and Music Travel LaLaLa so they were pretty much unnoticed by mainstream audiences. (credits to motoway065 for translations)


YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
Cherry Filter - 낭만 고양이 (Romantic Cat)
Genre: Rock

Album: Cherry Filter Vol. 2 (2002) Track 3
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Cherry Filter is a rock group that debuted in 1997. They cover a range of music including ballads, punk rock. rave and trance. Cho Yoo Jin is the main vocalist accompanied by Jung Woo Jin as leader and guitarist, Yeon Yoon Geun as bass and Son Sang Hyuk and drums ad rapper. The track "Romantic Cat" from their second album Made In Korea in 2002 was the hit track that put Cherry filter on the map and is still famous today as fellow singers perform the song. The catchy rock song gained a lot of attention from fans. Cho Yoo Jin's trademark strong yet energetic vocal easily distinguish Cherry Filter from other rock bands. (credits to ~S2~)

Sources of the chart

Air Monitor Chart - 15%
MNet M!Countdown - 15%
Various Internet charts (Dosirak, MNet, Melon, Muz, Bugs, Cyworld, Soribada) - 15%
ChartKorea - 10%
Hanteo Weekly Album Sales (2 weeks lag) - 10%
SBS Inky Gayo Take 7 + Internet Chart + Music Video Chart - 10%
Hanteo Gayo Chart (1 week lag) - 10%
KBS Music Bank K-Chart - 5%
MTV Chart - 5%
Gasoo appearance on gayo shows (MBC Music Core, SBS Inky Gayo, KBS Music Bank, MNet M!Countdown, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, KBS Yoo Hee Yeol Sketchbook , YTN Live Power Music, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) - 5%