Weekly Music Chart 2008 - May week 5

1. (+2) SG Wannabe – 라라라 (LaLaLa) *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 955
Genre: R&B/Country Style Ballad
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: SG Wannabe Vol. 5 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The top 3 songs continue to play musical chairs. This week it is SG Wannabe’s "LaLaLa" moving up two spots to No. 1, narrowly edging out MC Mong’s "Circus". By doing so, the trio extended their No. 1 streak on their main album title songs. Since their second album, all their title songs have gone to No. 1. Looks like a change in membership hasn’t affected their popularity.

2. (–) MC Mong – 서커스 (Circus)
Score: 953
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Kim Gun Woo, MC Mong / Lyrics: MC Mong
Album: MC Mong Vol. 4 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of MC Mong’s 4th album entitled “Show’s Just Begun.”
Featured artistes Lim Yu-kyung and $howgun’s unique musical style ring out in
this upbeat hip hop track. The lyrics, which were written by MC Mong himself,
describe him as the circus clown. The artiste’s close friend No Hong-chul
added more fun to the music video with his appearance. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

3. (-2) Epik High (feat. Ji Sun) – One
Score: 909
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Tablo / Lyrics: Tablo, Mithra Jin
Album: Epik High Vol. 5 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track of Epik High’s 5th album, “Pieces, Part One.” The fusion of futuristic electronic sounds with hip-hop rhythms blends in well
with former Loveholic’s vocalist Jisun’s voice. The song carries a message of
hope to those who have been emotionally damaged. Jung Ryeo-won stars in the
music video as a woman who has given up on her life. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

4. (+2) Jewelry – 모두 다 쉿! (Everybody Shhh!)
Score: 742
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Chae Gyu, Shin Sha Dong Ho Raeng/ Lyrics: Choi Kap Won
Album: Jewelry Vol. 5 Track 7 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Follow-up song from Jewelry’s 5th albm
"Kitchi Island". Title song "One More Time" spent 3 weeks at the top
spot. This song is even more upbeat and energetic, and unlike "One More
Time" where Park Jung Ah and Seo In Young sing most of the song, this
song’s vocal is more evenly divided between 4 members.

5. (-1) Kim Jong Wook – 그대만이 (My Only)
Score: 738
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Kim Jong Wook Vol. 1 CD 2 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is a track from Kim Jong-wook’s 1st album, "For A Long Time," a ballad that showcases a nice blend of warm accessible melodies and Kim’s mellow vocals. The
lyrics, simple and straightforward, is about a guy’s strong feelings towards his
loved one. Chae Dong-ha and Jo Yeo-jung show off their melodramatic acting as a
couple in the music video. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

6. (-1) Nell – 기억을 걷는 시간 (Time Of Collecting My Memories)
Score: 557
Genre: Rock Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Kim Jong Wan
Album: Nell Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for Nell’s 4th album, "Separation
Anxiety." A gentle and modern rock ballad with a simple sound and
keyboard at its center, it showcases vocalist Kim Jong-wan’s
sob-resembling vocal style and sensual melody. Together they give off a
surreal vibe. The poignant lyrics are about missing an ex. (credits to
Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

7. (–) Monday Kiz (feat. Rhymer) – 가슴으로 외쳐 (Shout to the heart)
Score: 519
Genre: Mid-tempo R&B
Music: Kim Do Hoon + Hwang Sung Jin / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon
Album: Monday Kiz Vol. 3 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for Monday Kiz’s 3rd album, "Inside
Story." Rhymer made and performed the rap for this up-tempo R&B
song, which is seasoned with some hip-hop touches. A simple melody
melds with a full chorus to add to the depth of the song. The music
video tells of a love story between Seo Young-hee and Jin Gu, who play
a doctor and cancer patient. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

8. (New) Lee Seung Ki – 추억속의 그대 (You are in my memories) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 513
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music + Lyircs: Yoon Sang
Album: Lee Seung Ki 2nd remake album Track 6 Purchase this album
Watch: Live Performance
Comment: Coming from Lee Seung Ki’s 2nd remake album, this song is the follow up song to "I’ll Give You All" and it is our highest debut this week at No. 8. "I"ll Give You All" was from Cho Kyu Man, this song was also originally from another singer-songwriter, Yoon Sang. It is a more rock-styled ballad as compared to "I’ll Give You All".

9. (+7) SS501 – 널 부르는 노래 (A Song Calling For You)
Score: 475
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Han Sang Won
Album: SS501 3rd single album Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Follow-up song from SS501’s 3rd single album
"Deja Vu". The title song "Deja Vu" reached the top 10. This song has
great rhythm and it showcases SS501’s cute choreography. It is another
hit song written by rising songwriter Han Sang Won, who also has Choi
Jin Yi’s "One Shiny Day" in the top 20 this week.

10. (-1) Fly To The Sky (feat. AND) – 취중진담 (Saying The Truth When Drunk)
Score: 455
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Kim Dong Ryul
Album: Fly To The Sky Remake Album "Recollection" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Fly To The Sky are the third singers to release a remake album this
year (first is Park Hye Kyung, second is Lee Seung Ki). Brian and
Hwanhee chose hit songs from the 90s and remade them to their own
style. "Saying The Truth When Drunk" was originally a hit by Kim Dong
Ryul (who also happens to have a song in our top 20 this week). FTTS’
version is an a capella track featuring R&B singer AND. With the
accompaniment of the guitar and drums in the middle of the track, fans
will definitely fall for their voices.

11. (+11) Kim Dong Wan – 비밀 (Secret)
Score: 430
Genre: Mid-tempo Pop Ballad

Album: Kim Dong Wan Vol. 2 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song from Kim Dong Wan’s 2nd album "The Secret". This week, three Shinhwa members are having songs on the chart (the other 2 are Andy and Jun Jin), with Dong Wan’s song ranking the highest. Secret is a ballad mixed with the electronica genre. The song includes a narration by SNSD member Tiffany. Actress Kim Min Sun starred in the song’s MV with Dong Wan.

12. (+3) Andy – 프로포즈 (Propose)
Score: 400
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Andy Vol. 1 repackaged version Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance feat. Solbi (with English sub)
Comment: Andy is just a spot below Dong Wan. Riding on the popularity of TV
show "We Got Married" in which he appears, this song is inching towards the top 10. It is the title song from
Andy’s first album repackaged version. "Propose" is a sweet and happy
love song that Andy and Shinhwa fans will love.

13. (+15) Alex – 화분 (Flower Pot)
Score: 398
Genre: Pop/Jazz Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Kang Hyun Min
Album: Alex digital single "Flower Pot"
Watch: MV
Comment: The fourth song coming from the hit TV show "We Got Married". Like Andy, Clazziquai’s Alex also stars in this show, coupling with Shin Ae. Alex was also involved in the first hit song of this series, featuring in Kim Dong Ryul’s "Like A Child". It is already the third version of this song. The song first appeared in the "Coffee Prince No. 1 Shop" soundtrack, then Loveholic remade it earlier this year. Now it has finally become a hit on its third try, proving that the power of TV shows can do a song wonders. Loveholic’s Kang Hyun Min wrote this song.

14. (-1) Choi Jin Yi – 눈부신 날 (One Shiny Day)
Score: 348
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Han Sang Won / Lyrics: Choi Jin Yi
Album: Choi Jin Yi mini album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title song of Rumble Fish’s vocalist Choi Jin-yi’s first mini album
entitled "Sunny Day." It describes the irresistible yearning toward a past lover
in a light and warm melody. The music video contains images of Choi Jin-yi going
on a picnic on a sunny day, just like the title. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

15. (-4) Kim Dong Ryul – 출발 (Departure)
Score: 316
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Kim Dong Ryul
Album: Kim Dong Ryul Vol. 5 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Featured in Kim Dong-ryul’s 5th album "Monologue," this is a sweet
ballad that has Kim’s smooth vocals laced with modern acoustic sounds.
The music video shows Kim Dong-ryul on his unforgettable trekking
experience in the high mountains of Tibet. (credits to Arirang TV –
Pops in Seoul)

16. (-6) Gummy (feat. TOP) – 미안해요 (I am sorry)
Score: 315
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Kim Byung Hoon
Album: Gummy Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for Gummy’s fourth official album,
"Comfort." Gummy’s more relaxed vocals and a repetitive refrain that
goes "I’m sorry" shine in this impressive electronica / Euro-dance
song. BIGBANG’s TOP, who is featured in the track, and Sandara Park
star and share a kiss in the music video. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops
in Seoul)

17. (+32) V.O.S – Beautiful Life *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 314
Genre: R&B mid-tempo ballad

Album: V.O.S Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song from R&B trio V.O.S’ third album "Wonderful Things". It is our biggest mover of the week. V.O.S is a fast-rising group, with a big hit "Everyday Everyday" last year. Member Park Ji Hun has already scored a No. 1 solo hit earlier this year with "During The Days I Want To See You". This song is more up-tempo than their previous hits, perhaps more fitting for the coming summer.

18. (-10) ISU – 삐에로 (Pierrot)
Score: 305
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Kim Do Hoon, PJ / Lyrics: Choi Kap Won
Album: ISU Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Lee Su’s 1st solo album, "I am." Tasteful
piano accompaniment and Lee Su’s emotional voice shine through in this
ballad as he sings about the duality of love and pain, which is
compared to a clown’s sad smile. The exquisite images produced by
high-speed filming and Lee Su’s own performance in this music video
leave a lasting impression. (credits to Arirang TV –
Pops in Seoul)

19. (-3) Wax – Lucky
Score: 270
Genre: Pop / Dance

Lyircs: Hong Ji Yoo
Album: Wax Digital Single "Lucky"
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This lively, upbeat Euro-dance style song is the title track of Wax’s
digital single, ‘Lucky." It is a remake of Swedish pop duo Lucky
Twice’s song. The artiste herself stars in the music video showing off
a funny antenna dance with her hair exaggeratedly blown-up. (credits to
Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

20. (-2) Lee Seung Hwan (feat. Super Kidd) – 슈퍼히어로 (Superhero)
Score: 266
Genre: Rock

Album: Lee Seung Hwan Mini Album "Dim" Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track of Lee Seung-hwan’s repackaged album
"Obscurity." Showcasing lively, bouncy tunes, this song contains a
hopeful message that everyone can be a hero. Members of the indie band
Super Kidd, Huh-check and Pajama Jingo are featured in the song and the
music video and show us what a world full of super heroes would be
like. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

21. (+22) Wheesung (feat. Humming Urban Stereo) – Love Seat : 254
22. (-8) Mighty Mouth (feat. Yoon Eun Hye) – 사랑해 (I Love You) : 252
23. (+2) Ran (feat. Cindy) – I Love You : 231
24. (-4) Cho Shin Sung – Super Star : 220
25. (Re) SNSD (Jessica, Tiffany, Seo Hyun) – 오빠 나빠 (Bad Oppa) : 215
26. (+1) Park Myung Soo – 바보에게…바보가 (To fool…from fool) : 213
27. (-3) Moon Ji Eun (feat. Eun Ji Won) – 여우가 (The fox) : 212
28. (+1) Sung Shi Kyung – 사랑하는 일 (Loving what you do) : 208
29. (+9) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 너만 볼래 (Only want to see you) : 205
30. (+20) Park Hye Kyung – Lemon Tree : 204
31. (+10) Ibadi – 끝나지 않은 이야기 (Endless Story) : 202
32. (+4) One Two (feat. Seo In Young) – 뭇된 여자 (Bad Woman) : 201
33. (+9) Choo Sung Hoon – 하나의 사랑 (One love) : 198
34. (-1) Kim Jang Hoon – 소나기 (Shower) : 195
35. (+2) Evan (feat. Sol Flower) – 울어도 괜찮아 (It’s okay if you cry) : 190
36. (-13) Maya – 그 흔한 반지도 (Even the common ring) : 186
37. (-5) Son Dam Bi – Bad Boy : 175
38. (New) Meilin – 오늘 밤 어때 (What about tonight) : 172
39. (-8) Hwa Yobi – 남자는 모른다 (Men don’t know) : 163
40. (+7) Buga Kingz – 싸이렌 (Siren) : 155
41. (-1) Jang Nara – 흉터 (Scar) : 153
42. (New) Choon Ja – Booming : 140
43. (New) Lee Ji Hoon – 가슴아 미안하다 (My heart is sorry) : 136
44. (-23) Flower Go Yoo Jin – 너 하나만 (My only) : 129
45. (-19) Paran – Don’t Cry : 124
46. (+2) Park Hyun Bin – 샤방 샤방 (Happy Happy) : 123
47. (-17) Tony An – 지갑 (Wallet) : 117
48. (New) Gavy NJ – Lie : 113
49. (New) Shinee – 누난 너무 예뻐 (Noona’s Pretty (Replay)) : 104
50. (-15) Shinhwa – Run : 93

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

BONUS TRACK:

31. (+10) Ibadi – 끝나지 않은 이야기 (Endless Story)
Genre: Jazz/folk Ballad

Album: Ibadi Vol. 1 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This week’s bonus track is a song on the chart. It may sound strange for a singer to be members of two different groups at the same time. But it is not uncommon in Korea, as is the case here. Horan of Clazziquai is also the lead vocalist of this project group Ibadi. While Clazziquai’s music is a combination of jazz, fusion, and pop, Ibadi brings us acoustic jazz and folk songs. Horan’s smooth voice plus the poetic lyrics fill up perfectly with the beautiful melody of this song. This is perhaps the best album that I’ve heard so far in 2008. I highly recommend this song and Ibadi’s first album. Check them out.

Sources of the chart

ChartKorea – 15%
Air Monitor Chart – 15%
MNet M!Countdown – 15%
Various Internet charts (Melon, Jukeon, Dosirak, MNet, Muz, Bugs, Ohdio, Soribada) – 15%
Hanteo and KMDIA Weekly Album Sales (2 weeks lag) – 10%
SBS – Inky Gayo Take 7 + Internet Chart + MP3 Download Chart + Music Video Chart – 10%
Hanteo Gayo Chart – 10% (1 week lag)
KBS Music Bank K-Chart – 5%
Gasoo appearance on gayo shows (MBC Show! Music Core, SBS Inky Gayo, KBS Music Bank, KBS Yoon Do Hyun Love Letter, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, MNet M!Countdown, MTV Top Choice, Pops In Seoul) – 5%