Weekly Music Chart 2008 - June week 1

1. (–) SG Wannabe – 라라라 (LaLaLa) *** 2 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 950
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: SG Wannabe remain at the top this week with
"LaLaLa. It is the first time in 5 weeks that a song was able to
hold on to No. 1 for 2 weeks in a row. The top 3 songs have been moving
around for the past few weeks and now it looks like this song has the most
staying power.

2. (+1) Epik High (feat. Ji Sun) – One
Score: 930
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)

3. (-1) MC Mong – 서커스 (Circus)
Score: 869
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)

4. (+1) Kim Jong Wook – 그대만이 (My Only)
Score: 748
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)

5. (-1) Jewelry – 모두 다 쉿! (Everybody Shhh!)
Score: 685
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: Featured in Jewelry’s 5th album, “Kitchi Island,” this dance track delivers
sensual lyrics over an uplifting house beat. The catchy refrain, reminiscent of
a cheer, is powerful, yet memorable. Crown J and Popin Hyun-jun made special
appearances in the music video in which the Jewelry members transformed into
cheerleaders. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

6. (+11) V.O.S – Beautiful Life
Score: 644
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" continues to make big moves this week, up another 11 spots to No. 6. V.O.S are 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.

7. (+2) SS501 – 널 부르는 노래 (A Song Calling For You)
Score: 574
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. SS501 have just wrapped up their promotional activities on this successful single album in which they scored two top-10 hits.

8. (-2) Nell – 기억을 걷는 시간 (Time Of Collecting My Memories)
Score: 455
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)

9. (-1) Lee Seung Ki – 추억속의 그대 (You are in my memories)
Score: 454
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". "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".

10. (-3) Monday Kiz (feat. Rhymer) – 가슴으로 외쳐 (Shout to the heart)
Score: 373
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)

11. (-1) Fly To The Sky (feat. AND) – 취중진담 (Saying The Truth When Drunk)
Score: 372
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 cappella 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.

12. (–) Andy – 프로포즈 (Propose)
Score: 371
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Andy Vol. 1 repackaged version Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance feat. Solbi (with English sub)
Comment: Riding on the popularity of TV show "We Got Married" in which he appears, Andy scores another top 20 song with "Propose". 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. (-2) Kim Dong Wan – 비밀 (Secret)
Score: 369
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". It 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.

14. (+20) Kim Jang Hoon – 소나기 (Shower)
Score: 358
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Psy
Album: Kim Jang Hoon digital single "Shower"
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This poignant ballad is the title track of Kim Jang-hoon’s Maestro Project single album of the same name. The lyrics, which were written by Psy, reveal the hope for a better future by comparing life’s obstacles to a rain shower. Actor Cha Seung-won starred in the music video, which deals with child abduction. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

15. (-2) Alex – 화분 (Flower Pot)
Score: 353
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. This song will also be featured on Alex’s 1st solo album, to be released next week.

16. (+33) Shinee – 누난 너무 예뻐 (Noona’s Pretty (Replay)) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 347
Genre: R&B/Dance

Music: Jason Pennock, Tchaka Diallo, Jack Kugell / Lyrics: Kim Young Hu Album: Shinee 1st mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: SM entertainment’s latest sensation Shinee is our biggest mover this week, their song "Noona’s Pretty (Replay)" moving up 33 spots into the top 20 in just its 2nd week on the chart. Shinee is made up of five teenagers from the ages of 14 to 18. The members are Jonghyun, Minho, Taemin, Onyoo, and Key. Unlike DBSG and Super Junior, Shinee’s music is more contemporary. Their debut song is mid-tempo R&B style that can showcase both their dance skills and their vocals. Already with a strong fan base, Shinee is definitely one of the new artistes in 2008 that we should all watch out for.

17. (+31) Gavy NJ – Lie
Score: 335
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Min Myung Ki / Kim Do Hoon
Album: Gavy NJ Vol. 3 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Of all the female R&B groups that have debuted for the last few years, Gavy NJ seem to be the best kept secret in the business. That may be due to the fact that they rarely came out to perform during their first two albums. Despite not performing much, their songs were still very popular. Until the emergence of See Ya, Gavy NJ were labeled as the female version of SG Wannabe. Now that See Ya have shifted to a more pop-oriented approach, Gavy NJ can re-claim that title. With a new record company, a more polished image, and frequent apprearances on gayo shows, their music still remains unchanged. Lie is a great R&B ballad. Now that they are performing almost weekly, it will definitely help this song and perhaps it will become their biggest hit so far. Taiwanese actress Vivian Hsu starred in this song’s MV.

18. (+22) Buga Kingz – 싸이렌 (Siren)
Score: 327
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Buga Kingz Vol. 3 Track 7 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Buga Kingz are an underrated hip-hop/R&B group. This is not the first time they have hit the top 20, and their album is selling quite well. Recently, the trio started to appear on more music shows and it has helped this song tremendously. After staying in the 30-40s for the past few weeks, this week "Siren" finally makes a big jump to No. 18. Buga Kingz’s music is half hip-hop and half R&B, rapping does not dominate the song as there are many vocal parts as well. Even though they are not targeted for mainstream, their music should be listener-friendly enough to appeal to pop fans.

19. (+5) Cho Shin Sung – Super Star
Score: 321
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Kim Do Hoon, PJ / Lyrics: Choi Kap Won, Mario
Album: 2008 Love Song Compilation Album CD3 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This song is one of the only new songs featured on the compliation album "Love Song 2008". This series of albums has been very successful in the past. The first set in 2001 sold over 2 million copies. While most songs on "Love Song 2008" are ballads, this song is an upbeat dance song by Cho Shin Sung. It is also released as a digital single and the group is currently promoting the song.

20. (-5) Kim Dong Ryul – 출발 (Departure)
Score: 299
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)

21. (+10) Ibadi – 끝나지 않은 이야기 (Endless Story) : 269
22. (+20) Choon Ja – Booming : 238
23. (+7) Park Hye Kyung – Lemon Tree : 229
24. (New) Tae Yang – 나만 바라봐 (Watching Only You) : 226 *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
25. (New) Wonder Girls – So Hot : 222
26. (-10) Gummy (feat. TOP) – 미안해요 (I am sorry) : 214
27. (-13) Choi Jin Yi – 눈부신 날 (One Shiny Day) : 213
28. (+8) Maya – 그 흔한 반지도 (Even the common ring) : 208
29. (+3) One Two (feat. Seo In Young) – 뭇된 여자 (Bad Woman) : 200
30. (-7) Ran (feat. Cindy) – I Love You : 189
31. (+6) Son Dam Bi – Bad Boy : 188
32. (-11) Wheesung (feat. Humming Urban Stereo) – Love Seat : 183
33. (-7) Park Myung Soo – 바보에게…바보가 (To fool…from fool) : 177
34. (-16) ISU – 삐에로 (Pierrot) : 172
35. (New) Suh Young Eun (feat. Han Kyung Il) – Goodbye : 170
36. (New) Crown J (feat. Seo In Young) – Too Much : 164
37. (New) Brown Eyed Girls (Je-A + Mi Ryo) – Ready to L.o.v.e : 163
38. (-18) Lee Seung Hwan – 슈퍼히어로 (Super Hero) : 147
39. (-11) Sung Shi Kyung – 사랑하는 일 (Loving what you do) : 146
40. (-18) Mighty Mouth (feat. Yoon Eun Hye) – 사랑해 (I Love You) : 143
41. (New) As One – Kiss Me : 134
42. (New) Lee Jung – 그대만 보여 (When I see only you) : 133
43. (-24) Wax – Lucky : 130
44. (-19) SNSD (Jessica, Tiffany, Seo Hyun) – 오빠 나빠 (Bad Oppa) : 125
45. (Re) Jun Jin (feat. Joo Hee) – Wa : 118
46. (-3) Lee Ji Hoon – 가슴아 미안하다 (My Heart is sorry) : 117
47. (-12) Evan (feat. Sol Flower) – 울어도 괜찮아 (It’s okay if you cry) : 116
48. (Re) Jadu – 커피 한 잔 (A cup of coffee) : 110
49. (New) A’ST 1 – 1,2,3,4 Back : 105
50. (-21) Nomolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 너만 볼래 (Only want to see you) : 93

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

BONUS TRACK:

Kyul (feat. Jun So Young) – 월하연(月下緣) (Destiny Under The Moon)

Genre: Pop/Opera Ballad

Music: Romano Musumarra / Lyrics: Ahn Nam Hoon
Album: Kyul digital single "Never Ending"
Watch: MV
Comment: This week’s bonus track is a very unique song. Of all the years I’ve covered k-pop music, this may be the first classical, opera-style ballad filled with a pop sound that I’ve heard. The song starts with English lyrics "Only you can hear my soul", then it turns 180 degrees to Kyul’s opera-style singing. Kyul (real name Jung Ki Yeol) is only 26 years old, but has the voice of a veteran classical opera singer. The music video is about two lovers working in a circus as they tackle the many hurdles to their relationship.

Sources of the chart

ChartKorea – 15%
Air Monitor Chart – 15%
MNet M!Countdown + Cable Airplays – 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 Show Music Tank, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%