Weekly Music Chart 2008 - August week 2

9. (+8) Lee Hyori – U-Go-Girl *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 998
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: E-Tribe
Album: Lee Hyori Vol. 3 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: As expected, Lee Hyori’s "U-Go-Girl" jumped all the way to No. 1 this week. This song scored 998, which is 2 points off a perfect 1000. The only blemish was that Lee Hyori was 2nd to Seo In Young in terms of gasoo appearences last week. Other than that, she captured the top spot on every chart in Korea. We haven’t seen this kind of dominance by any song for a long time. This will certainly push Lee Hyori’s career to another new height.

2. (-1) Davichi – 사랑과 전쟁 (Love and War)
Score: 866
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Davichi Vol. 1.5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Falling back to No. 2 after one week on top is Davichi’s "Love and War", as the No. 1 song is just too strong. The duo is considered one of the top rookie groups in 2008, now they have a No. 1 song to add to their already impressive resume.

3. (-1) Uhm Jung Hwa (feat. T.O.P) – D.I.S.C.O
Score: 840
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Teddy, Kush / Lyrics: Teddy, T.O.P
Album: Uhm Jung Hwa mini-album D.I.S.C.O track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: At No. 3 moving down one spot is Uhm Jung Hwa’s "D.I.S.C.O". This song is written and produced by 1TYM’s Teddy and Stony Skunk’s Kush, who are also responsible for Tae Yang’s "Watching Only You". This song is a modern interpretation of retro disco. The music video is done in a cool modern style with the vibrant music and Uhm Jung Hwa’s urban allure.

4. (–) Shinee – 누난 너무 예뻐 (Noona’s Pretty (Replay))
Score: 733
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: This is the title track of Shinee’s 1st single, "Noona’s Pretty (Replay)," which is the debut album for the 5-member teenage contemporary band. The dance track offers a nice balance of sophisticated rhythms and addictive melodies. The lyrics earnestly express the feelings of a teenage boy who has fallen in love with an older woman. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

5. (–) Wonder Girls – So Hot
Score: 706
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: Wonder Girl mini-album "So Hot" track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Featured as the title song of Wonder Girls’ 3rd project album, "So Hot," this funky dance track is enhanced by sophisticated rock ‘n’ roll rhythms. Embracing the concept "21st century’s self-obsessed beauties," the lyrics amusingly tell of the agony of being too pretty. The Wonder Girls transformed into sexy vixens in the music video, all decked out in leopard prints. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

6. (-3) Brown Eyes – 가지마 가지마 (Don’t Leave Don’t Leave)
Score: 674
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Yoon Gun / Lyrics: Gary of Lee Ssang
Album: Brown Eyes Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: As the representative track of Brown Eyes’ 3rd album, “Two Things Needed For The Same Purpose And 5 Objects,” Yoon Gun and Na Eol, who reunited after 5 years, blend their alluring voices in exuberant-sounding melodies in this ballad. The music was written by Yoon Gun and the lyrics by Leessang’s Gary. Actor Yoo Seung-ho stars in the music video which created a stir for its strange storyline. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

7. (-1) Mighty Mouth (feat. Sun Ye) – 에너지 (Energy)
Score: 654
Genre: Hip-hop

Music: Shin Sa Dong Ho Raeng E / Lyrics: Lee Sang Chul, So Joon Sup
Album: Mighty Mouth Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Mighty Mouth’s 1st full-length album of the same name. Being a speedy hip-hop track with stylish sounds, Wonder Girls’ Sun-ye adds more energy to the song with her featuring. The overall message of the song is that "Everything you love becomes the source of energy in your life." Singer Min Hyo-rin starred in the music video that features cool animated effects. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

8. (–) Alex – 그대라면 (If It’s You)
Score: 631
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Lee Jae Hak / Lyrics: Lee Jae Hak, Choo Hun Kon
Album: Alex Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Being the title track of Alex’s 1st solo album “My Vintage Romance,” this ballad brings out Clazziquai’s male vocalist Alex’s soothing vocals. The classic and romantic way of confessing one’s love in the lyrics leaves a lasting impression. The music video was made to look like a film, giving the work a more polished look. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

9. (-2) Sung Shi Kyung – 안녕 나의 사랑 (Goodbye My Love)
Score: 625
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Yoo Hee Yeol, Sung Shi Kyung / Lyrics: Yoo Hee Yeol
Album: Sung Shi Kyung Vol. 6 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: Live Performance
Comment: Title song from Sung Shi Kyung’s 6th album "Here In My Heart". Ever since his debut, Sung Shi Kyung has been labeled as the ballad prince. This song "Goodbye My Love" is one of the more up-tempo songs you’ll hear from Sung Shi Kyung. It is a farewell song that was composed together by Sung Shi Kyung and Yoo Hee Yeol. Although the lyrics are sad, the song itself is quite cheerful and can be seen as another type of love song. Sung Shi Kyung has been enlisted in the army, so this will be his last full studio album for a while.

10. (+6) Zi-A – 사랑해 미안해 (I Love You, I Am Sorry)
Score: 623
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Zi-A Vol. 1 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Scoring her 3rd top-10 hit and first since she officially revealed her face, Zi-A is now actively performing on music shows to promote this song. Just like her previous hits, this ballad is penned by top songwriter Cho Young Soo. This song again has a movie-like MV, starring Shin Hyun Joon and Miss Korea 2007 Honey Lee.

11. (+6) Seo In Young – 신데렐라 (Cinderella)
Score: 541
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Seo In Young Mini Album "Elly Is Cinderella" track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Skyrocketing in popularity this year after she appeared in the variety TV show "We Got Married" and also with Jewelry’s 5th album promotions, Seo In Young is restarting her solo gasoo activities at a perfect time, releasing a mini-album "Elly Is Cinderella". The title song "Cinderella" is moving up close to the top 10 this week. With her short Choco Mushroom haircut which gained much popularity, she has come back with the cute and lovable concept with colorful ribbons and Snow White hair, setting the fashion trend once again. In the jacket cover photo shoots and music video shootings, Seo In Young used her own accessories, including her treasured shoes.

12. (+1) SG Wannabe – 멋지게 이별 (A Neat Breakup)
Score: 531
Genre: mid-tempo R&B
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: SG Wannabe Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This song featured on SG Wannabe’s 5th album, "My Friend", has a Latin-style beat. It sings about the pain and hurt from parting with a loved one. The music video shows SG Wannabe members acting out different types of break-up scenes. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

13. (+14) Shin Ji (feat. Mighty Mouth) – 해뜰날 (The Day The Sun Rises) *** CO-BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 446
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Shin Ji Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: It’s been 10 years since Koyote vocalist Shinji’s debut and she has finally released her first solo album. The title track of the album is a remake song, “The Day the Sun Rises”, originally sung by Song Dae Gwan. It is a bright dance track with different colors showcasing Shinji’s unique style. Through this remake, the younger generation is able to enjoy the song as well. Popular new hip-hop duo Mighty Mouth is the featured rapper of this song.

14. (-2) V.O.S – Beautiful Life
Score: 422
Genre: R&B mid-tempo ballad

Music: ROZ / Lyrics: M
Album: V.O.S Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This song represents the 3rd album of V.O.S., "Wonderful Things." With a bright beat, this is an enchanting pop dance. The clear vocals and expressive chorus add to the song’s allure. The sentimental lyrics sing about the feeling of a love so strong that it changes your life. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

15. (–) Lee Ki Chan – 행복해야 해 (You Have To Be Happy)
Score: 416
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Lee Ki Chan Vol. 10 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Very few singers in today’s k-pop can say they have released 10 or more studio albums, maybe we can even count them using only one hand. Lee Ki Chan is one of the rare few who have done so. It proves that both he and his music have stood the test of time. Perhaps even more amazing is that Lee Ki Chan is only 29! Last year, he had one of the most popular ballads, "A Beauty". Now the title track of this new album, "You Have To Be Happy", is again a very good ballad.

16. (+5) Solbi & Kim Jong Wook – 그대에게 바래요 (I Wish For You To…)
Score: 397
Genre: Pop Ballad

Original Song: "Way Back Into Love" / Lyrics: Won Tae Yun
Album: Solbi & Kim Jong Wook digital single "I Wish For You To…"
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The impact of the TV show "We Got Married" extends far and beyond the show itself. Solbi, who starred in that show, and Kim Jong Wook, who sang one of the show’s featured song "Just You" into fame, now collaborate on this duet, which is a remake of Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore’s "Way Back Into Love" from the movie "Music & Lyrics". This Korean version provides a refreshing sound with the cute voice of Solbi and the smiling voice of Kim Jong Wook.

17. (+2) MC Mong (feat. M.A.C) – 미치겠어 (Feel Crazy)
Score: 394
Genre: Hip-hop

Music + Lyrics: MC Mong
Album: MC Mong Vol. 4 Track 5 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Already the 3rd hit from MC Mong’s highly successful 4th album, this mid-tempo hip-hop song has a strong American R&B feel. MC Mong is the second artiste in 2008 with three top-20 hit songs from the same album (first was Kim Dong Ryul).

18. (-8) Super Junior Happy – 요리왕 (Cooking? Cooking!)
Score: 364
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: ROZ
Album: Super Junior Happy 1st mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title song for the mini album, “Cooking? Cooking!” by Super Junior-Happy, a subgroup of Super Junior with Kang-in, Lee-teuk, Eun-hyuk, Shin-dong, Ye-sung, and Sung-min. This bright lively dance track sings about having complicated feelings after having a meal cooked by his girlfriend. The music video includes parody scenes of ‘Oldboy’ and features Girls’ Generation’s Sunny. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

19. (-5) Tae Yang – 나만 바라봐 (Watching Only You)
Score: 318
Genre: R&B / Dance

Music: Teddy, Kush / Lyrics: Teddy
Album: Tae Yang mini-album "Hot" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of TAEYANG’s 1st mini-album, "HOT." 1TYM’s Teddy and Stony Skunk’s Kush co-composed this song for BIGBANG member TAEYANG’s solo debut. The song’s groovy R&B feel is accentuated by the electronic sounds of synthesizers mixed with trendy beats. The members of BIGBANG made cameo appearances in the music video. (credits to ArirangTV – Pops in Seoul)

20. (+2) Nam Gyu Ri – 남자 (Man)
Score: 299
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Nam Gyu Ri digital single "Man"
Watch: Live Performance
Comment: See Ya’s leader Nam Gyu Ri scores her 2nd solo top-20 hit "Man". This song is coming from Nam Gyu Ri’s debut movie – a horror flick "Gosa: Midterm on Blood". Recently, Nam Gyu Ri is busy promoting this movie and also appears on music shows to perform this song live.

21. (-10) Ok Ju Hyun – Honey : 285
22. (New) Cool – 사랑을 원해 (I Want Love) : 243 *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
23. (+3) 2AM – 이 노래 (This Song) : 241
24. (-6) Bae Chi Gi – No. 3 : 232
25. (–) Dae Sung – 날 봐 귀순 (Look at me, Gwi Soon) : 199
26. (-2) Crown J (feat. Seo In Young) – Too Much : 181
27. (+3) Jang Yoon Jung – 장윤정트위스트 (Jang Yoon Jeong Twist) : 179
28. (–) Park Hyo Shin – 화신 (Incarnation: SBS Drama Il Ji Mae OST) : 176
29. (New) Kara – Rock U : 175
30. (-10) Jaurim – Carnival Amour : 164
31. (+4) Kyun Woo – 너였구나 (It was you) : 154
32. (–) Gummy – 님은 먼 곳에 (You Are So Far Away) : 132
33. (-2) Epik High (feat. Youn Ha) – 우산 (Umbrella) : 114
34. (+14) Lee Seung Chul – Moving Star : 108 *** CO-BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
35. (-6) Lee Jung – 그대만 보여 (When I see only you) : 101
36. (-3) Kim Hyun Jung – 살짝쿵 (Slight Bang) : 100
37. (+2) Kim Dong Wan – 남자의 사랑 (Love Of A Man) : 97
38. (+9) Ta Ta Clan – 젓가락 (Chopsticks) : 91
39. (-3) Battle – Step by Step : 89
40. (-2) Gavy NJ – 사랑 같은 건 없나봐 (I Guess There’s No Such Thing As Love) : 87
41. (+5) Lee Seung Ki – 여행을 떠나요 (Let’s Go On Vacation) : 85
42. (-8) Byul – 6년 동안 (For 6 Years) : 83
43. (-6) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In ) – 사랑남녀 (Love Couple) : 71
44. (+5) Hong Kyung Min (feat. Mighty Mouth) – 돌아와 돌아와 (Come Back Come Back) : 68
45. (-1) Choi Jung Chul (feat. Ga In) – 결혼 (Wedding) : 66
46. (-3) J-Walk – My Love : 65
47. (New) Han Young – Come on! Come on! : 63
48. (-6) Shin Hye Sung – Purple Rain : 49
49. (New) Oh Song – 여름아 부탁해 (I beg you, Summer) : 48
50. (New) Bugaz Kings – 友酒 Like? : 43

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

BONUS TRACK:

Epik High (feat. Youn Ha) – 우산 (Umbrella)
Genre: Hip-hop

Music: Tablo / Lyrics: Tablo, Mirtha Jin
Album: Epik High Vol. 5 Track 15 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Usually the bonus track features lesser known singers, but this week’s bonus track is from two top artistes and a song from a top-selling album. It’s not often we hear either Epik High or Younha plugging a slow tempo song. This hip-hop ballad is a new try for both of them and the collaboration works out very well. Younha’s vocal plus Tablo and Mirtha Jin’s slow rap produces the perfect harmony. "One" deserves to be the title song of this album, but the selection of "Breakdown" instead of this song as the 2nd single is questionable. Even before "Umbrella" was being plugged, it already ranked high on most internet charts in Korea. Now with Epik High almost wrapping up their album activities, it doesn’t look like this song will hit the top 20. So I decided to have this song as the bonus track this week as it deserves to have more recognition.

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, MNet M!Countdown, KBS Yoon Do Hyun Love Letter, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%