Weekly Music Chart 2008 - November week 3

1. (+2) Bi – Rainism *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 943
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Bi Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Another week of a very tight battle for the top spot, as Bi edged out Kim Jong Kook by only 1 point.  "Rainism" moves up from No. 3 to No. 1 this week, capping a remarkable comeback for Bi, whose last album did not fare too well in Korea despite gaining a lot of recognition overseas. "Rainism" has already conquered all major charts in Korea and deserves to be ranked No. 1 here.

2. (+7) Kim Jong Kook – 어제보다 오늘 더 (Today More Than Yesterday)
Score: 942
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra
Album: Kim Jong Kook Vol. 5 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Moving up quickly to No. 2 is Kim Jong Kook’s 1st song after coming back from military duty, "Today More Than Yesterday". Despite being outsold by Bi in album sales, this song is moving up a lot quicker than expected.  The song is a happy ballad, which is already quite rare in K-pop. Kim Jong Kook’s trademark high pitch voice makes it even more unique.  Let’s see if Kim Jong Kook can overtake Bi next week for the top spot.

3. (-2) Wonder Girls – Nobody  
Score: 925
Genre: Retro Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: Wonder Girls: The Wonder Years: Trilogy Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This track took a 60’s and 70s Motown girl-group sound and infused it with a contemporary sensibility. It melds soul music with a trendy hip-hop beat. The song repeats, "If not you, I don’t want anyone else" and is about a love that does not welcome separation. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

4. (+1) Epik High – 1분 1초 (One Minute One Second)   
Score: 792
Genre: Hip Hop

Music: Tablo / Lyrics: Tablo, Mithra Jin
Album: Epik High mini-album "Lovescream" Track 6 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for Epik High’s small "LOVESCREAM" album. With a soft melody and sensual pop style, the song also features a gentle piano sound that ups the emotional vibe. It’s about being unable to not miss a former love for even a minute or a second. The music video uses a rewind technique and presents some powerful scenes. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

5. (-1) Brown Eyed Girls – 어쩌다 (How) 
Score: 695
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Brave Brothers / Lyrics: Kim Yi Na
Album: Brown Eyed Girls mini-album Vol. 2 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The title track of Brown-Eyed Girls’ second mini-album "My Style". It features advanced electronic sounds and a highly addictive melody. The repetition of its refrain to the beat is especially impressive. The music video of the song shows the band members dressed sexily. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

6. (-4) DBSG – 주문 (Mirotic)   
Score: 659
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Sigvardt, Mikkel / Lyrics: Yoo Young Jin
Album: DBSG Vol. 4 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for TVXQ!’s 4th album, "Mirotic," which was named as such to refer to music that draws you in and captivates you like a maze. It’s a very modern dance song with reverse beats. The lyrics are about falling for a girl at first sight and trying to win her over by seducing her with intense gazes, as if casting a spell on her. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

7. (–) Son Dam Bi – 미쳤어 (Become Crazy)  
Score: 619
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Brave Brothers / Lyrics: Eric

Album: Son Dam Bi Mini Album Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The title track of Son Dam-bi’s second mini-album, this dance song is a combination of retro and modern sounds that create a dreamlike mood. Eric’s rap adds charm to the song. The music video of "Crazy" shows the sexy Son Dam-bi performing a unique dance. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (+3) Shin Seung Hoon – 라디오를 켜봐요 (Turn On The Radio)
Score: 524
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Shin Seung Hoon mini-album "Radio Wave" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The title track of "Ballad King" Shin Seung-hun’s project album "Radio Wave", this song features the rock genre and marks a shift in the singer’s musical style. The acoustic mood at the beginning of the song gives it drama-like charm. The lyrics of the song compare a song playing on the radio with sad love. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

9. (+3) Son Ho Young – I Know
Score: 443
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Son Ho Young Vol. 2 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song from G.O.D member Son Ho Young’s 2nd solo album, "I Know" is a trendy R&B medium-tempo number with powerful beats accompanied by a captivating mix of catchy piano riffs and sophisticated electronic sounds. Written by Son himself, the lyrics speak of one’s agony preparing for an eventual breakup while still continuing to hang on to the last thread of hope. (cresits to ~S2~, YesAsia)

10. (–) Crown J – Fly Boy
Score: 428
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Crown J min-album "Fly Boy" Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title track of Crown J’s mini album "Fly Boy". Written and composed by Crown J, this song is a hip-hop number in the dirty south style. Memorable lyrics express the confident lifestyle of what he thinks a really cool guy should be. The music video, shot by Crown J himself with a 6mm camera in his hometown, Atlanta, caused a stir. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

11. (-3) MC The Max – 눈물은 모르게 (Tears Without Knowing)
Score: 422
Genre: Rock Ballad

Music: Shin In Soo / Lyrics: Yang Jae Sun
Album: MC The Max Vol. 6 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This poignant ballad, which features Lee Su’s rich vocals and heartbreaking lyrics, is the representative track of M.C. The Max’s 6th album, "VIA 6". The music video presents images with a lonely, quiet sort of vibe and scenes of the members performing. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

12. (-6) See Ya – Hot Girl
Score: 409
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: See Ya Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for See Ya’s 3rd album, "Brilliant Change". A lively dance track with an electro-house beat, it showcases the group’s dramatic move away from medium-tempo ballads. The music video features spectacular colors and the gals sporting a doll-like style. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

13. (+1) Tae Yeon – 들리나요 (Can You Hear Me: MBC Drama Beethoven Virus OST)
Score: 408
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Lee Sang Joon / Lyrics: Im Bo Kyung
Album: MBC Drama "Beethoven Virus" OST Track 7 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The O.S.T. of the TV drama "Beethoven Virus". Tae-yeon’s heart-moving vocals harmonize perfectly with the sad melody. The song’s lyrics depict the sadness of love, while its music video of the song shows scenes from the drama. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

14. (New) Shinee – 아.미.고 (Amigo) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 403
Genre: R&B / Dance

Album: Shinee Vol. 1 (repackaged) Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: SHINee’s new single Amigo comes with double meaning. In Spanish, the title means "friend", and in Korean, it is a shortened version of "You suffer if you love a beautiful woman". Once again a collaboration with Xperimental Music, Amigo is a groovy, beat-heavy dance track written by Yoo Young Jin, who also wrote the group’s earlier The SHINee World (doo-bop) and ROMANTIC. (credits to YesAsia)

15. (–) W & Whale – RPG Shine
Score: 388
Genre: Alternative Rock

Music: Bae Young Joon, Han Jae Won / Lyrics: Bae Young Joon, Whale

Album: W & Whale Vol. 1 Track 6 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for W&Whale’s "Hardboiled". The band W incorporated female vocalist Whale and released this album. The song features a light rock beat and electronic sounds. A captivating voice and dreamy melody make for a fantasy-like combination. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

16. (+25) Wheesung – 별이 지다.. (Star Is Setting..) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 318
Genre: R&B Ballad

Album: Wheesung mini-album "With My Heart And Soul" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: One of the best male vocalists in Korea is back with his latest mini-album.  Wheesung is known for his golden voice and is in full display again with this new R&B song.  Singer Lee Hyori is featured in the MV.  Lately we haven’t heard a lot of pure R&B songs, but this is one.  Check it out if you like this style of music.

17. (-4) 2PM – 10점 만점에 10점 (10 Out Of 10)
Score: 309
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2PM single Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for 2PM’s debut single, "Hottest Time of the Day". 2PM is a new-concept performance group comprising Jun-su, Jae-beom, Nik-koon, Taek-yeon, Woo-young, Jun-ho and Chan-sung. The dance song’s fun lyrics are about giving a lovely woman 10 out of 10 points. The music video features 2PM’s surprising multitude of skills, which include singing, B-boying and acrobatic dancing. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

18. (-2) M (feat. Bigtone) – (Don’t Trust Men)
Score: 264
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: M Vol. 4 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for M’s (Lee Min-woo) 4th album, "M Rising". A dance song of the "Dirty South" genre, it’s got lyrics that are about the psychology of a bad guy’s mentality toward his woman. The music video features scenes of M and Big Tone, who is featured in the song recording, scenes of choreography being practiced, dance performances and more. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

19. (-1) SG Wannabe & Kim Jong Wook – 운명을 거슬러 (Opposed By Fate: MBC Drama "East Of Eden" OST)
Score: 260
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min

Album: MBC Drama "East Of Eden" OST Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: One of the most anticipated dramas in 2008, "East Of Eden" stars Song Seung Hun, Lee Da Hae, Yeon Jung Hoon, Lee Yeon Hee, and Han Ji Hye.  The megacast extends to the drama OST as well, and the title song "Opposed By Fate" is a duet between SG Wannabe and rising star Kim Jong Wook.  Top songwriter Cho Young Soo, who has written hit songs for both SG Wannabe and Kim Jong Wook this year, is in charge of this R&B ballad. 

20. (-3) FT Island – Heaven
Score: 257
Genre: Rock Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: FT Island Vol. 2 Part 2 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title track for part 2 of FT Island’s 2nd album, "Colorful Sensibility". First single "After Love" went to the top 3.  "Heaven" was written by Korea’s top songwriting combo Cho Young Soo and Ahn Young Min, who wrote FT Island’s "Thunder" on their debut album last year.  "Heaven" has an addictive violin intro that will draw listeners’ attention, while the song itself is the familiar rock ballad style we are accustomed to from FT Island.

21. (+2) Davichi (Min Kyung) – 병원에 가다 (Going to the hospital) : 245
22. (+9) Jo Sung Mo – 바람의 화원 (Wind’s Flower Garden: SBS Drama "Wind’s Flower Garden" OST) : 236
23. (-1) Kim Bum Soo – 슬픔활용법 (Sad Inflection) : 212
24. (+2) Haihm – 어쩌면 우린 (Possibly Us) : 210
25. (New) Big Bang – 붉은 노을 (Sunset Glow) : 194
26. (-2) Younha – Gossip Boy : 187
27. (+2) Park Jung Hyun (feat. Crown J) – No Break : 185
28. (+6) Park Ki Young – 그대 나를 보나요 (Look At Me) : 173
29. (-4) Untouchable (feat. Hwa Yobi) – It’s Okay : 170
30. (New) Seo Tai Ji – Bermuda : 169
31. (+9) Can – 날보러와요 (Come See Me) : 144
32. (+10) Tree Bicycle (feat. Suh Young Eun) – 내가사랑해 (I Love You) : 135
33. (-12) U-Kiss – 어리지 않아 (Not Young) : 130
34. (New) Bobby Kim – Reason (SBS Drama "Tazza" OST) : 122
35. (-7) H-Eugene (feat. Ye Eun) – 환상의 짝꿍 (Fantasy Partner) : 120
36. (-17) TBNY – Hey DJ : 110
37. (–) Kara – 굿데이 시즌 2 (Goodday 2) : 107
38. (+1) Hot Patato – 비 눈물 (Tears of Rain) : 106
39. (New) Park Jung Ah – New Way Always : 105
40. (-8) Monday Kiz – Never Say Goodbye : 98
41. (New) Goofy – 사랑은 없다 (No Love) : 96
42. (New) Kim Dong Wan (duet Younha) – 약속 (Promise) : 85
43. (+2) Kim Gun Mo – 사랑해 (Fall In Love) : 80
44. (-11) YMGA – Tell It To My Heart : 78
45. (New) Kim Suk Min (Duke) – 너 하나면 돼 (All I Need Is You) : 76
46. (-11) Ha Dong Kyun – 눈물소리 (Sound Of Tears) : 75
47. (-4) Banana Girl – 키스해죠 (Kiss) : 71
48. (-12) 2AM – 어떡하죠 (What To Do) : 61
49. (New) JK Kim Dong Wook – 사랑이 이별이 (Love Is, Parting Is) : 50
50. (New) Mario – 난 니꺼 (I’m Yours) : 43

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

BONUS TRACK:
Kim Dong Hee – 헤어질 땐 말없이 (Breaking Up Without Notice)
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Hwang Se Joon / Lyrics: Cho Eun Hee
Album: Kim Dong Hee – "Halfway" Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: One of the best ballads I’ve heard all year.  Before debuting as a singer, Kim Dong Hee was a vocal trainer of Zia & Big Bang and was a live chorus vocalist for Fly to the Sky & Tei.  She debuted last year and had success with her 1st single "You".  Having spectacular vocal skills and a bit of huskiness in her voice, Kim Dong Hee handles a wide range of ballads.  "Breaking Up Without Notice" is a great pop ballad with a beautiful melody and an attractive piano intro that showcases her emotional voice nicely. The song is written by the same combination who wrote Tei’s "Love Leaves A Scent" and "Same Pillow".

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, YTN Live Power Music, MTV Non-stop, MTV Live Wow Special, Pops In Seoul) – 5%