Weekly Music Chart 2009 - April week 4

1. (+2) Son Dam Bi – 토요일밤에 (Saturday Night) *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***   
Score: 914
Genre: Pop / Dance 

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: Son Dam Bi Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Son Dam Bi capped off her amazing rise to become one of Korea’s top female singers with her first No. 1 song "Saturday Night". When she first debuted 2 years ago, Son Dam Bi was labeled "the female Bi (Rain)".  Her first few singles did not produce any major hit songs.  That all changed at the end of last year with the big hit "Becoming Crazy".  Her record company waited until now, which is 2 years after her debut, to release her first full studio album.  The timing and the strategy have worked out perfectly.  "Saturday Night" swept the top ranking on almost all the major music charts and gayo shows in Korea.  Congratulations to Son Dam Bi.

 

 

 

 

2. (-1) Super Junior – Sorry Sorry   
Score: 831
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Yoo Young Jin
Album: Super Junior Vol. 3 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: After 2 weeks at No. 1, Super Junior’s "Sorry Sorry" falls back a spot to No. 2.  "Sorry Sorry" is a catchy urban house dance number and the group especially worked with renowned choreographer Nick Bass, who has collaborated with Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera.  Super Junior will start promoting a new song soon.

 

 

 

 

3. (+3) 8Eight – 심장이 없어 (Don’t Have A Heart)   
Score: 786
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Bang Shi Hyuk / Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk, Baek Chan
Album: 8Eight Vol. 3 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of 8eight’s third album “The Golden Age.” It features a unique and exciting beat and portrays the sadness of a breakup. It was produced by hit-maker Bang Shi-hyuk, who also wrote "Like I’ve Been Shot" for Baek Ji-young. The music video is a story about forbidden love between a vampire, portrayed by So-hee of the Wonder Girls, and a human being. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

4. (+4) K.Will – 눈물이 뚝뚝 (Dropping The Tears)
Score: 771
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Kim Do Hoon / Lyrics: Park Chan Hyun
Album: K.Will mini-album "Dropping The Tears" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Moving up very fast to No. 4 in just 3 weeks is K.Will’s latest hit "Dropping The Tears". It is a sad ballad about separation, marked by K. Will’s mature and passionate vocals. The music video features Girls’ Generation’s Yuri as a beautiful Cinderella turned femme fatale in a black dress, stirring up plenty of hype among fans even before its release. (credits to ~S2~)

 

 

 

 

5. (–) Lim Chang Jung – 오랜만이야 (It’s Been A Long Time)
Score: 742
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Lee Dong Won / Lyrics: Bae Eun Jung
Album: Lim Chang Jung Vol. 11 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Holding steady at No. 5 is veteran Lim Chang Jung’s comeback hit "It’s Been A Long Time".  This well-made ballad number is about a man who has reunited with his lover, but sadly has trouble approaching her.  Fans can once again hear Lim Chang Jung’s trademark emotional vocal.  The younger generation of k-pop fans who have not heard of Lim’s songs should definitely check out "the king of ballads".

 

 

 

 

6. (-2) 2AM – 친구의 고백 (Friend’s Confession)   
Score: 723
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2AM second single album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Dropping 2 spots is 2AM’s second single "Friend’s Confession", which Asia’s top producer Park Jin Young composed and labeled as the “manliest ballad”. This album’s theme basically situates around a male’s true feelings.

 

 

 

 

7. (-5) Davichi – 8282  
Score: 722
Genre: Pop 

Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Hyun Seung / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung
Album: Davichi mini-album "Davichi In Wonderland" Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Davichi’s first mini-album “Davich In Wonderland”. It is performed with powerful and appealing voices while its chorus is very addictive. The lyrics are about a woman waiting for a call from the man she loves. It begins as a ballad but later turns into a tecktonik dance song. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

8. (+17) Zi-A – 터질 것 같아 (Feel Like Exploding) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 566
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Park Jung Wook / Lyrics: Kim Hye Sun
Album: Zi-A mini album "Orchestra" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: No longer a rookie or being faceless, Zi-A returns with a mini-album, Orchestra, to match the spring season. The title track "Feel Like Exploding" is our biggest mover this week, up 17 spots all the way to No. 8.  This ballad was composed by Park Jung Wook, who is famous for the Bad Love drama series soundtrack. Kim Hye Sun penned the lyrics about heart-wrenching love which anyone can relate to.

 

 

 

 

9. (+1) Big Bang & 2NE1 – Lollipop  
Score: 497
Genre: R&B / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Teddy
Album: Big Bang & 2NE1 digital single "Lollipop" Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment: "Lollipop" is a sneak preview song of YG’s first girl group 2NE1 featuring Big Bang. 2NE1 members are Park Bom, Sandara Park, Gong Min Ji, and CL.  A part of this song was used for the promotion of LG Cyon Lollipop song. The much anticipated four-member group is very promising and already has the title "female Big Bang", complete with hiphop voices and moves. Lollipop is a fun number with retro sounds and an easy melody one can groove to. Like the distinct colors of lollipops, the song brings out the flavors of Big Bang and the “female Big Bang”.  2NE1’s full debut is due in May.

 

 

 

 

10. (-3) Wheesung – Insomnia
Score: 402
Genre: R&B / Dance

Music: Craig David’s "Insomnia" / Lyrics: Wheesung
Album: Wheesung digital single "Insomnia" Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track of Whee Sung’s fourth digital single album. It’s a bright, lively and very contemporary dance-pop song that’s a Korean version of world singer Craig David’s "Insomnia". It follows a baseline trend that’s popular in Europe and has a highly addictive melody. Kim Min-su, who participated in the OSTs for the TV drama "All In" and the movie "My Sassy Girl, took care of the arrangement. Whee Sung wrote the lyrics. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

11. (+5) YB – 아직도 널 (Still You)   
Score: 400
Genre: Rock

Album: YB Vol. 8 Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: YB (Yoon Do Hyun Band) release their 8th album, Co-existance, after 2 years and 7 months. This album will be based on various problems in society. However, the title track "Still You" is a rock ballad track, different from their usual styles. There will be string accompaniment and guitar sounds to bring out the sadness of the number.  It is on the edge to become the band’s latest top-10 hit.

 

 

 

 

12. (-1) Bobby Kim – 사랑..그 놈 (Love…This Person)
Score: 393
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Park Sun Zoo
Album: Bobby Kim Special Album "Love Chapter 1" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Bobby Kim’s special album “Love Chapter 1”, which contains the original soundtracks of the TV dramas "Fashion 70s" and "Great White Tower", as well as the singer’s six new songs. The title song features a sorrowful melody of the soul genre and the singer’s ample voice. The lyrics are about the strong feelings of love and pain. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

13. (+1) Lee Eun Mi – 헤어지는 중입니다 (In The Middle Of Breaking Up)   
Score: 389
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Yoon Il Sang / Lyrics: Yoon Il Sang, Lee Tae Gun
Album: Lee Eun Mi 2009 mini-album Track 3
Watch: Live Performance
Comment: Continuing her revival in the music scene, Lee Eun Mi’s latest hit "In The Middle Of Breaking Up" becomes her latest top-20 song.  This song is a vintage sad ballad that fits very well with the singer’s husky voice.  Earlier this year, Lee Eun Mi’s old song "I Had A Lover" became popular once again, prompting the veteran singer to release a new mini-album with this current hit.

 

 

 

 

14. (-2) Hwa Yobi – 반쪽 (Half)   
Score: 364
Genre: mid-tempo R&B 

Music: Jun Hae Sung / Lyrics: Hwa Yobi
Album: Hwa Yobi mini-album "This Is Love" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Hwayobi’s mini-album “This Is Love”. It is about a woman who has fallen in love with a man who already has a lover. The addictive melody of the song was written by Chun Hye-sung, who also wrote "Must Have Been Love" for YB Band and "Long Day" for Lee Seung-chul. The lyrics were written by Hwayobi, while singer Fractal arranged the song, making it very trendy. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

15. (-2) Kim Jong Kook (feat. Shorry J) – 행복병 (Happiness Sickness)   
Score: 338
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra, Mario
Album: Kim Jong Kook digital single "Happiness Sickness" Track 1 
Watch: MV
Comment: Kim Jong Kook returns in the warm spring time with a digital single “Happiness Sickness”. This lovable song is about a world where everything is beautiful, with everyone being happy simply for being touched and hugged; it is a gift from the heavens. Recently, Kim had wanted to sing a bright song. He mentioned how sad songs are good in that they offer comfort to those in need, but he wanted to send out happiness that people can sing along to.

 

 

 

 

16. (+2) Epik High – Map The Soul   
Score: 331
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Epik High Book Album "Map The Soul" Track 3
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song of Epik High’s seventh work, a book-album also entitled "Map the Soul", debuts at No. 18 this week. Now completely independent from any major label, the book-album can only be bought on Epik High’s website, [MapTheSoul.com]. Epik High recorded and created the album with the help of other artistes such as MYK, Kero One and Beatbox DG. Map the Soul is not Epik High’s official 6th album but instead a special project.

 

 

 

 

17. (New) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 전화하지마 (Don’t Call Me On The Phone) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***   
Score: 328
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Namolla Family Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: After releasing many successful digital singles last year, Namolla Family finally comes back with a studio album.  In this album, many of their digital hit songs were also included.  The title song "Don’t Call Me On The Phone" is our highest debut this week at No. 17.  Tae In is again the female vocalist featured in this song, with the slow rap of Namolla Family making it a comfortable ballad to listen to.

 

 

 

 

18. (-1) Someday (duet with Je-A of Brown Eyed Girls) – 알고있나요 (Do You KNow?)   
Score: 279
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Oh Joon Sung / Lyrics: Oh Joon Sung, Eun Jong Tae
Album: Someday Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Technically, this is the 4th charted song from the OST of the popular KBS drama "Boys Over Flower".  However, this duet version with Je-A of Brown Eyed Girls is recorded on Someday’s debut album and is the version that made it to our chart.  Someday were relatively unknown prior to singing in the "Boys Over Flower" OST, now they have their own album and their first top-20 hit song, which is a very nice R&B ballad.  Je-A’s participation further increases the appeal of this R&B ballad.

 

 

 

 

19. (+8) Tiffany (SNSD) – 나 혼자서 (Be Myself)
Score: 267
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Lee Sang Joon / Lyrics: Lee Jae Kyung
Album: Tiffany (SNSD) digital single "Be Myself" Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Tiffany of idol group SNSD takes part in a soundtrack for the first time through the SBS drama series, Princess JaMyungGo. Titled By Myself, the song was composed by Lee Sang Joon, who wrote other hit numbers including Buzz’s The Heart Controls Love and TaeYeon’s Can You Hear Me, and was written by Lee Jae Kyung. Through this song, Tiffany is able to show herself not as a member of Girls’ Generation, but as a young lady.

 

 

 

 

20. (-11) Kara – Honey
Score: 257
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Han Jae Ho, Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Han Jae Ho, Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara 2nd mini-album Special Edition Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This song is included in Kara’s special edition album for “Pretty Girl”. It is a remake of the song "Honey" that was included in Kara’s second mini-album. It has sad lyrics and enchanting electronic sounds. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

21 . (+12) After School – Diva : 253
22 . (+1) Cho Won Sun – 도레미파솔라시도 ( Do Re Mi Fa So La Si Do ) : 242
23 . (+3) Free Style – 마음으로 하는말 ( Words From The Heart ) : 237
24 . (–) Seo Tai Ji – Juliet : 232
25 . (New) Jo Sung Mo – 행복했었다 ( I Was Happy ) : 226
26 . (-11) Sweet Sorrow – 그대에게 하는 말 ( Words I Say To Her ) : 225
27 . (-8) Rumble Fish – 한사람을 위한 마음 ( Heart For One Person ) : 224
28 . (+6) Bae Sul Gi – 지겨워 ( Tiresome ) : 218
29 . (-8) J-Walk – 사랑한다 외쳐요 ( Shout That You Love ) : 204
30 . (–) W & Whale – High School Sensation : 180
31 . (-9) Lee Seung Chul – 그런 사람 또 없습니다 ( There Is No Other Person Like That ) : 176
32 . (New) Younha – 원투쓰리 ( 1,2,3 ) : 172
33 . (New) Ok Ju Hyun – 사랑한단 말 못해 ( Can’t Say I Love You: MBC Drama "Cinderella Man" OST ) : 166
34 . (-5) AJ – Dancing Shoes : 165
35 . (-3) Brand New Day – 살만해 ( Livable ) : 156
36 . (New) SG Wannabe (feat. Yurisangja Park Seung Hwa) – 사랑해 ( I Love You ) : 146
37 . (-1) Park Hyun Bin – 대찬 인생 ( Big Life ) : 138
38 . (+3) AST’1 – 아쉬운 마음인걸 ( Regretful Heart ) : 120
39 . (-2) The D.A.Y – 그대라는 ( You Are… ) : 113
40 . (-9) Park Hye Kyung (feat. Sang Chu) – 나 매력없니… ( Do I Have No Charm… ) : 98
41 . (New) Navi (feat. Crown J) – 마음이 다쳐서 ( My Heart Is Hurt ) : 93
42 . (+5) Jang Ki Ha & Faces – 달이 차오른다, 가자 ( The Moon Is Rising, Let’s Go ) : 90
43 . (New) Lee Soo Young – 여우랍니다 (It’s A Fox: MBC Drama "Queen Of Housewives" OST ) : 81
44 . (-6) Joo Hyun Mi & Seo Hyun (SNSD) – 짜라자짜 ( Jja La Ja Jja ) : 80
45 . (New) Shinee – 보디가드 ( Bodyguard ) : 76
46 . (New) Han Seung Yeon (Kara) – 기적 (Miracle) : 72
47 . (-7) Dynamic Duo – Beyond The Wall : 70
48 . (New) Kang Kyun Sung & Nicole (Kara) – 해피 엔드 ( Happy And ) : 69
49 . (New) Holladang – I Love Your Smile : 60
50 . (-1) Tae.1 – 이불을 빨았어 ( Washed My Bedsheets ) : 58

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

BONUS TRACK:
Cha Soo Kyung – 빈가슴 (Half A Heart)
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Cha Soo Kyung digital single "Karpos" track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Singer Cha Soo Kyung had gained much popularity after participating in 5 tracks, including the title number, Can’t Forgive, in the SBS daily drama series, Wife’s Temptation. This is her debut single, and the song we are focusing on is Half a Heart. Cha, who was nicknamed as the Korean Mariah Carey for having the vocal range of seven octaves, has composed, penned, and arranged the orchestra accompaniment for this song. The lyrics are about the hard times a singer has endured, almost to the point of giving up the dreams of being one. (credits to motoway065)

 

 

 

 

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
H.O.T – Candy
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: H.O.T Vol. 1 (1996) Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This week we featured H.O.T (High-Five Of Teenagers), one of the most successful and legendary boy band in k-pop history.   The 5-member group include Moon Hee Jun (leader), Kangta, Jang Woo Hyuk, Tony An, and Lee Jae Won.  They are all household names even of today.  Candy is the first track from H.O.T’s first album "We hate all kinds of violence". This song was extremely popular and still one of the most remembered songs for its cute dances, outfits and fun!  The success of H.O.T paved ways for many boy bands today.  At the height of their career in 2001, the group abruptly disbanded.  To this date it is still a mystery as of why they broke up at that moment.  Many pointed fingers to their record company SM entertainment and angry fans surrounded outside SM’s office for many days nearly causing a riot.  Nonetheless, all 5 members went on to have successful solo careers: Moon Hee Jun became a successful singer-songwriter, Kangta is very active on both music and drama scene, Jang Woo Hyuk, Tony An, and Lee Jae Won first formed JTL and later also have their own successful solo careers.  To this date, H.O.T is still very popular and is the No. 1 group of many k-pop fans. (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 + MP3 Download 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 Lee Hana Peppermint, YTN Live Power Music, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%