Weekly Music Chart 2009 - May week 1

1. (–) Son Dam Bi – 토요일밤에 (Saturday Night) *** 2 WEEKS NO. 1 ***   
Score: 891
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 remains No. 1 for the 2nd straight week with "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" is another Brave Brothers composition.  It has swept the top ranking on almost all the major music charts and gayo shows in Korea.  Congratulations to Son Dam Bi.

 

 

 

 

2. (–) Super Junior – Sorry Sorry   
Score: 822
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Yoo Young Jin
Album: Super Junior Vol. 3 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Super Junior’s same-titled third album. It’s a dance song of the urban minimal funky genre created by songwriter Yoo Young-jin. It features an exciting beat and the highly addictive chorus saying "Shawty". This trendy song stands apart from Super Junior’s previous songs. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

3. (+1) K.Will – 눈물이 뚝뚝 (Dropping The Tears)
Score: 738
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: This is the representative track for K.will’s first mini album. The song starts with a simple piano melody and combines magnificent orchestra tunes and drum beats. K.will’s more mature and moving voice sings about a heartbreaking separation. Yuri of Girls’ Generation stars in the music video as a mature woman who sheds tears. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

4. (+1) Lim Chang Jung – 오랜만이야 (It’s Been A Long Time)
Score: 727
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: Moving up once again at 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".

 

 

 

 

5. (+1) 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: This is the representative track for 2AM’s second single album, "Time For Confession." The R&B song features a sweet melody with 2AM’s unique harmonies. The song and lyrics were both written by Park Jin-young. The lyrics, which go well with 2AM’s masculine and strong voices, are about a man who confesses to an old friend. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

 

 

 

 

6. (-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)

 

 

 

 

7. (+1) Zi-A – 터질 것 같아 (Feel Like Exploding)
Score: 686
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" moves up another spot to No. 7 this week.  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.

 

 

 

 

8. (New) Davichi – My Man *** HOT SHOT DEBUT *** 
Score: 608
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Park Hae Woon, Park Hae Moon / Lyrics: Lee Sang Baek, DK4RG
Album: Davichi mini-album "Davichi In Wonderland" Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: "My Man" is the follow-up song of Davichi’s mini-album "Davichi In Wonderland".  It is our highest debut this week. The title track "8282" has already gone No. 1 and the follow-up track made an impressive debut.  Davichi have become one of the most popular female groups in Korea now.  They are known for their good vocals and cute outfits on stage.  Let’s see if this song will become another top hit for the duo. 

 

 

 

 

9. (+16) Jo Sung Mo – 행복했었다 (I Was Happy)   
Score: 589
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Jo Sung Mo Vol. 7 Track 7 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The latest superstar coming back from his military duties, Jo Sung Mo finally returns after four long years with his seventh album. The concept of this new album is “things that touch people” and like the album title suggests, Jo Sung Mo shows another side of him, turning a bit away from solely ballads. However, the title track "I Was Happy" is the familiar Jo Sung Mo-style ballad song that fans have been missing for many years.  It only took 2 weeks to get into the top 10.  With album sales also going well, it is safe to say that Jo Sung Mo hasn’t lost a bit of his popularity.

 

 

 

 

10. (-1) Big Bang & 2NE1 – Lollipop  
Score: 519
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 some time in May.

 

 

 

 

11. (+10) After School – Diva
Score: 431
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: After School digital single "Diva" Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is After School’s first digital single and also marks a new addition to their group. A 6th member, UEE, joins the 5 girls for their new song Diva. The song is produced by the Brave Brothers, who also wrote the No. 1 song this week and has hip-hop feel mixed with electronica. (credits to ~S2~)

 

 

 

 

12. (+20) Younha – 원투쓰리 (1,2,3) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***   
Score: 428
Genre: Piano Rock

Album: Younha Vol. 3 Part A Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Coming back with her 3rd album, Younha sings about the three most important things in life – peace, love & ice cream. The talented 21-year-old singer has adopted a softer, more feminine look for her album photos, but it’s the same strong voice that’s leading the way for her third Korean album.  The title track, 1,2,3, has her trademark unique piano rock with pop sounds along with brass and percussion accompaniment.  It is our biggest mover this week and is certain to become her latest top-10 hit next week.

 

 

 

 

13. (-2) YB – 아직도 널 (Still You)   
Score: 390
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.

 

 

 

 

14. (New) 2PM – Again & Again   
Score: 357
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2PM single album "2:00PM Time For Change" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: With their counterpart 2AM in the top 10, 2PM also make their presence felt this week, debuting at No. 14 with their latest hit "Again & Again", which is the title song of their just-released mini-album "2:00 PM Time For Change".  Once again, Asia’s top composer, Park Jin Young (JYP), produced this album as well as composed the title number. Again and Again is a dance track that incorporates bass rhythm and electronic synth instruments. It involves dance, song, b-boying, bodybuilding, and acrobatic dance moves. To spice things up, Vlado Meller, known as the genius of mastering, and Brian Stanley took part in mastering and mixing.

 

 

 

 

15. (-2) Lee Eun Mi – 헤어지는 중입니다 (In The Middle Of Breaking Up)   
Score: 342
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.

 

 

 

 

16. (-1) Kim Jong Kook (feat. Shorry J) – 행복병 (Happiness Sickness)   
Score: 331
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.

 

 

 

 

17. (-5) Bobby Kim – 사랑..그 놈 (Love…This Person)
Score: 311
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)

 

 

 

 

18. (-1) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 전화하지마 (Don’t Call Me On The Phone)    
Score: 299
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 come back with a studio album.  In this album, many of their digital hit songs are 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.

 

 

 

 

19. (+17) SG Wannabe (feat. Yurisangja Baek Seung Hwa) – 사랑해 (I Love You)   
Score: 285
Genre: Folk Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: SG Wannabe Vol. 6 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: A month after releasing their debut J-pop album, Korea’s top vocal group SG Wannabe return to native ground for their highly-anticipated sixth album. This time SG Wannabe made a point to go back to the basics and back to their original musical inspiration, Simon & Garfunkel (in case you don’t know, that is what their SG stands for). Title song "I Love You" is a folk pop song reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel-style.  It also features Yurisangja’s Park Soon Ha.  Korea’s top composer Cho Young Soo, who has written many big hits for SG Wannabe, is again the mastermind behind this song.

 

 

 

 

20. (+13) Ok Ju Hyun – 사랑한단 말 못해 (Can’t Say I Love You: MBC Drama "Cinderella Man" OST)   
Score: 277
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo, Oh Sung Hoon / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung
Album: MBC Drama "Cinderella Man" OST Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song from Kwon Sang Woo’s latest drama "Cinderella Man" where he takes on two roles.  The drama co-stars SNSD’s Yoon Ah, Song Chang Ui, and Han Eun Jung.  The drama OST has been attracting just as much attention as the drama thanks to the participation of Korea’s favorite balladeer Shin Seung Hun, who sings the love theme. Popular singer Oak Joo Hyun is also contributing to the title song, which enters our top 20 this week. (credits to ~S2~)

 

 

 

 

21 . (-2) Tiffany (SNSD) – 나 혼자서 ( Be Myself ) : 273
22 . (-6) Epik High – Map The Soul : 257
23 . (-13) Wheesung – Insomnia : 249
24 . (-10) Hwa Yobi – 반쪽 ( Half ) : 234
25 . (+2) Rumble Fish – 한사람을 위한 마음 ( Heart For One Person ) : 226
26 . (-3) Free Style – 마음으로 하는말 ( Words From The Heart ) : 223
27 . (-9) Someday (feat. Je-A of Brown Eyed Girls) – 알고있나요 ( Do You Know? ) : 216
28 . (New) Yoo Seung Chan – 니가 그립다 ( I Miss You ) : 207
29 . (-7) Cho Won Sun – 도레미파솔라시도 ( Do Re Mi Fa So La Si Do ) : 187
30 . (New) Lee Min Ho – Extreme : 181
31 . (-7) Seo Tai Ji – Juliet : 180
32 . (-2) W & Whale – High School Sensation : 169
33 . (New) Evan – 머리와 심장이 싸우다 ( My Head and Heart Are Fighting ) : 157
34 . (-6) Bae Sul Gi – 지겨워 ( Tiresome ) : 150
35 . (-9) Sweet Sorrow – 그대에게 하는 말 ( Words I Say To Her ) : 142
36 . (New) MC Mong (feat. Navi) – Simple Love : 134
37 . (-6) Lee Seung Chul – 그런 사람 또 없습니다 ( There Is No Other Person Like That ) : 130
38 . (+3) Navi (feat. Crown J) – 마음이 다쳐서 ( My Heart Is Hurt ) : 119
39 . (–) The D.A.Y – 그대라는 ( You Are… ) : 110
40 . (-6) AJ – Dancing Shoes : 100
41 . (-3) AST’1 – 아쉬운 마음인걸 ( Regretful Heart ) : 98
42 . (-13) J-Walk – 사랑한다 외쳐요 ( Shout That You Love ) : 97
43 . (New) Shin Seung Hoon – 내 사람인 것 같아서 ( Because She Seemed Like My Person: MBC Drama "Cinderella Man" OST) : 96
44 . (-7) Park Hyun Bin – 대찬 인생 ( Big Life ) : 95
45 . (-3) Jang Ki Ha & Faces – 달이 차오른다, 가자 ( The Moon Is Rising, Let’s Go ) : 89
46 . (New) F.T Island – Missing You : 83
47 . (–) Dynamic Duo – Beyond The Wall : 82
48 . (–) Kang Kyun Sung & Nicole (Kara) – 해피 엔드 ( Happy And ) : 76
49 . (New) IU – Boo : 68
50 . (-10) Park Hye Kyung (feat. Sang Choo) – 나 매력없니… ( Do I Have No Charm… ) : 59

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS TRACK:
Yoa – Remember
Genre: R&B Ballad

Album: Yoa single "Her Name Is Yoa" Track 1
Listen to: Full Song (thanks to Mardi09 for uploading)
Comment: This is probably my favorite song so far in 2009.  It’s coming from Yoa, who has been featured in many famous artistes’ works, such as those of MC Mong, Jang Woo Hyuk, H-Eugene, and Noblesse.  She has been approved and looked highly upon not only by fans but by Korea’s famous producers. The title track is Remember, which was composed and penned by Yoa herself, in order to show her true and unique colors. This medium-tempo number is about thanking one’s past lover for the memories.  MJ is the featured rapper in this song.

 

 

 

 

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
S – I Swear
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Fr.in.Cl. (2003) Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Three of K-pop’s biggest stars and good friends – Shinhwa’s Shin Hye Sung, former H.O.T. member Kang Ta, and crooner Lee Ji Hun – came together to form a project group called "S". Considering their busy schedules and commitments, it is amazing the members of "S" found time to put out an album together. Their unprecedented collaboration produced 11 soulful tracks combining their musical styles and talented voices. Most of the tracks are mid-tempo and ideal listening for any mood and occasion. The main track I Swear (track 1) is a relaxing and catchy ballad that shows off the boys’ vocals and harmonizing abilities.  The song reached No. 1 on many major music charts back in 2003. (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 Yoo Hee Yeol Sketchbook , YTN Live Power Music, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%