Weekly Music Chart 2009 - May week 2

1. (–) Son Dam Bi – 토요일밤에 (Saturday Night) *** 3 WEEKS NO. 1 ***   
Score: 816
Genre: Pop / Dance 

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: Son Dam Bi Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Despite a low score, Son Dam Bi was able to hold on to the top spot for another 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. (+10) Younha – 원투쓰리 (1,2,3)   
Score: 809
Genre: Piano Rock

Album: Younha Vol. 3 Part A Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Younha made another big move this week, up 10 more spots all the way to No. 2, with her latest hit "1,2,3".  This song has her trademark unique piano rock with pop sounds, along with brass and percussion accompaniment.  It will be a serious contender for the top spot next week.

 

 

 

 

3. (+11) 2PM – Again & Again   
Score: 788
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: 2PM’s latest hit "Again & Again" just needed 2 weeks to get into the top 3, up 11 spots this week. 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 a 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.  This song is already No. 1 on MNet’s M!Countdown chart, and has a good chance to do the same here next week.

 

 

 

 

4. (-2) Super Junior – Sorry Sorry   
Score: 760
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)

 

 

 

 

5. (-2) K.Will – 눈물이 뚝뚝 (Dropping The Tears)
Score: 719
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)

 

 

 

 

6. (+2) Davichi – My Man   
Score: 700
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: Follow-up song of Davichi’s mini-album "Davichi In Wonderland" moves up two spots this week to No. 6.  The title track "8282" has already reached No. 1 on all music charts in Korea and also here.  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.

 

 

 

 

7. (+12) SG Wannabe (feat. Yurisangja Baek Seung Hwa) – 사랑해 (I Love You)   
Score: 692
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: Korea’s top vocal group SG Wannabe return to the top 10 with "I Love You".  This song is a folk pop song reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel’s style, which is the group’s inspiration (SG).  It also features Yurisangja’s Baek Seung Hwa.  Korea’s top composer Cho Young Soo, who has written many big hits for SG Wannabe, is again the mastermind behind this song.

 

 

 

 

8. (-3) 2AM – 친구의 고백 (Friend’s Confession)   
Score: 690
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)

 

 

 

9. (-3) 8Eight – 심장이 없어 (Don’t Have A Heart)   
Score: 672
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)

 

 

 

 

10. (-1) Jo Sung Mo – 행복했었다 (I Was Happy)   
Score: 608
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.  With album sales also going well, it is safe to say that Jo Sung Mo hasn’t lost a bit of his popularity.

 

 

 

 

11. (-7) Lim Chang Jung – 오랜만이야 (It’s Been A Long Time)
Score: 607
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: At No. 11 is 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".

 

 

 

 

12. (-5) Zi-A – 터질 것 같아 (Feel Like Exploding)
Score: 585
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 at No. 12 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.

 

 

 

 

13. (-2) After School – Diva
Score: 469
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~)

 

 

 

 

14. (+6) Ok Ju Hyun – 사랑한단 말 못해 (Can’t Say I Love You: MBC Drama "Cinderella Man" OST)   
Score: 331
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 also contributes to the title song, which moves up to No. 14 this week. (credits to ~S2~)

 

 

 

 

15. (-5) Big Bang & 2NE1 – Lollipop  
Score: 326
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 officially debuted last week with their first single "Fire".

 

 

 

 

16. (-3) YB – 아직도 널 (Still You)   
Score: 324
Genre: Rock

Music: Park Tae Hee / Lyrics: Yoon Do Hyun
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.

 

 

 

 

17. (+23) AJ – Dancing Shoes *** CO-BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 281
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: AJ 1st mini-album Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: New artiste AJ has his first top-20 hit.  After bubbling under the top 20 for several weeks, this week his song "Dancing Shoes" made a surprise jump into the top 20, and is our co-biggest mover of the week.  "Dancing Shoes" is written by Brave Brothers, one of three songs written by them in the top 20 this week.

 

 

 

 

18. (+13) Seo Tai Ji – Juliet   
Score: 277
Genre: Rock

Album: Seo Tai Ji 8th Atomos Part Secret Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Teaser Live Performance
Comment: K-pop icon Seo Tai Ji made a mighty comeback in 2008 with the best-selling single 8th Atomos Part Moai. The musical story continues in 2009 with 8th Atomos Part Secret, the second single off his upcoming eighth album. The rock legend’s new single is about the truth of the world being shrouded in a veil of secrecy, and true to the theme, the release itself has also been masked in mystery. 8th Atomos Part Secret comes with four tracks, including this week’s top-20 hit "Juliet".  Tickets for Seo Tai Ji’s single launch concerts, cryptically titled Wormhole, sold out in just 20 minutes.  Seo Tai Ji also made rare stage appearances on gayo shows to promote this song.

 

 

 

 

19. (-2) Bobby Kim – 사랑..그 놈 (Love…This Person)
Score: 267
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)

 

 

 

 

20. (-5) Lee Eun Mi – 헤어지는 중입니다 (In The Middle Of Breaking Up)   
Score: 261
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.

 

 

 

 

21 . (+7) Yoo Seung Chan – 니가 그립다 ( I Miss You ) : 242
22 . (+11) Evan – 머리와 심장이 싸우다 ( My Head and Heart Are Fighting ) : 240
23 . (+13) MC Mong (feat. Navi) – Simple Love : 234
24 . (-3) Tiffany (SNSD) – 나 혼자서 ( Be Myself ) : 227
25 . (-7) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 전화하지마 ( Don’t Call Me On the Phone ) : 217
26. (+23) IU – Boo : 214 *** CO-BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
27 . (+7) Bae Sul Gi – 지겨워 ( Tiresome ) : 167
28 . (-6) Epik High – Map The Soul : 160
29 . (–) Cho Won Sun – 도레미파솔라시도 ( Do Re Mi Fa So La Si Do ) : 159
30 . (+5) Sweet Sorrow – 그대에게 하는 말 ( Words I Say To Her ) : 151
31. (+7) Navi (feat. Crown J) – 마음이 다쳐서 ( My Heart Is Hurt ) : 149
32 . (-16) Kim Jong Kook (feat. Shorry J) – 행복병 ( Happiness Sickness ) : 146
33. (New) Park Ji Yoon – 바래진 기억에 (In A Faded Memory) : 145 *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
34 . (New) Lee Jun Ki – J Style : 141
35 . (-3) W & Whale – High School Sensation : 134
36 . (-6) Lee Min Ho – Extreme : 133
37 . (+6) Shin Seung Hoon – 내 사람인 것 같아서 ( Because She Seemed Like My Person ) : 131
38 . (New) Solbi – 벌 받을 거야 ( Receiving Your Punishment ) : 128
39 . (–) The D.A.Y – 그대라는 ( You Are… ) : 110
40 . (New) Ran – 너를 비운다 ( Empty You ) : 106
41 . (New) AST’1 – Dynamite : 105
42 . (New) Jang Ki Ha & Faces – 싸구려 커피 ( Cheap Coffee ) : 85
43 . (-16) Someday (feat. Je-A) – 알고있나요 ( Do You Know? ) : 84
44 . (New) H-Eugene (feat. Lyn) – 사랑인가봐 ( It Must Be Love ) : 83
45 . (+3) Kang Kyun Sung & Nicole (Kara) – 해피 엔드 ( Happy And ) : 78
46 . (New) Hwang Bo – 믿을 수 없는 말 ( Words I Can’t Trust ) : 77
47 . (-3) Park Hyun Bin – 대찬 인생 ( Big Life ) : 56
48 . (New) Yozoh – 허니 허니 베이비 ( Honey Honey Baby ) : 48
49 . (New) Vitamin – 그래 ( Yes ) : 40
50.  (New) Happy Face 보여 ( I See ) : 38

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

BONUS TRACK:
Biuret – Dreams Come True
Genre: Rock

Album: Biuret Vol. 2 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: There are many female-fronted rock/modern rock bands in Korea, but all-female rock bands are still a rarity.  Biuret is an all-female rock trio.  They debuted back in 2005, and this is only their 2nd full studio album.  Their music reminds us of Cherry Filter.  Lead singer Moon Hye Won has a powerful voice.  "Dreams Come True" is the title song of their new album.  They have come out to perform occasionally on music shows.  Hopefully Biuret will get more recognition.

 

 

 

 

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
G.O.D – To my mother
Genre: Pop

Album: G.O.D Vol. 1 Track 6 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: It’s Mother’s Day and to fit the theme this week, we feature G.O.D.’s "To My Mother". G.O.D was a five-member group and the name stands for Groove Over Dose.  Together with H.O.T, they were two of the most successful k-pop boy bands ever.  While H.O.T were more famous for their dance hits, G.O.D’s music was more contemporary.  Son Ho Young, Kim Tae Woo, Danny Ahn, Park Joon Hyung, Yoon Kye Sang were the five members.  They have gone on to do solo activities and are all household names now.  But their first album and debut song in 1999 "To my mother" was a big hit and is still famous. This song is just perfect for Mother’s Day. (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%