May 2009 Week 5: Weekly Music Chart

1. (–) 2PM – Again & Again *** 3 WEEKS NO. 1 ***   
Score: 962
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 remain No. 1 for the 3rd straight week with “Again & Again”.  This song has already topped MNet’s M!Countdown chart (3 weeks) and also won the Inky Gayo Mutizen award twice.  With the music scene at a standstill last week, it is no surprise to see this song still No. 1.  2PM’s electrifying dance moves and strong vocals have won the heart of many fans.  They are the latest sensation produced by Park Jin Young (JYP).  Congratulations.

2. (–) SG Wannabe (feat. Yurisangja Baek Seung Hwa) – 사랑해 (I Love You)   
Score: 848
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: This is the representative track for SG Wannabe’s 6th album, “Gift From SG WANNABE”. Composer Cho Young-soo, who has long produced the group’s tracks, produced this Simon & Garfunkel-style song, which features beautiful harmonies. The music video tells a sad love story between actor Baek Jong-min and Jiyeon, a new member of SeeYa. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

3. (–) Younha – 원투쓰리 (1,2,3)   
Score: 741
Genre: Piano Rock

Music: F. Hult, S. Kosug / Lyrics: NANA
Album: Younha Vol. 3 Part A Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the representative track for Younha’s third album “Part.A Peace Love & Ice Cream”. Cheerful and lively, the song is about the mind of a girl in love and features attractive brass and percussion sounds. Younha shows off a more mature and lovely side in the music video. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

4. (+12) See Ya, Davichi, and Ji-Yeon (T-Ara) – 여성시대 (Women’s Generation)
Score: 728
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: See Ya, Davichi & T-ara digital single “Women’s Generation” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: If last week’s 12-notch jump is not impressive enough, this week’s same leap certainly is.  Members from three of MNet Entertainment’s girl groups joined forces for a project single.  “Women’s Generation” is a pop/dance song with a slight trot style.  New group T-Ara’s member Ji-Yeon joined See Ya and Davichi in this collaboration, which reminds us of last year’s Color Pink.  This song is competing with 2NE1’s “Fire” in most internet music charts in Korea, with a slight edge that is also reflected on this chart.  

5. (+10) 2NE1 – Fire   
Score: 705
Genre: Hip-hop / R&B / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Teddy
Album: 2NE1 digital single “Fire” Track 1
Watch: MV (Space Version) MV (Street Version) Live Performance
Comment: Taking K-pop by storm is 2NE1 (To Anyone), the first girl group from YG Entertainment.  Despite limited TV exposure, their debut single “Fire” only needed 2 weeks to make it into the top 5.  2NE1 are known as the female version of Big Bang.  Last month, they had a collaboration with Big Bang “Lollipop” and used the song to introduce the new group.  Many girl groups are work-in-progress when they debut, but this group is definitely a finished product.  Thanks to their prolonged training, they are already performing like veterans. 2NE1 will definitely make a major impact on k-pop for years to come.  

6. (-2) K.Will – 눈물이 뚝뚝 (Dropping The Tears)
Score: 699
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) 

7. (-1) Park Ji Yoon – 바래진 기억에 (In A Faded Memory)
Score: 611
Genre: Jazz Ballad

Album: Park Ji Yoon Vol. 7 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Park Ji Yoon’s comeback hit “In A Faded Memory” dropped a spot to No. 7 this week.  No longer a bubbly teenage girl, Park Ji Yoon made a 180-degree change to her music style, singing acoustic and jazz ballads now.  Back in the days she never had a chance to showcase her vocal talent.  Many doubted whether she could make it through this transformation.  After a few live performances and also solid album sales, she has silenced all her critics.

8. (New) Super Junior – 너라고 (It’s You) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***   
Score: 578
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: E-Tribe
Album: Super Junior Vol. 3 Version C Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Latest hit from Super Junior “It’s You” is our highest debut this week.  This song is coming from the newly released C version of their 3rd album, which has 4 new songs, including this title track.  It’s written by E-Tribe, who also wrote SNSD’s “Gee” earlier this year.  Unlike their former No. 1 song “Sorry Sorry”, “It’s You” is more mellow and pop-oriented.  For sure it will become another big hit for Super Junior. 

9. (-4) Son Dam Bi – 토요일밤에 (Saturday Night)   
Score: 564
Genre: Pop / Dance 

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: Son Dam Bi Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Son Dam-bi’s 1st album “Type B”. It is a pop dance song featuring retro sounds of the 1980s and it was written by Yonggamhan Hyeongje, who also wrote “Crazy”. They created the mood of the 1980s retro futurism by using electronic synthesizer sounds and drum source. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul) 

10. (-3) Davichi – My Man   
Score: 550
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: This song is included in Davichi’s first mini-album “Davichi In Wonderland”. It is a cheerful dance song about the feelings of a woman who has just fallen in love. The music video shows Kwang-soo of Cho Shin Sung, who shows off his masculine charm. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

11. (-2) IU – Boo   
Score: 525
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Han Sang Won / Lyrics: Han Sang Won, Choi Kap Won
Album: IU Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: After scoring her first top-10 hit last week, teenage sensation IU falls back 2 spots to No. 11 with “Boo”.  It is a cutesy dance song which is probably more reflective of IU’s age.  Many fans seem to be disappointed by this switch to dance music after the impressive “Mia”.  But we have to realise that this is the trend of many debuting female k-pop singers or groups in the past 2 years.  They started out with a ballad that proved the artiste can sing, and then gradually switch to more pop, dance trendy type of songs.  This formula has proved to be successful for many singers, and here is another example.

12. (+14) Lee Seung Chul – 손톱이 빠져서 (My Nails Came Off)   
Score: 486
Genre: Rock Ballad

Album: Lee Seung Chul Vol. 10 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Veteran Lee Seung Chul has returned with his 10th album titled Mutopia, mixing the two words “music” and “utopia” together to show fans the journey music has taken him throughout his life. The title track is “My Nails Came Off”, which was composed by Jun Hae Sung, who also wrote the song “Long Day.” The song has a rock style and Lee Seung Chul’s trademark sincere vocals, easily adding this one to the collections of his many top-20 hits.

13. (-5) After School – Diva
Score: 443
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: After School digital single “Diva” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: After School scored their 2nd top-10 hit last week with their first digital single “Diva”.  This week it falls back 5 spots to No. 13.  A 6th member, UEE, joins the 5 girls for this new song. The song is produced by the Brave Brothers.  It has a hip-hop feel mixed with electronica.

14. (-4) Jo Sung Mo – 행복했었다 (I Was Happy)   
Score: 439
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 that fans have been missing for many years.

15. (-1) 8Eight – 심장이 없어 (Don’t Have A Heart)   
Score: 434
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)

16. (+9) Chae Yeon – 흔들려 (Shake)
Score: 413
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Chae Yeon mini-album “Shake” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Sexy diva Chae Yeon returns with a mini-album “Shake”, and the title song of the same name enters our top 20 this week at No. 16.  DJ Koo of Clon also offered 2 re-mixed versions of this song.  While Chae Yeon was on hiatus from music between her last album and now, many female singles with similar styles to hers have emerged.  Now Chae Yeon is out to re-capture her fans once again.  The timing of this release is good as we are getting into summer and dance hits always do well in this season.

17. (-5) Zi-A – 터질 것 같아 (Feel Like Exploding)
Score: 370
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: This is the representative track for ZiA’s first mini-album, “Orchestra”. It’s a sad song that’s sure to move anyone who has known heartbreaking love. The song showcases ZiA’s uniquely attractive voice while the music video stars Lee Hyun-jin and Kim Min-ji in a unique story. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul) 

18. (+1) MC Mong (feat. Navi) – Simple Love   
Score: 316
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Blue Brand – 12 Doors Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: The latest hit by MC Mong is not coming from his new album.  Instead, it is coming from a much anticipated compilation album “Brand Brand – 12 Doors” featuring 12 different well known hip-hop artistes.  “Simple Love” is the title song of this album.  Navi, who also has her own hit song on the chart, lends her vocal alongside MC Mong’s rap.

19. (-2) Evan – 머리와 심장이 싸우다 (My Head and Heart Are Fighting)   
Score: 265
Genre: Urban Jazz Ballad

Music: Anders Bergstrom, Jesper Jakobsson / Lyrics: Evan
Album: Evan mini-album “Sense & Sensibility” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Evan’s 1st mini-album “Sense ＆ Sensibility”. It is a sad ballad performed with Evan’s charming voice, which harmonizes perfectly with the chorus. It features magnificent sounds and an addictive melody. The lyrics are about one’s struggle to balance sense and sensibility. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

20. (-9) 2AM – 친구의 고백 (Friend’s Confession)   
Score: 249
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)

21 . (+1) Yoo Seung Chan – 니가 그립다 ( I Miss You ) : 225
22 . (+5) Tiffany (SNSD) – 나 혼자서 ( Be Myself ) : 222
23 . (+5) Navi (feat. Crown J) – 마음이 다쳐서 ( My Heart Is Hurt ) : 219
24 . (+6) Jun Jin (feat. Son Dam Bi) – Hey Ya! : 214
25 . (-5) Ok Ju Hyun – 사랑한단 말 못해 ( Can’t Say I Love You: MBC Drama “Cinderella Man” OST ) : 204
26. (+22) Hye Ryoung – 나 왜 헤어져 (Why Did I Break Up) : 200 *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
27 . (-3) Lee Eun Mi – 헤어지는 중입니다 ( In the Middle Of Breaking Up ) : 188
28 . (-5) Bobby Kim – 사랑..그 놈 ( Love…This Person ) : 177
29 . (New) Ilac – 그때 그 여자 ( That Girl At That Time ) : 161
30 . (New) Kim Dong Ryul – 고독한 항해 ( Lonely Voyage ) : 156
31 . (New) The Blue (feat. SNSD Tiffany & Soo Young) – 너만을 느끼며 ( Feel Only You ) : 155
32 . (+7) In Soon Yi – Fantasia : 125
33 . (New) Lee Jung Hyun – Crazy : 123
34 . (-13) Lee Jun Ki – J Style : 120
35 . (-2) Oh Jong Hyuk – Cry : 116
36 . (New) Tae Goon – 슈퍼스타 ( Superstar ) : 109
37 . (-5) W & Whale – High School Sensation : 107
38 . (New) Na Yoon Kwon – 미행 ( Shadow ) : 106
39 . (-3) Kim Jin Pyo (feat. Jandi) – 쿨하게 헤어지는 방법 ( Breaking Up Coolly ) : 87
40 . (-5) Haptic Mission – Mission No. 4 : 82
41 . (New) Namolla Family – 사랑밖에 난 몰라 ( I Only Know Love ) : 81
42 . (New) Kim Jong Wook (feat. Kang Min Kyung) – 척하면 척 ( If You Pretend ) : 71
43 . (-12) Kim Jong Kook – 따줘 ( To Pick ) : 66
44 . (+2) Jang Ki Ha & Faces – 싸구려 커피 ( Cheap Coffee ) : 60
45 . (New) Gavy NJ (Hye Young) & Jang Hye Jin – Twilight 영원토록 ( Twlight Forever ) : 57
46 . (New) Kebee (feat. Soulman) – Go Space : 55
47 . (New) Subin – 어쩜 ( Oh My ) : 51
48 . (-10) T-Ara – 좋은 사람 ( Good Person: MBC Drama “Cinderella Man” OST ) : 50
49 . (-4) Solbi – 벌 받을 거야 ( Receiving Your Punishment ) : 48
50 . (New) Three Musketeers – 가자 ( Go ) : 45

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

BONUS TRACK:
Lee Hyuk (Norazo) – 남자 (Man)
Genre: Rock Ballad

Album: Lee Hyuk digital single “Arche” track 1
Watch: Live Performance
Comment: When you think of Norazo’s music, fun songs and colorful costumes come to mind.  Member Lee Hyuk recently released his first solo single “Man”.  The style is completely different and it showcases how talented a musician Lee Hyuk is.  This rock ballad was composed by Oh Kwang Suk, who also wrote Norazo’s track, Let Me Introduce to You my Run away Girlfriend. The lyrics, which were penned by Lee Young Jun, will flow through listeners’ ears and hearts as the song tells the tale of confessing one’s love to a girl.  One can feel Lee Hyuk’s emotional vocal with the song.

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
Brown Eyes – 벌써 일년 (Already One Year)
Genre: R&B Ballad

Album: Brown Eyes Vol. 1 (2001) Track 2
Watch: MV
Comment: In 2001, a faceless group took k-pop by storm.  Back then, k-pop was dominated by dance groups or pop ballad singers.  R&B music was beginning to take shape but most of the songs were westernized.  The introduction of Brown Eyes re-defines today’s Korean R&B to a large extent – mid-tempo addictive melodies with harmonized vocals.  “Already One Year” was the first song of this kind to become a big hit.  Even more amazing was that Brown Eyes never came out to perform and promote the song, and it still topped a lot of music charts.  Their debut album also sold over 1 million copies.  Besides its addictive melody, “Already One Year” has a movie-like MV starring Kim Hyun Joo.  Brown Eyes broke up after the 2nd album but re-united last year to release a special 3rd album.  Members Yoon Gun and Na-Ul now have successful solo careers.  Na-Ul also formed another R&B group Brown Eyed Soul.  Despite their brief existence, Brown Eyes have made a deep impact on today’s k-pop music.

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%