Weekly K-pop Music Chart 2009 - August week 5

1. (–) Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra *** 2 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 978
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Hitchhiker, Lee Min Soo / Lyrics: Kim Lee Na, Miryo
Album: Brown Eyed Girls Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Brown Eyed Girls remains No. 1 with “Abracadabra”, gaining 70 more
points this week to further distance themselves from the competitions.
The quartet has been very successful since switching to up-tempo dance
songs. “Abracadabra” was co-composed by Rollercoaster’s Jinu (Hitch
Hiker) and Lee Min Soo. It is a fresh electronic pop dance number with
BEG members’ electrifying performance and dance moves already is the
talk of the town.

2. (–) MC Mong (feat. Jang Geun Ee, B.I) – 인디언 보이 (Indian Boy)
Score: 882
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: MC Mong
Album: MC Mong Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
MC Mong, the king of mainstream hip-hop, is coming back with his fifth
album Humanimal. The title song “Indian Boy” is still at No. 2 this
week, maintaining his streak of top 5 songs from all his album title
tracks. Indian Boy is written by MC Mong himself and featuring his good
friend Jang Geun Ee and also B.I.

3. (+1) Kara – Wanna
Score: 879
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Han Jae Ho + Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara Vol. 2 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV (English subbed) Live Performance
Comment:
Already having 2 big hits “Pretty Girl” and “Honey” from their
mini-album earlier this year, Kara is coming back for more and
releasing their 2nd full studio album. The title track “Wanna” moves up
1 more spots to No. 3 this week. “Wanna” was produced and composed by
Han Jae Ho and Kim Seung Soo, which is a pop dance track with a
powerful beat and sound. It also has a wonderful chorus that brings out
a tense feeling. Kara is showing a more mature image this time around.

4. (-1) FT Island – 바래 (I Hope)
Score: 847
Genre: Rock
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Kim Se Jin / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Han Sung Ho
Album: FT Island Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
FT Island’s “I Hope” is at No. 4 this week. This song is from their
newly released 3rd album titled “Cross And Change”. Just like their
title name states, FT Island has come with a transformation as well as
a crossover. If their previous albums mainly consisted of rock ballads,
this new one would have more summery bright and cheerful songs. “I
Hope” is of the electronic rock crossover genre that has a strong
melody as well as rapping. Check out the rock remix version of their
latest live performance on Music Bank.

5. (+1) T-Ara – 거짓말 (Lie)
Score: 782
Genre: Pop
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: T-Ara digital single “Lie” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Yet another rookie female group hitting the top 5 with their debut
song. This year in k-pop we have seen perhaps the strongest competition
ever for debutant female groups. 2NE1, 4 minute, After School have
already made major impact to the scene, now a 4th female group is
joining the heated competition. They are 6-member group T-Ara. Their
debut song “Lies” moves up to No. 5 this week. “Lie” was composed by
Korea’s famous composer Cho Young Soo, which is a very addicting song
that will keep people wanting for more. There are two versions of the
title song “Lies”, a dance version and a ballad version. The dance
version has a bokgo feel and electronic sound as oppose to the ballad
version which has more of an acoustic sound to it.

6. (-1) 2NE1 – I Don’t Care
Score: 665
Genre: Hip-hop / R&B
Music + Lyrics: Teddy + Kush
Album: 2NE1 1st mini-album Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of 2NE1’s first mini-album. It is a
medium-tempo R&B pop song with a gentle, reggae-style melody. It
was written by the main YG producer Teddy, who also wrote “Lollipop”
and “Fire,” and Skush of the reggae band Stony Skunk. The addictive
melody of this song is especially impressive. (credits to Arirang TV –
Pops In Seoul)

7. (+1) 4minute – Hot Issue
Score: 577
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Shin Sa Dong Tiger
Album: 4minute digital single “Hot Issue” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of 4Minute’s debut single album. It is a “hook”
song with a funky rhythm of the 1980s and it stands apart from songs
with story-based lyrics. The musical interpretation of vivid colors
makes this song especially stylish. Its free-spirited melody and
rapping are very impressive. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (+9) Mighty Mouth (feat. Han Ye Sul) – 연애특강 (Crash Course In Love)
Score: 529
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: Lee Hyun Do
Album: Mighty Mouth mini-album “Crash Course In Love” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Mighty Mouth debuted in 2008 and brought us new patterns of hip hop
music through their hit songs like “I Love You”, “Energy” and “Family”
off their 1st full album. Their latest mini-album features the harmonic
principal song “Crash Course In Love” becomes their latest top 10 hit
this week. “Crash Course In Love” has a trendy and electro hip-hop beat
that blends well with Mighty Mouth’s rapping and sensual melody. The
song also features top star Han Ye Seul’s charming vocals, which
doubles the enjoyment.

9. (-2) SNSD – 소원을 말해 봐 (Genie)
Score: 457
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Yoo Young Jin
Album: SNSD mini-album Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of Girls’ Generation’s 2nd mini-album. It is a
trendy dance song that was written by the hit-makers Yoo Young-jin and
Yoo Han-jin and the songwriter team “Design Music,” which is famous in
the U.S. and Europe. Its dream-like prelude harmonizes well with its
cheerful chorus. The lyrics are about regaining courage and passion for
life. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

10. (+6) Drunken Tiger – Monster
Score: 454
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Ann1 / Lyrics: Tiger JK
Album: Drunken Tiger Vol. 8 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
One of Korean’s top hip-hop act is back! Tiger JK is back with Drunken
Tiger’s highly anticipated eighth album! Arriving two years after the
last Drunken Tiger release, “feel ghood muzik: the 8th wonder” comes
with double the music for Korean hip-hop fans. Not surprising that this
album immediately becomes a top seller upon release. Tiger JK drops a
whopping 27 new tracks on this two-disc release. Disc 1, titled “Feel
Good Side”, offers a more mainstream hip-hop sound while Disc 2, titled
“Feel Hood Side”, packs hardcore rhymes from the hip-hop guru. The
title song “Monster” is from the “Feel Good Side” CD and the song
finally cracks into the top 10 this week.

11. (-2) Cool – 보고 보고 (To Look To Look)
Score: 425
Genre: Pop
Music: Yoon Il Sang / Lyrics: Lee Seung Ho
Album: Cool Vol. 11 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
For many years, a summer in k-pop is not considered complete without a
hit song from Cool. 2009 is of no exception as the ageless trio is
coming back for their 11th album. The title song “To Look To Look” is
at No. 11 this week. “To Look To Look” is a perfect song for the season
that has cute lyrics that will tickle listeners. The Yoon Il Sang and
Lee Seung Ho combo who also wrote their past hit, I Want Love, composed
this number.

12. (+13) Bada – MAD (feat. Untouchable)
Score: 423
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Bada Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
After successfully promoting her 3rd album “Made in Sea” back in 2006,
Bada advanced into doing musicals like “Notre Dame De Paris” and “200
Pounds Beauty” which were big hits. She even won an award for best
actress at the “2009 Musical Awards”. Having a successful career as a
musical actress for the past two years, she has finally returned back
as a singer and released her 4th album. This album consists of
synth-pop sounds that were popular in the 80s/90s and modern electronic
sounds. Unlike her previous music styles, Bada is bringing back the
bokgo sound. The title song “MAD” made it into the top 20 this week at
No. 12. This fresh and unique song features the rapping of fast rising
hip-hop duo Untouchable.

13. (-1) Lee Seung Ki (feat. Bizniz) – 결혼해줄래 (Will You Marry Me)
Score: 398
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Hwang Sung Jin
Album: Lee Seung Ki digital single “Will You Marry Me” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment:
Lee Seung Ki is at No. 13 this week with his digital single “Will You
Marry Me”. This mellow ballad was composed by Kim Do Hoon, with lyrics
about wanting to live happily ever after with a loved one and even a
child. The MV of this song features footage of his drama “Brilliant
Legacy.”

14. (-4) 2PM – 네가 밉다 (I Hate You)
Score: 394
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Kim Chang Dae
Album: 2PM single album “2:00PM Time For Change” Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This song is included in 2PM’s single album “2:00PM Time For Change.”
It blends the soul groove and trendy two-step styles and features
autotune vocoder sounds, which are very popular in the U.S. The frank
lyrics are about the feelings of a man toward the woman he loves. This
song represents 2PM’s more mature charm. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops
In Seoul)

15. (-2) Outsider – 외톨이 (Loner)
Score: 367
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Big Boy, MC Sniper / Lyrics: Outsider
Album: Outsider Vol. 2 Track 5 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the representative song for Outsider’s second album, “Maestro.”
A hip-hop track, it blends fast beats with a sentimental melody and is
about people struggling in a tough world. Rapid-fire rapping and a
delicate, sensual vibe create a unique style. (credits to Arirang TV –
Pops In Seoul)

16. (+20) Baek Ji Young (feat. 2PM Taec Yeon) – 내 귀에 캔디 (Candy On My Ear) ***BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 345
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: Baek Ji Young mini-album “Ego” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Baek Ji Young follows up last year’s Sensibility with her new mini
album, Ego. Its principal song “Candy On My Ear” is a Europe style
electropop song. Prior to her fame as one of Korea’s top balladeer,
Baek Ji Young debuted as a sexy dance queen. She’ll take this
opportunity to show off her charismatic stage presence and dance
through this song. 2PM’s Taek Yeon (nicknamed as “Beast Idol”) who is
featured on this song, will also be appearing in the music video and
performing on stage with Baek Ji Young, capturing all the idol fans
with his manly voice. Songwriter Hitman Bang who also wrote Baek’s top
ballads “Like Being Hit By A Bullet” and “Is Love A Sin?”, wrote this
song and becoming Baek Ji Young’s latest top 20 hit and is also our
biggest mover of the week.

17. (-3) Roo’ra – 고잉고잉 (Going Going)
Score: 334
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Yoo Gun Hyun / Lyrics: Lee Sang Min
Album: Roo’ra Vol. 9 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Once upon a time in the mid to late 90’s, Roo’ra was the “it” thing,
always bringing fans cutting edge music at that time. They are
definitely one of the old skool k-pop groups. For the first time in 8
years, Roo’ra is releasing a new album titled “A9ain”. The title track
“Going Going” is at No. 17 this week. “Going Going” is a dance track
about moving forward despite not knowing too much about one’s life or
love. The lyrics were penned by Roo’ra leader, Lee Sang Min himself.
Panic rapper, Kim Jin Pyo and underground rapper, Big Tone helped with
the rap making.

18. (-3) Clazziquai – Love Again
Score: 333
Genre: Electronica

Album: Clazziquai Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
After two years hitaus with members Alex and Horan concentrated on
their solo and project group activities respectively, Clazziquai
finally comes back their fourth album Mucho Punk. Always at the
forefront of music, Clazziquai continue to expand their sound and
experiment with different musical genres and styles. This time, they’ve
combined New Wave and punk with their trademark house, pop, and
electronic. This album was produced by DJ Clazzi and was influenced
much by the movie, Nacho Libre. The songs are much more punkish, thus
how the album got its name. The title song “Love Again” is at No. 18
this week. With many big acts returning this summer, Clazziquai offers
us a different sound and will stand out between pop songs.

19. (New) Hwa Yobi – 장미 (Rose) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 322
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Hwa Yobi mini-album “Summer” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
Hwayobi received much love with her song “Half” from her mini album
which was released last February. She is back with another mini album
[SUMMER], which consists of up-tempo songs that are different from her
usual R&B and ballad songs. Her title song “Rose” has a cheerful
house rhythm along with an emotional melody line that was composed by
Jeon Hae Sung. It is our highest debut this week at No. 19.

20. (-2) IU – 있잖아 (You Know)
Score: 321
Genre: Pop / Rock
Music: Kim Se Jin, Seo Jung Jin / Lyrics: Choi Gap Won, Seo Jung Jin
Album: IU Vol. 1 Track 8 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the follow up song from IU’s first full length album “Growing
Up”. The title song “Boo” was a cutesy dance song which went to the top
10. This time “I Know” is a rock style up-tempo song. IU again displays
her amazing talent at such a young age. She has three hits now and all
with very different genres, which is rare for a new artist.

21 . (-10) One Two – 별이 빛나는 밤에 ( Starry Night ) : 312
22 . (+7) Park Hye Kyung – 하이힐 ( High Heel ) : 298
23 . (+4) 8Eight – 울고 싶어 우는 사람이 있갰어 (Cry Mix) ( No One Cries Because They Want To ) : 297
24 . (-5) Supreme Team – 슈퍼매직 ( Super Magic ) : 271
25 . (-2) Son Dam Bi/After School – 아몰레드 ( Amoled ) : 244
26 . (-6) Wax – 결국 너야 ( In The End, It’s You ) : 213
27 . (+4) M to M (feat. Nassun) – 1004 (너는 내운명2) ( 1004 (You Are My Destiny 2) ) : 197
28 . (-2) Hong Jin Young – 사랑의 배터리 ( Love’s Battery ) : 187
29 . (-5) DNT – 정신없이 예뻐  ( Crazily Pretty ) : 169
30 . (New) Hwang Bo – R2Song : 147
31 . (-1) MC The Max – So Sick : 135
32 . (+1) Winter Play – Gypsy Girl : 127
33 . (+2) Flower Go Yoo Jin – 바보라서…(고질병) ( Because I Am A Fool (Inveterate Disease) ) : 124
34 . (-13) Park Myung Soo/Jessica (SNSD) – 냉면 ( Cold Noodles ) : 120
35 . (-13) SHINee – 줄리엣 ( Juliette ) : 105
36 . (-8) Yoo Jae Suk, Tiger JK, T – Let’s Dance : 102
37 . (–) Brand New Day (Narr. Lee Soo Geun) – 천생연분 ( Match Made In Heaven ) : 99
38 . (+4) Jo Sung Mo – 영원한 하나 ( Forever One ) : 94
39 . (-5) Epik High (feat. DH-Style) – Fly Higher : 90
40 . (+4) Jo Gyu Chan – 소녀를 만나다 ( Meet A Girl ) : 86
41 . (+2) Cho Won Sun – 아무도 아무것도 ( Anyone, Anything ) : 75
42 . (-4) Lee Seung Chul – 손톱이 빠져서 ( My Nails Came Off ) : 72
43 . (+6) Just – 이게 뭐야 ( What’s This? ) : 65
44 . (+1) Lee Soo Geun – 해피송 ( Happy Song ) : 64
45 . (New) Face Without A Name – 제묵없음 ( No Title ) : 53
46 . (New) Chae Yeon – 바보야 ( Hey Fool ) : 52
47 . (-8) The Nuts – 바다에 입맞춤 ( Touch The Sea With Lips ) : 45
48 . (New) Ra.D – Mal Love : 40
49 . (-17) Seo Tai Ji – 아침의 눈 ( Morning Snow ) : 31
50 . (–) Sori – Boy Boy : 21

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

BONUS TRACK:
Urban Zakapa – 커피를 마시고 (Drinking Coffee)
Genre: Acoustic R&B

Album: Urban Zakapa mini-album “Drinking Coffee” Track 1
Listen to: Full Song Watch: Live Performance (thanks to Mardi09 for uploading)
Comment:
Acoustic R&B soul band, Urban Zakapa has already helped various
rappers such as Leessang by lending their voices in their songs. This
group is of the acoustic soul genre with groovy and soul-ish feels. The
title track of this album is Drinking Coffee which has fresh lyrics and
a familiar melody that listeners can easily remember. (credits to motoway065 for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
Park Hwa Yobi – 당신과의 키스를 세어보아요 (Counting the kisses with you)
Genre: R&B Ballad

Album: Park Hwa Yobi Vol. 4 (2004) Track 3
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Hwa Yobi, originally known as Park Hwayobi is an Korean R&B singer
and has released 6 full albums, 2 mini-albums, and some special albums.
Hwayobi’s career started when she won the grand prize on a local radio
talent show in her second year of high school. Her first debut album
was My All in 2000. She changed her stage name to Hwayobi in 2006.
“Counting the Kisses with you” is a soulful song from her 4th album about
reminiscing past love through the kisses they shared. Today’s Hwa Yobi
is very different from her earlier years, both in her style and in her
music. Her songs are a lot more mainstream today and she also made a
lot more TV appearances now compared to earlier in her career. (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 + 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%