Weekly K-pop Music Chart 2009 - September week 1

1. (–) Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra *** 3 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 965
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 for the 3rd straight week with
“Abracadabra”. 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. (+1) Kara – Wanna
Score: 847
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:
Kara moves up one more spot with “Wanna”. This song won the Inky Gayo
Mutizen song last 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.

3. (+2) T-Ara – 거짓말 (Lie)
Score: 789
Genre: Pop
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: T-Ara digital single “Lie” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Rookie female group T-Ara is having their first top 3 hit with their
debut song “Lie”. 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 T-Ara is
joining the heated competition. “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.

4. (–) FT Island – 바래 (I Hope)
Score: 788
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:
This is the title song of F.T.Island’s third studio album “Cross &
Change.” Unlike the group’s previous songs, this song was written in
the crossover genre. It combines electronic music and rock, and its
intense melody harmonizes well with the rapping. The cheerful beat and
optimistic lyrics are especially impressive. (credits to Arirang TV –
Pops In Seoul)

5. (-3) MC Mong (feat. Jang Geun Ee, B.I) – 인디언 보이 (Indian Boy)
Score: 787
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: MC Mong
Album: MC Mong Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of MC Mong’s 5th studio album “Humanimal.” It
is an Indian-style song with vibrant primeval-like, African sounds and
an exciting beat. It was written by MC Mong and it perfectly represents
his unique style. The lyrics are about protecting one’s love even in
the face of adversity. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

6. (+10) Baek Ji Young (feat. 2PM Taec Yeon) – 내 귀에 캔디 (Candy On My Ear) ***BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 685
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’s “Candy On My Ear” repeats as our biggest mover this
week, up 10 more spots to No. 6. “Candy On My Ear” is a Europe style
electropop 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.

7. (-1) 2NE1 – I Don’t Care
Score: 654
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)

8. (–) Mighty Mouth (feat. Han Ye Sul) – 연애특강 (Crash Course In Love)
Score: 617
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” remains at No. 8 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. (+3) Bada – MAD (feat. Untouchable)
Score: 578
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Bada Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Bad returns to the top 10 this week with the title song from her 4th
album “MAD”. 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 in this album.

10. (New) G-Dragon – Heartbreaker *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 545
Genre: R&B / Hip-hop

Album: G-Dragon Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Perhaps this is going to be one of the biggest hits in 2009, Big Bang’s
leader G-Dragon, well known for creating hit songs like “Lies”, “Last
Farewell”, “Day By Day” and “Sunset Glow”, is having his long
anticipated solo debut. The title song of his album is “Heartbreaker”
and it enters our chart at No. 10 this week. “Heartbreaker” starts off
with G-Dragon’s powerful narration which is an instant attention
getter, plus the additive melody of the song makes it an instant hit.
G-Dragon’s album has only been released for 2 weeks and it already
becomes one of the top selling albums in 2009!

11. (-1) Drunken Tiger – Monster
Score: 453
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 is at No. 11 this
week.

12. (-1) Cool – 보고 보고 (To Look To Look)
Score: 368
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. 12 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.

13. (+1) 2PM – 네가 밉다 (I Hate You)
Score: 349
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)

14. (+4) Clazziquai – Love Again
Score: 336
Genre: Electronica

Album: Clazziquai Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of Clazziquai’s 4th studio album “Mucho Punk.”
It is an exciting house electronic-style song with a sophisticated
electronic beat and pop melody. It is the punkiest and most vibrant
song in the album with very energetic sounds. The lyrics are about a
man dreaming of new love. It is performed with Alex’s strong voice.
(credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

15. (+7) Park Hye Kyung – 하이힐 (High Heels)
Score: 334
Genre: Pop / Light Rock
Music: Min Myung Ki / Lyrics: Park Hye Kyung, Park Ji Won
Album: Park Hye Kyung Vol. 7 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Always bringing listeners a refreshing sound, Park Hye Kyung is back
with her 7th album “My Favorite”. The title song “High Heels” made it
into the top 20 this week at No. 15. This album continues to show her
cheerful vocals in the stories she tells through her songs. The biggest
charms to her songs are the well-matched lyrics that go along with the
melodies. “High Heels” which reflects the feelings of women.

16. (-7) SNSD – 소원을 말해 봐 (Genie)
Score: 332
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)

17. (-4) Lee Seung Ki (feat. Bizniz) – 결혼해줄래 (Will You Marry Me)
Score: 317
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. 17 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.”

18. (-11) 4minute – Hot Issue
Score: 282
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)

19. (+5) Supreme Team – 슈퍼매직 (Super Magic)
Score: 270
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Supreme Team 1st mini-album Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the representative track for Supreme Team’s first mini-album,
“Supreme Team Guide To Excellent Adventure.” It features a harmony
between Simon D’s husky high tone with E-sens’ unique rapping. Their
performance stands out in what is a bright and cheerful song. (credits
to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

20. (New) Navi (feat. 4minute Hyun Ah) – 눈물도 아까워 (Even The Tears Are Wasteful)
Score: 269
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung
Album: Navi digital single “Even The Tears Are Wasteful” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Highly acclaimed but underrated female singer Navi finally have her
first top 20 hit “Even The Tears Are Wasteful”. Navi is known for her
strong vocals and charming styles. This is her first up-tempo song and
it is doing wonder. Having top songwriter Cho Young Soo writing this
song and also Hyun Ah from 4minute is featured as rapper helps this
song debuting into the top 20 in its first week on the chart.

21 . (-2) Hwa Yobi – 장미 ( Rose ) : 262
22 . (+8) Hwang Bo – R2Song : 243
23 . (–) 8Eight – 울고 싶어 우는 사람이 있갰어 (Cry Mix) ( No One Cries Because They Want To ) : 233
24 . (-7) Roo’ra – 고잉고잉 ( Going Going ) : 232
25 . (–) Son Dam Bi/After School – 아몰레드 ( Amoled ) : 219
26 . (New) Hong Kyung Min – 그녀가 간다 (She’s Leaving) : 196
27 . (-12) Outsider – 외톨이 ( Loner ) : 190
28 . (New) Boo Hwal – 생각이나 ( Thinking ) : 175
29 . (-8) One Two – 별이 빛나는 밤에 ( Starry Night ) : 174
30 . (-1) DNT – 정신없이 예뻐  ( Crazily Pretty ) : 173
31 . (-11) IU – 있잖아 ( You Know ) : 159
32 . (-4) Hong Jin Young – 사랑의 배터리 ( Love’s Battery ) : 136
33 . (Re) Loveholics – Butterfly (Movie “Take Off” OST) : 127
34 . (New) Brave Brothers – 인비져블 ( Invisible ) : 122
35 . (New) Jewelry – Vari2ty : 114
36 . (+4) Jo Gyu Chan – 소녀를 만나다 ( Meet A Girl ) : 113
37 . (-5) Winter Play – Gypsy Girl : 104
38 . (New) Cherry Filter – 피아니시모 ( Pianissimo ) : 97
39 . (+7) Chae Yeon – 바보야 ( Hey Fool ) : 90
40 . (-14) Wax – 결국 너야 ( In The End, It’s You ) : 87
41 . (New) Park Ki Young – 녹화된 테잎을 감듯이 ( Winding Up A Recorded Tape ) : 85
42 . (New) Heo Kyung Young – Call Me : 76
43 . (–) Just – 이게 뭐야 ( What’s This? ) : 73
44 . (-6) Jo Sung Mo – 영원한 하나 ( Forever One ) : 68
45 . (-18) M to M (feat. Nassun) – 1004 (너는 내운명2) ( 1004 (You Are My Destiny 2) ) : 67
46 . (New) I The Tri Top’s – 사랑한단 말 ( Saying That I Love You ) : 63
47 . (-14) Flower Go Yoo Jin – 바보라서…(고질병) ( Because I Am A Fool (Inveterate Disease) ) : 46
48 . (New) Crying Nut – 착한아이 ( Kind Child ) : 40
49 . (-8) Cho Won Sun – 아무도 아무것도 ( Anyone, Anything ) : 35
50 . (New) Kyun Mi Ri – 행복한 여자 ( A Happy Woman ) : 33

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

BONUS TRACK:
Kim Bum Soo & Shim Hyun Bo – 이별의 맛 (A Taste Of Farewell)
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Digital single Color Of City (Blue) Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment:
A Taste of Farewell is the first of the Color of City project series
where different artists sing about precious stories in our life. The
song is sung by veteran singer Kim Bum Soo and it was composed and
penned by Shim Hyun Bo. The song is about the after image and
circumstances one sees in their significant other after breakup.
(credits to motoway065 for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
Boo Hwal – 사랑할수록 (the more I love)
Genre: Rock Ballad

Album: Boo Hwal Vol. 3 (1993) Track 5
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Boo Hwal is a legendary rock band in Korea that debuted in 1986.
Consisting of five members and formed originally by Kim Tae Won, leader
and vocal of the band. Lee Seung Chul joined them soon after and was
the vocalist for many hit tracks starting with Heeya. They have to be
one of the first band in Korea that specializes in rock ballad. The
track “The More I Love” is from their 3rd album in 1993 about thanking
the one you had loved and missing them. Boo Hwal did not release a new
album every year. In fact, they have released only 13 studio albums
over their career, with the latest one released recently to celebrate
the group’s 25th anniversary of formation. A more well known hit of Boo
Hwal for the younger generation is “Never Ending Story” from their 6th
album in 2002. (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%