Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2009 - October Week 1

1. (+2) Kim Tae Woo – 사랑비 (Love Rain) *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 940
Genre: Pop
Music: Lee Hyun Seung / Lyrics: Kim Tae Woo
Album: Kim Tae Woo mini-album “T-Virus” Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Kim Tae Woo has his first solo No. 1 song this week with “Love Rain”.
He hit the top spots many times during his days with G.O.D. and finally
gets a taste for a top song of his own. Since returning from his
military duties, Kim Tae Woo has released a digital single “Memory and
Remembrance”. Now he is finally releasing a brand new mini-album
“T-Virus”. Unlike his previous ballads, “Love Rain” is a more up-tempo
song. Produced by Kim Tae Woo and Lee Hyun Seung, it took them 5 months
to complete this song. The song will penetrate one’s ears and heart
with its combination of catchy melody, harmonic vocals, and skillful
arrangement.

2. (–) 4minute – MUZIK
Score: 831
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Shin Sa Dong Tiger, Lee Sang Ho
Album: 4minute 1st mini-album “For Muzik” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Fresh off winning their first Mutizen award in SBS Inky Gayo last week
and also newly crowned as No. 1 in M!Countdown, rookie female group
4minute held on to the second spot this week with their 2nd hit
“MUZIK”. This song already surpassed the No. 3 spot that their debut
song “Hot Issue” had reached. “MUZIK” is a euro beat street sound dance
track that makes use of analog, side-chain, and tape sound. A new genre
that is getting more and more popular these days.

3. (-2) G-Dragon – Heartbreaker
Score: 695
Genre: R&B / Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: G-Dragon
Album: G-Dragon Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the representative track for G-Dragon’s first regular album. It
focuses on electronic sounds and features fast and strong rapping in
the intro, expressing the pain of a break-up. In the music video,
G-Dragon sports blond hair and pale make-up, playing a guy who gets
emotional after a break-up. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

4. (+3) Lee Seung Chul – 사랑 참 어렵다 (Love Is So Difficult)
Score: 662
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Lee Seung Chul Vol. 10 Repackaged Version Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
After hitting the top 10 with “My Nails Came Off”, Lee Seung Chul
recently released a repackaged version of his 10th album. This version
includes a bonus DVD and a new song “Love Is So Difficult”. This week
it rises 3 more spots to No. 4. “Love Is So Difficult” is a soft rock
ballad where listeners can hear his soft yet deep voice. The MV of this
song is starring Kim Jung Eun and Yoon Sang Hyun. This song tops the
airplay charts in Korea and this momentum carries it into the top 5
this week.

5. (+4) f(x) – 라차타 (La Cha Ta)
Score: 646
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Kenzie
Album: f(x) digital single La Cha Ta
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is definitely the year to launch female group. We’ve seen 2NE1,
4minute, After School, and T-Ara with songs in the top 5, this week
f(x) joins the list. The group from SM Entertainment consists of Korean
members, Suli, Luna, and Crystal, and Chinese Members Amber and
Victoria, making it a total of five members in this Asia pop dance
group. The name is derived from the mathematical function where
depending on x (the girls’ respective skills and charms), the group’s
result will change. The f also represents flowers while x represents
the female’s xx chromosomes. “La Cha Ta” was composed by Kenzie. It has
hip-hop grooves with an electronica tinge to it. The message of the
song is to enjoy life.

6. (+15) Park Hyo Shin – 사랑한 후에 (After Love)
Score: 630
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Hwang Se Jun / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung, Choi Kap Won
Album: Park Hyo Shin Vol. 6 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Park Hyo Shin finally returns with his sixth album after a 2.5 year
break. Ever since his debut album in 1999 to this fifth and remake
works, Park has showcased his soulful voice. It’s been ten years since
Park Hyo Shin’s debut and for this special date, he is to release a
special gift to his fans. This album is the first of two parts of the
sixth album which includes 6 songs and 2 instrumentals. The title track
of the album is “After Love” which has a ballad with beautiful piano
and orchestra melody. This week it moves up 15 spots into the top 10 at
No. 6. “After Love” has a blockbuster movie like MV starring Park Si
Yeon and Park Yong Ha filmed in Switzerland.

7. (-1) Jewelry – Vari2ty
Score: 597
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Park Keun Tae / Lyrics: Jung Byung Ki
Album: Jewelry Vol. 6 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
With the addition of Kim Eun Jung and Ha Joo Won last year, Jewelry’s
career reached a new height with their mega hit “One More Time”. The
quartet returns now with their 6th album “Sophisticated”. Through this
album the girls are to show both their sexy as well as innocent sides.
The title song “Vari2ty” is a dance hit and this week it is at No. 7.

8. (-3) Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra
Score: 594
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:
This is the representative track for Brown Eyed Girls’ third regular
album, “Sound G.” An electro-pop style dance song, it was written by
Jinu from Roller Coaster. The dream-like prelude, with some heavy
rhythms, is provocative. The easy-on-the-ear chorus is catchy, even
without any ‘hooks.’ (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

9. (-1) Kara – 미스터 (Mister)
Score: 547
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Han Jae Ho, Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Kara’s follow up song “Mister” dropped one spot to No. 9 this week.
Kara has established themselves as one of the top female groups this
year and this is already their 4th top 10 songs in 2009. “Mister” is a
Euro-pop dance track that has a powerful electronic sound.

10. (+4) Lee Hyun (feat. Lim Jung Hee) – 30분전 (30 Minutes Ago)
Score: 537
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: Lee Hyun mini-album “30 Minutes Ago” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
8Eight members Baek Chan and Joo Hee has released their solo singles
and being featured in other artists works respectively already. It is
finally Lee Hyun’s turn for his solo effort. His husky voice fits
perfectly to this emotional ballad which is written by Hitman Bang Shi
Hyuk, who wrote all 8Eight’s hit songs. After Baek Ji Young’s “Like
Being Hit By A Bullet” and 8eight’s “Without A Heart”, it’s the third
song in Bang’s trilogy revolving around lovers breaking up. There are 2
versions of this song, the version being promoted now featured the
female vocal of Lim Jung Hee. This week “30 Minutes Ago” moves up 4
spots to become Lee Hyun’s first solo top 10 hit.

11. (+14) Tei – 독설 (Venomous)
Score: 490
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Tei Vol. 5.5 “The Shine 2009” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Tei is coming back with a new mini-album. The title track is “Venomous”
which was penned by Park Kyung Jin who’s known for works such as
Gummy’s Just Forget Me and Kim Chang Rak who is famous for the music he
composed on Bae Yong Jun’s homepage. One can hear Tei’s strong vocals
through this track. This week it moves up 14 spots to the edge of the
top 10.

12. (-8) Baek Ji Young (feat. 2PM Taec Yeon) – 내 귀에 캔디 (Candy On My Ear)
Score: 487
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:
This is the representative song for Baek Ji-young’s mini album, “Ego.”
A European-style pop track, it’s all the rage in clubs these days and
features tribal-style beats with luxurious sounds sure to make
listeners dance. Baek Ji-young’s charismatic voice goes well with
powerful rapping by Oak Taek-yeon of 2PM. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops
In Seoul)

13. (+11) T-Ara & Cho Shin Sung – TTL (Time To Love)
Score: 483
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Kim Do Hoon / Lyrics: Hwang Sung Jin, Rhymer, Joo Suk
Album: T-Ara & Cho Shin Sung digital single TTL Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Just fresh off their debut top 10 hit “Lies”, T-Ara immediately follow
up with a new song. This time it is a collaboration with male group Cho
Shin Sung. There are not too many male and female group collaborations
in the past. The song, “TTL” is sung by T-ara members, So Yeun, Eun
Jung, Hyo Min, Ji Yeun and Cho Shin Sung members, Ji Hyuk, Kwang Soo,
and Gun Il. The song is of the house hip-hop genre with electronica
sounds along with a Korean melody. One of the better up-tempo songs
I’ve heard recently. This week it moves up 11 spots to No. 13.

14. (+23) Lee Seung Ki – 우리 헤어지자 (Let’s Break Up) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 433
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Hyun Seung / Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Hwang Sung Jin
Album: Lee Seung Ki Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
After starring in the highest rated drama “Brilliant Legacy” this year,
Lee Seung Ki released a digital single “Will You Marry Me” earlier. Now
he is finally coming back with his 4th full album “Shadow”. The title
song “Let’s Break Up” is our biggest mover this week, up 23 spots to
No. 14. “Let’s Break Up” was composed by top composers Kim Do Hoon (who
has written 3 of the 5 new top 20 songs this week) and Lee Hyun Seung.
This sad ballad showcases Lee Seung Ki’s vocal skills.

15. (-2) Mighty Mouth (feat. Han Ye Sul) – 연애특강 (Crash Course In Love)
Score: 397
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Lee Hyun Do / Lyrics: Lee Hyun Do, Lee Sang Chul
Album: Mighty Mouth mini-album “Crash Course In Love” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the representative track for Mighty Mouse’s first mini-album,
“Love Class.” An emotional melody goes well with comfortable rapping
and the chorus, which is based on electro hip-hop beats. Elements of
nano music and mega-star Han Yae-seul’s attractive vocals add to the
song’s upbeat vibe. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

16. (-1) Boo Hwal – 생각이나 (Thinking)
Score: 368
Genre: Rock Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Kim Tae Won
Album: Boo Hwal Vol. 12 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Veteran rock ballad group Boo Hwal returns to the top 20 for the first
time since their big hit “Never Ending Story” in early 2003. This year
the group is celebrating their 25th year of formation by releasing
their the first part of their 12th album “Part I – 25th Anniversary:
Retrospect”. The title song “Thinking” gets is surprisingly well
received by fans and is at No. 16 this week.

17. (-5) Cherry Filter – 피아니시모 (Pianissimo)
Score: 363
Genre: Rock

Album: Cherry Filter Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Cherry Filter is one of the most unique rock bands in Korea. Most of
the female-fronted bands in Korea are modern rock style. But Cherry
Filter combines various sounds with rock including modern techno
rhythms, string sounds, and a warm pop image. Returning with their
highly anticipated fifth album, the title of their new
album,Rocksteric, is a combination of “Rock” and “Hysteric”. The title
song “Pianissimo” is the best example of this combination. It is at No.
17 this week.

18. (+9) Outsider & MC Sniper (feat. Horan) – 심장병 (Heart Attack)
Score: 356
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Hwantastic Project Vol. 1 digital single
Watch: MV
Comment:
At No. 18 it is an all-star collaboration. Fast rising hip-hop artist
Outsider and veteran rapper MC Sniper along with Clazziquai’s Horan
teamed up with “Heart Attack”, a remake of Lee Seung Hwan’s 8th album
title song. This song is the first single of Lee Seung Hwan’s
“Hwantastic Project” this month to celebrate his 20th year in the music
industry. Lee’s original version is a rock style song which hit the top
10 in 2004. Now let see being how this hip-hop version fares.

19. (-1) Miss $ – 사랑이 뭐길래 (What Is Love)
Score: 335
Genre: Hip-hop Ballad
Music: Mr. B.I.G / Lyrics: Mr. B.I.G, Rhymer
Album: Miss $ Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Perhaps the first girl group in Korea that specializes in hip-hop
ballads, Miss $ added a 3rd member Nemo (formerly Oh Sang Eun of
Shinvi) as vocalist. The title song “What is Love” dropped back 1 spot
to No. 19 this week. “What Is Love” is a sad song about a girl who
cannot forget her lover after the ending of a relationship. The rap and
vocals harmonize well in this song.

20. (-9) 2NE1 – I Don’t Care
Score: 319
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)

21 . (-1) Sandara Park (feat. CL) – Kiss : 294
22 . (+17) Epik High – 따라해 ( Wannabe ) : 281
23 . (-6) Davichi – Hot Stuff : 270
24 . (-14) T-Ara – 거짓말 ( Lie ) : 247
25 . (+1) Park Ki Young – 녹화된 테잎을 감듯이 ( Winding Up A Recorded Tape ) : 227
26 . (+3) Navi – 눈물도 아까워 ( Even The Tears Are Wasteful ) : 215
27 . (New) HAM – 티티댄스 ( TT Dance ) : 190 *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
28 . (-9) FT Island – 바래 ( I Hope ) : 181
29 . (-7) 2PM – 네가 밉다 ( I Hate You ) : 168
30 . (-14) Bada – MAD : 164
31 . (+1) K.Will (feat. Mario) – 초콜릿 ( Chocolate ) : 152
32 . (New) Gavy NJ – 핼쑥해졌대 ( In A Pallid State ) : 151
33 . (–) Goo Hye Sun (vocal Gummy) – 골목을 돌면 ( Around The Alley ) : 131
34 . (-11) Supreme Team – 슈퍼매직 ( Super Magic ) : 126
35 . (+5) Tae Goon – 속았다 ( Tricked ) : 125
36 . (-6) Rumble Fish – 내 사랑 내 곁에 ( My Love By My Side ) : 124
37 . (+7) Ryan (Paran) – 자랑해 ( Proud Of My Girl ) : 123
38 . (New) Loveholics (Play Jung Eun Ah) – 아픔 ( Hurt ) : 106
39 . (New) Yoo Seung Chan – 로맨틱 코메디 ( Romantic Comedy ) : 86
40 . (New) Kim Gun Mo – 세상이 그대를 속일지라도 ( Even If the World Fools You ) : 79
41 . (-3) Son Dam Bi/After School – 아몰레드 ( Amoled ) : 78
42 . (New) Hwang Jung Eum – N Time : 77
43 . (-8) Park Hye Kyung – 하이힐 ( High Heel ) : 70
44 . (-3) Hong Kyung Min – 그녀가 간다 ( She’s Leaving ) : 64
45 . (+5) Roo’ra – 고잉고잉 ( Going Going ) : 56
46 . (New) Oh Jong Hyuk – 사랑한다면서 ( You Said You Loved Her ) : 55
47 . (-1) Hwang Bo – R2Song : 45
48 . (New) Drunken Tiger – 축하해 ( Congratulations ) : 43
49 . (New) Han Young 다이어트 ( Diet ) : 40
50 . (New) Lee Ji Soo 남자의 향기 ( The Scent Of Men ) : 37

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

BONUS TRACK:
Park Jung Eun – 돌이킬 수 없는 (Can’t Turn Back)
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Park Jung Eun digital single “Can’t Turn Back” Track 1
Listen to: Full Song
Comment:
Park Jung Eun has released a digital single this past summer with the
title track of Can’t Turn Back. It is a medium-tempo song with a great
melody line. The hook is especially trendy. The simple strings matches
well with Park Jung Eun’s husky voice. Her singing style on this song
reminds me of Ran. If you like Ran’s songs, check out this one as well.
(credits to motoway065 for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
Park Hyo Shin – 눈의 꽃 (Snowflower)
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: KBS Drama “I’m Sorry I Love You” OST (2004) Track 2
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Park Hyo Shin debuted in 1999 with his first album “Things I can’t do
for you.” He is known for his deep husky voice and lately, a
fashionista. His first big hit was ” A Good Person” from his third
album and after those, many hits followed. However his most well known
song is not coming from any of his studio albums. “Snow Flower,” a
remake of Mika Nakashima’s song and was featured on the OST for the KBS
drama “I’m Sorry I Love You.” starring So Ji Sup and Im Soo Jung. A
very sad ballad well carried out by Park Hyo Shin’s voice and emotions
illustrates the love that is so hard. This song was one of the most
popular drama OST songs in the last few years. (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%

* Note: Since
Hanteo no longer releases album sales information unless you are their
member, starting next week I’ll switch to album sales from Hottracks
(Kyobobook).