Weekly KPop Music Chart 2009- Nov. Week 1
1. (–) Lee Ssang (feat. Jung In) – 헤어지지 못하는 여자, 떠나가지 못하는 남자 (Girl That Can’t Break Up, Guy that Can’t Leave) *** 2 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 874
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Gil, Peejay / Lyrics: Gary
Album: Lee Ssang Vol. 6 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Lee Ssang remains No. 1 for the 2nd straight week with “Girl That Can’t
Break Up, Guy that Can’t Leave”, the title song from their 6th album
“Hexagonal”. The duo firmly
established themselves in the mainstream with their 4th album in 2007,
with the No. 1 song “Ballerino”, and finally have their 2nd chart topping
hit. They were very quiet with their 5th album last year
which they did not actively perform and promote. For this 6th album they
switched label to Jungle Entertainment for a fresh start. Having one of
the longest song titles ever is their principal track “Girl That Can’t
Break Up, Guy that Can’t Leave” which features the beautiful vocals of
R&B singer Jung In, who regularly collaborates with Lee Ssang. This
song cleans up on every major internet chart sources in Korea, which is
a big reason why it is ranked No. 1 here.
2. (+1) Wheesung – 주르륵 (Rain Falling)
Score: 794
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Wheesung
Album: Wheesung Vol. 6 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Wheesung takes another step to the top with “Rain Falling”, up one more
spot this week to No. 2. Wheesung is releasing one more album before he
gets ready for his American debut. His 6th studio album titled “Vocalate”
was produced by the singer himself and the title is a play on the words
vocal and chocolate. The title track “Rain Falling” is composed and
penned by Wheesung himself. It is about a man who leaves his lover and
holds his tears, but to have raindrops fall on his face, making it look
like he is tearing up. This song shows why Wheesung is the top male
vocalist in Korea. With its complex melody and arrangement, not too
many singers can pull it off, but Wheesung does it flawlessly.
3. (-1) Kim Tae Woo – 사랑비 (Love Rain)
Score: 791
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:
This song features a delicate arrangement that goes perfectly with its
addictive melody and lyrics. It’s about the sort of breakup everyone
experiences and says that if you really miss someone, he or she will
return to you. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
4. (–) Park Hyo Shin – 사랑한 후에 (After Love)
Score: 705
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:
This lush ballad is the representative track for Park Hyo-shin’s 6th
regular album, “Gift – Part.1” It features the beautiful sounds of a
piano and orchestra, delicate beats, poetic lyrics and Park Hyo-shin’s
unique vocals. The large-scale music video starred actors Park Si-yeon
and Park Yong-ha and was filmed in Switzerland. (credits to Arirang TV
– Pops In Seoul)
5. (+3) MC Mong – 호러쇼 (Horror Show)
Score: 642
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: MC Mong
Album: MC Mong Vol. 5 Repackaged Version Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This past summer, MC Mong released his 5th album “Humanimal” with great
success. Now the repackaged version of this album with 3 new songs is
released. The title song is “Horror Show” and it becomes MC Mong’s
latest top 5 hit this week. The song was composed and penned by the
artist himself and features comedian Kang Ho Dong and electronica band
W and Whale. The song has hip-hop beats with strong melodies.
6. (+3) SHINee – Ring Ding Dong
Score: 621
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Yoo Young Jin
Album: SHINee mini-album Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
SHINee released their third mini album “2009, Year of Us”. It’s been
five months since their last mini album in which they released their
single, Juliet. The title song for this album is “Ring Ding Dong,”
which has African Congo rhythms with contemporary color while making
use of electric synthesizers. The strong sounds and beats of the songs
will capture listeners’ ears right away. The theme is about the moment
of falling in love with bells ringing in the head. This week it moves
up 3 more spots to No. 6. “Ring Ding Dong” has already become the
Mutizen Song in Inky Gayo and is expected to challenge the top spot
here soon.
7. (-2) T-Ara & Cho Shin Sung – TTL/TTL 2 (Time To Love / Time To Love: Listen 2)
Score: 583
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:
This hip-hop song is the representative track for T-ara &
Choshinsung’s first digital single album. It freshly combines south
hip-hop beats with electronic sounds and a Korean sentimentality.
Choshinsung has made a comeback with this song, performing with T-ara
on stage after two years away from the spotlight. T-ara is also showing
fans new dance moves and rapping. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In
Seoul)
8. (+2) MBLAQ – Oh Yeah
Score: 563
Genre: Pop / Dance
Album: MBLAQ 1st mini-album Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
In this year having a heavy dose of new girl groups, we are finally
seeing some new boybands debuting this Fall. The most intriguing
boyband is none other than MBLAQ, who is produced by K-pop’s most well
known star Bi (Rain). MBLAQ stands for Music Boys Live in Absolute
Quality, is fronted by leader Seung Ho, the group’s oldest member at
22. The main vocalist is GO (Jung Byung Hee), who went by the stage
name Jang Goon when he was with TYKEYS. Celebrity siblings Mir (Bae
Chul Young), the younger brother of actress Go Eun Ah, and Cheon Dung
(Park Sang Hyun), the younger brother of 2NE1’s Sandara, are the
rappers of the group. Last, we have vocalist Lee Joon, who appears as
the younger version of Rain in Ninja Assassin. MBLAQ has already been
lighting up the stage as guest performers on Rain’s Legend of Rainism
tour, and now the guys are finally making their official debut. MBLAQ’s
debut album Just BLAQ comes with three tracks including their hot dance
single Oh Yeah. This week it moves up 2 more spots to No. 8. (credits
to ~S2~)
9. (+20) SS501 – Love Like This
Score: 518
Genre: Pop / Dance
Album: SS501 mini-album “Rebirth” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
SS501 whose last single was “Dejavu” returns 1 year and 7 months later
with a mini-album. Each of the boys have been very busy with their solo
activities. This new album was prepared in the midst of their Asia Tour
Concert and because it’s been so long since their last release, they
tried especially hard to please their fans. The title track is “Love
Like This” which was composed by Steven Lee, Ryan Scott, and Sean
Alexander. It is an upbeat synth pop track that was specially mixed by
Ken Lewis who has also done works for top stars like Usher, Kanye West,
and John Legend. This week it moves up 20 big spots into the top 10 at
No. 9.
10. (+3) Dynamic Duo – 죽일 놈 (Guilty)
Score: 474
Genre: Hip-hop
Album: Dynamic Duo Vol. 5 Track 5 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
Dynamic Duo, a pair that has made hits with every album release, is
back with a 14-track fifth album before they enter into military
service. If one were to explain the musical elements of this album, one
can say that there are less electronical elements and more instruments
and live recordings. There are also more drum and bass dance sounds
incorporated into the songs. One can hear singing rather than just pure
rap in songs. The title song “Guilty”. Despite the duo not coming out
to perform and promote the song, it still manages to move into the top
10 this week.
11. (-5) Lee Seung Chul – 사랑 참 어렵다 (Love Is So Difficult)
Score: 471
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Hong Jin Young
Album: Lee Seung Chul Vol. 10 Repackaged Version Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of Lee Seung-chul’s 10th studio album
“Repackage.” Like gems gain more value as time goes by, so does, too,
Lee Seung-chul’s beautiful voice, which harmonizes with the gentle and
luxurious melody of this ballad. The music video shows Kim Jung-eun and
Yoon Sang-hyun acting out as former lovers who continue to love each
other after the breakup. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
12. (+30) Hwan Hee – 심장을 놓쳐서 (Dropped My Heart) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 390
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Lee Sang In
Album: Hwan Hee 1st mini-album “H Soul” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
After Fly to the Sky celebrated their ten year anniversary, member
Hwanhee has returned with his first solo album, titled H Soul. Hwanhee
produced the album himself. The title track is “Dropped My Heart” which
showcases his soulful voice which flows with electronica house sounds.
This week it moves up 30 big spots to No. 12.
13. (-6) Lee Seung Ki – 우리 헤어지자 (Let’s Break Up)
Score: 376
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 at No. 13 this week. “Let’s Break Up” was
composed by top composers Kim Do Hoon and Lee Hyun Seung. This sad
ballad showcases Lee Seung Ki’s vocal skills.
14. (+3) Tae Yang – Where U At
Score: 358
Genre: Hip-hop / R&B Dance
Music + Lyrics: Teddy
Album: Tae Yang digital single “Where U At” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Big Bang’s Tae Yang returns after 1 year and 5 months with a new solo
song, “Where U At.” The song was produced by Teddy and Tae Yang helped
compose the melody. The song is about thinking about a significant
other of the future and missing her, a true story of the singer
himself. It incorporates lively synthesizer sounds. With hip-hop,
r&b and awesome dance moves, the song has already topped many
Korean charts. This week it moves up 3 spots to No. 14.
15. (New) One Two (feat. Seo In Young) – 못된 여자 II (Bad Woman 2) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 343
Genre: Hip-hop ballad
Album: One Two digital single “Bad Woman 2” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Last year, One Two released “Bad Woman” featuring the vocal of
Jewelry’s Seo In Young. That hit really put One Two on to the map. Now
the same team reunited again to produce the part 2 of this song “Bad
Woman 2”. It is our highest debut this week at No. 15. Seo In Young is
also performing this song with One Two on stage, which should help its
popularity.
16. (+2) Maya – 위풍당당 (Majestic)
Score: 342
Genre: Rock
Music + Lyrics: Lee Won Suk
Album: Maya digital single “Majectsic” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Maya returns after one and a half year layoff, this time spotting a
more feminine look. Her latest digital single “Majestic” is an up-tempo
rock song and it also features Sang Choo’s rapping. This week it moves
up 2 more spots to No. 16.
17. (+10) BEAST – Bad Girl
Score: 339
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Lee Sang Ho, Shin Sa Dong Tiger
Album: BEAST mini-album “Beast Is The B2ST” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Besides MBLAQ, another debuting boyband that creates a lot of hype is
BEAST. Their 6 members are not really rookies as they have previous
stage experiences. Member Lee Gi Kwang debuted solo under the stage
name AJ earlier this year. Jang Hyun Seung (SO-1) was the eliminated
sixth member from Big Bang’s pre-debut reality program, and Yoon Du Jun
was one of the JYP trainees from 2AM and 2PM’s pre-debut reality
program. Along with Yang Yo Seob, Son Dong Woon, and former Xing member
Yong Jun Hyung (Poppin’ Dragon). Their debut hit “Bad Girl” is s catchy
dance song written by Lee Sang Ho and Shin Sa Dong Tiger, who wrote
“Hot Issue” and “Muzik” for label mate 4minute. This week “Bad Girl”
moves up 10 spots to No. 17.
18. (+6) Lee Soo Young – 내 이름 부르지 마 (Don’t Call My Name)
Score: 310
Genre: Pop Ballad
Album: Lee Soo Young Vol. 9 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
The Queen of ballads, Lee Soo Young returns with her 9th studio album,
after 11 months since her last, to celebrate her ten year anniversary
as a singer. Lee Soo Young had released hits after hits starting from
debut song, “I Believe,” to songs such as “Lalala,” “Hwilili,” and
“Grace.” The title track of this album is “Don’t Call My Name” which
Lee Soo Young penned the lyrics. The song which has jazz style shows
off a bit more of her vocals, scoring her another top 20 hit.
19. (+3) SNSD – Chocolate Love
Score: 303
Genre: Pop / Dance
Album: SNSD digital single “Chocolate Love” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
2009 has been a wonderful year for SNSD. Now the girls are back with a
digital single “Chocolate Love”, a song for Lg Cyon CF. Label mate f(x)
also sings another version of this song, composed by the famous
producer Bloodshy & Avant and penned by Kenzie. With another top 20
song now SNSD is the favorite to become this year’s top female group.
20. (New) Seo In Kook – 부른다 (Calling You)
Score: 275
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music: Bang Shi Hyuk / Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk, Baek Chan
Album: Seo In Kook digital single “Calling You” Track 2
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
A surprise new entry into the top 20 is rookie male singer Seo In
Kook’s “Calling You”. Singing his way to the top of the popular talent
show program Mnet Superstar K, Seo In Kook now takes the next step in
his music career with his debut album. You may see a bit of resemblance
to 8Eight in his debut song “Calling You”, as the song is written by
Hitman Bang who wrote all of 8Eight’s hits. 8Eight’s Baek Chan also
help penned the lyrics.
21 . (+19) Kim Jong Wook – 해바라기 ( Sunflower ) : 272
22 . (-3) Yoon Do Hyun – 너라면 좋겠어 ( I Wish It Was You ) : 256
23 . (-9) f(x) – 라차타 ( La Cha Ta ) : 255
24 . (+4) Rumble Fish – 너 정말이니 ( Are You For Real? ) : 246
25 . (-14) Epik High – 따라해 ( Wannabe ) : 244
26 . (-11) Lee Hyun (8Eight) – 30분전 ( 30 Minutes Ago ) : 237
27 . (+16) Jo Kwon & Whale – 덩크슛 ( Dunk Shoot ) : 230
28 . (New) Baek Ji Young – 잊지 말아요 ( Don’t Forget: KBS Drama “Iris” OST ) : 218
29 . (+6) Yim Jae Bum – 사랑이라서 ( Because It is Love ) : 215
30 . (-18) Gavy NJ – 핼쑥해졌대 ( In A Pallid State ) : 204
31 . (New) Mighty Mouth (feat. In Soon Yi) – 웃어 ( Smile ) : 200
32 . (-9) Kara – 미스터 ( Mister ) : 175
33 . (New) FT Island – 러브레터 ( Love Letter ) : 169
34 . (-13) Tei – 독설 ( Venomous ) : 160
35 . (+1) Secret – I Want You Back : 156
36 . (-20) 4 minute – MUZIK : 151
37 . (-17) Boo Hwal – 생각이나 ( Thinking ) : 147
38 . (New) Lee Hong Ki – 여전히 ( As Ever: SBS Drama “You’re Beautiful” OST ) : 144
39 . (New) See Ya – 그놈 목소리 ( His Voice ) : 137
40 . (-6) Loveholics (Play Jung Eun Ah) – 아픔 ( Hurt ) : 131
41 . (-9) Park Ji Hun – 헤어질 거 같애 ( It Seems Like We’re Going to Break Up ) : 130
42 . (New) Ivy – Touch Me : 100
43 . (-12) HAM – 티티댄스 ( TT Dance ) : 96
44 . (-3) Ari – 365일 ( 365 Days ) : 94
45 . (New) Hye Ji – Hurt : 76
46 . (-2) Navi (feat. Hyun Ah) – 눈물도 아까워 ( Even The Tears Are Wasteful ) : 66
47 . (-14) Zin Tae Hwa – 타락천사 ( Fallen Angel ) : 65
48 . (-11) Jewelry – Vari2ty : 55
49 . (New) Do Won Kyung – 착한사람 ( Good People ) : 53
50 . (-3) Jaurim – 나시 ( Screw ) : 44
Blue: Songs to watch out under top 20
Green: Editor’s recommendations under top 20
BONUS TRACK:
Ji Min – 약한 여자 (Weak Woman)
Genre: Pop Ballad
Album: Ji Min single “Crossover” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment:
Ji Min is known to the public as Kwak Ji Min, an actress, but returns
as a singer. “Weak Woman” is sad ballad about a woman who doesn’t seem
to see herself as one. It’s the title song off her single ‘Crossover.’
The song has a nice piano intro. Ji Min herself starred in this song’s
MV. (credits to suejinners)
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
T.T. Ma – Wanna Be Loved
Genre: Pop / Dance
Album: T.T. Ma Vol. 2 (2000) Track 2
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
T.T Ma is a 4-member girl group that debuted in 1999. They were famous
for their cute image and brought lots of bubbly energy to the stage.
T.T. Ma stands for Taste the Maximum, orginally To The maximum. Among
their tracks, “Loner” was a famous track for the game Pump It Up. After
their 2nd album in 2000 the group disbanded. Soy (leader) remained in
the entertainment industry and VJed for Arirang TV’s “Pops in Seoul”
for a few years. She is famous for her multilingual skills. She is also
a memebr of the vegetable family friendship including members Eugene,
Park Ji Yoon and Kan Mi Yeon. In 2007, U-jin (lead singer) returned as
solo artist under the name Yeon Woo. T.T. Ma reunited once in 2007 to
release a Christmas single album. “Wanna Be Loved” was from their
second album in 2000. Cute and bubbly, as it was popular in those days.
(credits to ~S2~)
Sources of the chart
Air Monitor Chart – 15%
MNet M!Countdown – 15%
Various Internet charts (Dosirak, MNet, Melon, Bugs, Monkey3, MusicOn, Cyworld, Soribada) – 15%
ChartKorea – 10%
Hottracks Weekly Album Sales (2 weeks lag) – 10%
SBS Inky Gayo Take 7 + Internet Chart + Music Video Chart – 10%
MBC Inky Top 100 Chart – 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, MBC
Music Travel LaLaLa, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, KBS Yoo Hee Yeol
Sketchbook , YTN Live Power Music, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%
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