Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2010 - July Week 2

1. (–) CNBlue – Love *** 5 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 894
Genre: Rock
Music: SEIKOZI / Lyrics: Han Sung Ho
Album: CNBlue 2nd mini-album “Blue Love” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: CNBlue’s “Love” become the first song this year to stay in No. 1 for five straight weeks. Being the top rookie group in 2010, CNBlue had hyped up the music scene with their single, “Loner” (ranked No. 2 on our half year top 10) earlier this year has returned with their second mini album. Their songs are upgraded alternative rock based ballads with a hint of rap, showcasing their full potential as a band.

2. (–) IU (feat. 2AM Seul Ong) – 잔소리 (Nagging)
Score: 783
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Lee Min Soo / Lyrics: Kim Ina
Album: IU digital single “Nagging” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Having won the Inky Gayo Mutizen and Music Bank plus No. 1 on many internet rankings, IU is still No. 2 this week with “Nagging”. IU, who had debuted at a young age of 16 with ballad number, “Missing Child” showcasing her strong vocal at such a young age, returned with a new single. The title track is “Nagging” which was co-composed by Lee Min Soo who was responsible for Brown Eyed Girls’ “Abracadabra” and G.Gorilla of bands, Eve and Sprinkler. Seul Ong of 2AM is featured in this song, garnering interests among fans.

3. (+3) MBLAQ – Y
Score: 650
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Rain
Album: MBLAQ 2nd single album “Y” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song of MBLAQ’s first mini album “Y.” Produced by singer Rain himself, the song is about a man who is suffering from the betrayal of a woman. The rich sound of the bass and drums harmonizes with the members’ powerful vocals which heighten the tension in the song. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

4. (+5) Sistar – Push Push
Score: 643
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: Sistar first single Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: We saw a large of influx of prominent new girl groups last year and we got another one now. They are four-membered group Sistar! Formed by Bo Ra, Hyo Lin, Da Som, and So You, who underwent over two years of vocal and dance training. Even before their debut, the group was paired with Jang Geun Suk for a major Samsung Yepp ad campaign and the Magic Drag CM song. Sistar’s debut song “Push Push” is doing very well on the chart. This week it moves up five more spots to No. 4 and become Sistar’s first top 5 hit. Produced by Brave Brothers, “Push Push” is a funky dance song that the girls match with funky retro looks. (credits to ~S2~)

5. (–) Seo In Young – 사랑이라 쓰고 아픔이라 부른다 (Write Love And Call It Pain)
Score: 627
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Park Geun Tae / Lyrics: Jung Byung Gi
Album: Seo In Young EP “Love-Elly” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Style icon, Seo In Young returns as a solo singer with a special mini album, titled “Love Elly.” This is her first solo work since she left Jewelry and it is made for fans who have followed her since her debut in 2001. Through this ballad album, Seo In Young showcases a more refined image in contrast to her style during her Jewelry days. The title track is “Write Love and Call It Pain,” a work co-produced by hitmaker Park Geun Tae and Jung Byung Gi. This week it remains at No. 5.

6. (+1) Hwa Yobi – Bye Bye Bye
Score: 584
Genre: R&B
Music + Lyrics: Hwa Yobi
Album: Hwa Yobi 10th Anniversary album Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Korea’s top diva and singsong writer, Hwayobi has returned with her seventh album in celebration of her ten year anniversary as a singer. The songs included in the album will represent the singer herself and the style most people know her for. Hwayobi was penned all the songs and composed six of the ten songs, including the title track, “Bye Bye Bye.” The track is about a woman and her feelings after breaking up without looking back. This week it moves up one spot again to No. 6.

7. (+1) Hot Potato – 고백 (Confession)
Score: 532
Genre: Rock Ballad
Music: Hot Potato / Lyrics: Kim C
Album: Hot Potato “Seesaw OST” Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The title track of Hot Potato’s 5th full length album, ‘Seesaw.’ This song has a great combination of upbeat shuffle rhythm and string instructions. The lyrics are about feeling happy and nervous before making a confession of love. Completely different from Hot Potato’s usual progressive music, you will find ‘Confession’ quite lovely. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (+4) Koyote – Return
Score: 451
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Park Geun Tae / Lyrics: Joo Young Hoon
Album: Koyote 1st mini-album Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Returning to the top 10 this week appropriately with a song titled “Return” is Korea’s representative mixed group, Koyote.  They return after a four year hiatus with a new mini-album, “Koyote Ugly.” The title track is “Return” a dance number composed by Park Geun Tae. It has house rhythms and trendy sounds that flow well with the bounciness of Shinji and Kim Jong Min’s vocals. Listeners will know right away that this is a very Koyote-like number.

9. (-6) SS501 – Love Ya
Score: 516
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Steven Lee / Lyrics: Lee Seung Je
Album: SS501 mini-album “Destination” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: SS501’s “Love Ya” drops six spots to No. 9 this week. After their mini album last September [REBIRTH], SS501 is recognised for [Love Like This],[WASTELAND],[Just One Day]is back with new mini-album (DESTINATION). SS501 worked on this album for 3 months after finishing their Asia Tour. This album worked as a world project and even the jacket cuts are gaining attention. American Producer Steven Lee who worked with REBIRTH (famous for global gold disks) is back for another run and this album is quite universal with a combination of American, European and and Korean sounds. This album can be recognised and differentiated from other groups for less electronic sounds but more piano, lived based to express SS501’s sincere emotions. The title song LOVE YA is produced by Steven Lee and rings out with the harmony of the orchestra and piano. This allows SS501’s powerful but sincerity to be expressed.

10. (+12) Orange Caramel – 마법 소녀 (Magic Girl) *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 515
Genre: Pop/Dance
Music : Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Wheesung
Album: Orange Caramel 1st mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album  
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: After School’s subgroup, Orange Caramel, which consists of members Reina, Nana, and Lizzy has released their first mini album this summer with the concept of “Candy Culture.” The girls have shed their powerful and sexy image of After School in order to show fans a new style and start a new trend. The title track, “Magic Girl” was composed by Cho Young Soo and Wheesung. It is a medium tempo Bokgo dance number with a Bokgo dance popular during the 1980s; it flows well with a Korean melody. It has easy lyrics that are sung brightly by the group.  For the second straight week, this song is our biggest mover of the week.  This week it moves straight into the top 10.

11. (New) MC Mong (feat. Mellow) – 죽을 만큼 아파서 (Hurt To The Extent Of Death) *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 514
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Blue Brand Vol. 2 Trauma Part 2 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Our highest debut this week is the title song from the 2nd project album of the Blue Brand series “Trauma Part 2”.  Last year, the first album “Blue Brand 12 Doors” had very good reviews.  The latest album again has many hip-hop superstars participating, including MC Mong, whose song “Hurt To The Extent Of Death” is at No. 11 this week.  This song has the trademark MC Mong hip-hop style ballad.  Female singer Mellow lends her sweet vocal which includes many English lyrics, reminding us of Mong’s old hit “A Letter Written To You Part 2”.

12. (+1) Supreme Team – 땡땡땡 (Ding Dong)
Score: 501
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Supreme Team Vol. 1 Repackaged Version Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: After hitting the top 20 with “Step Up” hip-hop duo Supreme Team releases a repackaged version of their first album, titled “Spin Off”. It comes with three new songs, including the title track “Ding Dong” which moves up another spot to No. 12 this week.

13. (New) T.O.P – Turn It Up 
Score: 464
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: T.O.P, Teddy / Lyrics: T.O.P
Album: T.O.P digital single “Turn It Up” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment: Big Bang’s G-Dragon, Tae Yang, Dae Sung, and Seung Ri all had their solo songs.  It is time for T.O.P to release his own song.  T.O.P who has been focusing his solo activity on acting, returns to the stage this time with his own song “Turn It Up”.  The artist took part in both the composition and penning of this heavy bass incorporated number. T.O.P’s witty yet interesting rapping flow well with the hip-hop beats. Fans can see the singer suited up with luxurious accessories in the much awaited music video. This week “Turn It Up” debuts at No. 13.

14. (-10) 4minute – Huh
Score: 433
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: 4minute 2nd mini-album “Hit Your Heart” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of 4Minute’s 2nd mini album, ‘Hit Your Heart.’ It was composed by the hit-maker, Sinsadong Horangi, and it’s about confidently shouting at the world that’s in the way of achieving their dreams. Get a glimpse of 4Minute’s charisma and chic style on stage. The intense yet sophisticated sounds are impressive. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

15. (-4) Davichi – 시간아 멈춰라 (Time, Stop)
Score: 428
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Bang Shi Hyuk / Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: Davichi mini-album “Innocence” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title song of Davichi’s second mini album, “Innocence.” The sad ballad makes a dramatic change, transforming into a punk rock song. The girls of Davichi become powerful rock stars, showing off a totally new image. The lyrics are about getting your heartbroken right after a breakup. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

16. (-6) Wonder Girls – 2 Different Tears
Score: 419
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: Wonder Girls single “2 Different Tears” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track for Wonder Girls’ single album with the same name, ‘2 Different Tears.’ The title refers to shedding tears from two opposite feelings of happiness and sorrowful that are felt after a break-up. The 80’s retro and upbeat melody and rhythm are quite catchy. You can see the sophisticated and mature sides of Wonder Girls, the first Korean group to enter the Billboard Hot 100. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

17. (New) Navi (feat. K. Will) – 우리 정말 사랑했어요 (We Really Loved)  
Score: 399
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music: Shin In Soo / Lyrics: Cho Eun Hee
Album: Navi digital single “We Really Loved” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment: R&B artist Navi returns with a digital single “We Really Loved” dueting with K.Will.  This harmonious ballad is a story about how each the woman and man loved, although in different ways and realising that what they had wasy really something significant. This week it debuts at No. 17.

18. (+1) Infinite – 다시 돌아와 (Come Back Again)
Score: 374
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Infinite first mini-album “First Invasion” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Rookie boy band Infinite launches their First Invasion debut mini album. The seven-member group is from the same company as Epik High, who helps producing their album. Their first single “Come Back Again”, which mixes vintage rock and electronica for a stylish new sound. The song’s music video is directed by the director of Brown Eyed Girls’ Abracadabra. This week it moves up one spot to No. 18.

19. (-3) Lee Seung Hwan – 반의 반 (Half Of Half)
Score: 340
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Jung Ji Chan / Lyrics: Jung Ji Chan, Lee Seung Hwan
Album: Lee Seung Hwan Vol. 10 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Veteran artists, Lee Seung Hwan, who has been in the music industry for 20 years with nine albums under his belt, has returned with his tenth, titled Dreamizer. This album is to go astray from the popular music of today, bringing forth an album with no regrets. The title track is “Half of Half” which is in homage to the Beatles’ “Reasons.” The instruments in the song were taken into careful consideration to bring out the vintage feel. This week it drops three spots to No. 19.

20. (-6) Vibe – 다시 와주라 (Come To Me Again)
Score: 309
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music: Ryu Jae Hyun / Lyrics: Ryu Jae Hyun, Park Kyung Jin
Album: Vibe Vol. 4 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: One of the top R&B groups in Korea is back! Vibe has finally made a comeback after four years with their fourth studio album, titled In Praha. Members Ryu Jae Hyun and Yoon Min Soo are active writing songs for other artists but it’s been a while since the duo had their own release. Fans and non-fans alike will enjoy the group’s emotional vocals that had been missed. The album jacket was taken in Praha, the city of love. The title song “Come To Me Again” is written by Ryu Jae Hyun. The MV of this song stars popular actress Lee Ji Ah.

21.          (-4)         Untouchable (feat. Monday Kiz Jin Sung) – 회전목마 (Merry Go Round) : 307

22.          (+3)        T-Max – 까불지마 (Don’t Be Rude) : 276

23.          (-5)         f(x) – Nu Abo : 272

24.          (New)    Super Junior – 너 같은 사람 또 없어 (No Other) : 267

25.          (+6)        JK Kim Dong Wook – 오늘 그댈 사랑합니다 (I Love You Today) : 208

26.          (-2)         As One – Sonnet : 207

27.          (-4)         Lyn – 자기야, 여보야, 사랑아 (Daring, Honey, Love) : 194

28.          (-7)         Cho PD (feat. Brown Eyed Girls) – 랄라랜드 (La La Land) : 185

29.          (-2)         Na Yoon Kwon – 바람이 좋은 날 (Good Day For Wind) : 174

30.          (New)    Hwan Hee – 바람이 되어서라도 (Even If It Becomes the Wind) : 159

31.          (+10)       Verandah – Bike Riding : 155

32.          (New)    Seo Hyun (SNSD) – 아파도 괜찮아요 (It’s Okay Even If It Hurts) : 153

33.          (New)     Miss A – Bad Girl Good Girl : 140

34.          (-8)         December – 별이 될게 (Tears In Heaven) : 137

35.          (-6)         Brown Eyed Soul – Love Ballad : 132

36.          (-16)       Seo In Kook – 사랑해U (Love U) : 120

37.          (-7)         Suki – One Love : 113

38.          (-6)         Lee Seung Chul – 너에게 물들어간다 (Blending into You) : 112

39.          (+3)        Gummy – Because Of You : 106

40.          (Re)         Jang Yoon Jung – 올래 (Will You Come) : 105

41.          (+7)        DN-A – 비틀비틀 (Stagger) : 103

42.          (-5)         Kim Yoon Ah – Going Home : 97

43.          (-8)         Bobby Kim – 남자답게 (Like a Man) : 96

44.          (New)    Kan Mi Yeon (feat. MBLAQ Mir) – 미쳐 가 (Go Crazy) : 94

45.          (-17)       Flower  – 기억해사랑해 (Remember I Love You) : 92

46.          (-10)       Suh Young Eun (with Jung Yup) – 이 거지같은말 (Those “Good-For-Nothing” Words) : 86

47.          (New)    Zitten – TV Show : 72

48.          (New)    Kim Yeo Hee – 나의 노래 (My Song) : 69

49.          (-16)       Ilac (feat. Mazik Flow) – 눈물이 왈칵 (Tears Burst Out) : 65

50.          (-6)         So Yeon (T-Ara) – 뭐라고 끝낼까 (How Should I End It) : 56

BONUS TRACK: 

Kwak Chang Sun – 그래서 슬프다 (I’m Sad Because Of This) 

Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Kwak Chang Sun digital single “I’m Sad Because Of This” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment: Kwak Chang Sun who was a part of male duo “Green Zone” in the 90’s has debuted as a solo singer with the title track, “I’m Sad Because of This.” The song was composed by Hong Jung Soo and Park Young Min, who are responsible for hit songs for popular Japanese singer, Mai Kuraki, Lee Seung Chul, Monday Kiz, and much more. Through this song, Kwak will show a style totally different from his “Green Zone” days. This ballad number fits the current trends, catering to many. (credits to motoway065 for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE: 

Jang Yoon Jung – 어머나 (Oh My God) 

Genre: Trot

Album: Jang Yoon Jung Vol. 1 (2004) Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Jang Yoon Jung is a very popular trot singer who enjoys crossover mainstream success.  Jang originally wanted to be a pop singer but she debuted in 2004 with the trot song “Oh My God”. She added to the K-Pop scene trot genre that was not previously explored by young singers as trot was a traditional genre sung in Korea. She started a trend to raise the number of younger trot singers and get more listener’s interest in this genre. “Oh My God” is not a traditional trot song but more upbeat and fun, even adding a few lines of rap in its remix version.  As it was quite unique, it gained popularity quickly and even hit No. 1 on some music charts. Jang Yoon Jung is very popular at festivals and with mid aged audience, and is labelled as the “trot queen”. Inspired by her success, many younger trot singers has debuted these days but still none has the success of Jang Yoon Jung.  She is always adds mix of other genres into her trot songs. (credits to ~S2~)

Sources of the chart

Air Monitor Chart – 15%
Cable Sources (MNet, KMTV, Cable Airplays) – 15%
Various Internet charts (Dosirak, Bugs, Melon, Naver, Monkey3, Daum, Cyworld, Soribada) – 15%
ChartKorea – 10%
Hottracks Weekly Album Sales (2 weeks lag) – 10%
SBS Inky Gayo Take 7 + Internet Chart + MP3 Download Chart – 10%
MBC Inky Top 100 Chart – 10%
KBS Music Bank K-Chart – 10%
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, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%

Thanks to Mardi09 for helping on this week’s internet chart researches.