Weekly Music Chart 2008 - September week 4

1. (+3) Shinee – 산소 같은 너 (Love Like Oxygen) *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 879
Genre: R&B / Dance

Music: Sigvardt, Mikkel / Lyrics: Kwon Yoon Jung, Young Hu

Album: Shinee Vol. 1 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Shinee leapfrog several strong chellengers and score their 1st ever No. 1 song with "Love Like Oxygen".  This song has already hit No. 1 on MNet’s M!Countdown and is also the Mutizen song on SBS Inky Gayo.  It is not surprising that this song also finds its way to the top here.  Already considered one of the top newcomers in 2008, Shinee now have a No. 1 song to add to their impressive resume, and they are certainly one of the favorites to win "New artiste of the year".

2. (+3) Lee Hyori – Hey, Mr. Big  
Score: 873
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Park Keun Tae / Lyrics: Wheesung
Album: Lee Hyori Vol. 3 Track 10 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Holding steady at No. 2 is Lee Hyori’s "Hey, Mr. Big".  It was just edged out by Shinee for the top spot by 6 points.  This song is written by hitmaker Park Geun Tae and lyrics are by Wheesung. Wheesung’s lyrics include the words of advice: "be a real man, show heart of courage".  Lee Hyori is looking to become the first artiste this year to score two No. 1 songs from the same album.

3. (–) FT Island – 사랑후애 (Lying Love)
Score: 854
Genre: Rock Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Han Sung Ho
Album: FT Island Vol. 2 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of F.T.Island’s 2nd album "Colorful Sensibility". It’s a rock ballad number that tells of heartbreak after love is gone. The song is enhanced by the magnificent accompaniment of a 60-member orchestra. The music video features crystal clear, transparent visuals. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

4. (+3) Younha – 텔레파시 (Telepathy)
Score: 818
Genre: Pop / Piano Rock

Music: Hwang Chan Hee / Lyrics: Kim Yi Jin, Nana
Album: Younha Vol. 2 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: All of last year’s strong rookie singers are showing no signs of a sophomore slump. Wonder Girls, SNSD, and FT Island have all had their top hits in 2008, it is about time for Younha to come back.  With her unique trademark of piano rock, this multi-talented singer is back with her 2nd album "Someday", and the title song "Telepathy" just needed 3 weeks to reach the top 5.  Looks like this song will be among the top songs in the next few weeks.

5. (-4) Big Bang – 하루하루 (Day By Day)
Score: 680
Genre: Pop / R&B Dance

Music + Lyrics: G-Dragon
Album: Big Bang 3rd mini-album "Stand Up" Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title track for Big Bang’s third mini-album "Stand Up". A dance number combining sensitive chords with a powerful beat, co-written by G-dragon and master of Japanese house, Daishi Dance. The music video stars G-dragon, T.O.P. and the actress Park Min-young in a tragic love triangle surrounding a lover whose days are numbered. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

6. (+3) 2AM – 이 노래 (This Song)
Score: 678
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2AM single Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title track for 2AM’s like-named first single "This Song". This is the debut title of 2AM, a male quartet produced by Park Jin-young. The lyrics about the sorrow of only having a song to offer one’s love are set to a sorrowful melody. The music video includes candid footage of 2AM training before their debut. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

7. (-2) Kim Bum Soo – (Sad Inflection) 
Score: 669
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Hwang Chan Whee / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra
Album: Kim Bum Soo Vol. 6 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Title track for Kim Bum-soo’s 6th album. This is a classic ballad sung by one of the most persuasive voices in K-pop. The lyrics express the feelings of days spent longing for a lover now gone. Actor Jisung, a fast friend Kim Bum-soo made in the army, features in the music video to great acclaim. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (+2) Shin Hye Sung – 그대라서 (Because It Is You)
Score: 629
Genre: Pop Ballad

Music: Vink / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra
Album: Shin Hye Sung Vol. 3 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track for Shin Hye Sung’s 3rd album "Live and Let Live". It is a beautiful ballad written by Vink (from the rock band NEXT), and lyrics are by Yoon Sa Ra, who has written hit songs fro Hye Sung before.  It’s been a busy year for Hye Sung, who began this year by releasing a project album "He Said, She Said" with Lyn, then in the summer released Shinhwa’s 9th album, and now in the fall, his solo album.

9. (+11) 2PM – 10점 만점에 10점 (10 Out Of 10)
Score: 625
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2PM single Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: 2PM is the second group to debut from the mnet documentary show "Hot Blood." The 7-member group show this powerful track with acrobatics and have sung live in all their performances so far. The music video features Jina from Battle Shinhwa and Yoobin of Wonder Girls. The song is about a girl who is so perfect she gets 10 out of 10. When asked to rate themselves out of 10, 2PM answered 100 out of 10. Both 2AM and 2PM are in the top 10 this week.  (credits to ~S2~)

10. (+3) Dynamic Duo (feat. Alex) – Solo
Score: 591
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Dynamic Duo Vol. 4 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Dynamic Duo have already established themselves as one of the top hip-hop acts in Korea.  For the title song "Solo", which is from their 4th album, they received help from Alex, who is very popular this year, on the vocal parts. Reminiscent of Daft Punk and Modjo, the electronic house number doles out an intoxicating dance rhythm. Alex offers his sweet romantic touches to the song which speaks not of the usual heartbreaks that follow a separation, but of the air of new excitement that lingers around the corner. (credits to ~S2~, YesAsia)

11. (–) Kim Gun Mo – Kiss 
Score: 558
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Kim Gun Mo Vol. 12 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track for Kim Gun-mo’s 12th album "Soul Groove", a funky dance number with an outstanding big band sound. The album brings producer Kim Chang-hwan, who first made Kim Gun-mo a top star, back with the singer for the first time in 13 years. The music video caused a sensation for the kissing scene between Kim Gun-mo and a top model. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

12. (-6) Cool – 사랑을 원해 (I Want Love)
Score: 465
Genre: Pop

Music: Yoon Il Sang / Lyrics: Lee Sang Baek, DK4RG
Album: Cool Vol. 10.5 Track 6 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Even though summer is slowly going away, Cool still manage to remain in the top 20 with their latest hit "I Want Love". Cool are known as a summer group, having hit after hit tailor-made for the season. It is a successful comeback for the trio after briefly disbanding.

13. (-1) Kara – Rock U
Score: 434
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Han Jae Ho, Kim Seung Soo / Lyrics: Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara 1st mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the main track of KARA’s 1st mini album. KARA, which recently became a 5-member female group, sing this pop latin dance number that has sweet lyrics and a lively rhythm. The music video features KARA’s cute and playful dance. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

14. (-6) Seo In Young – 신데렐라 (Cinderella) 
Score: 402
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Yoo Gun Hyung, Psy / Lyrics: Psy
Album: Seo In Young Mini Album "Elly Is Cinderella" track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The title song for Seo In-young’s single "Elly Is Cinderella," this dance number combines the sexy diva’s sassy vocals with the assertive lyrics "Haven’t you heard I’m the hit now". Seo In-young transforms into an attractive 21-st century Cinderella in the music video with colorful costumes and romantic hairstyles. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops in Seoul)

15. (-1) SG Wannabe & Kim Jong Wook – 운명을 거슬러 (Opposed By Fate: MBC Drama "East Of Eden" OST)
Score: 391
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min

Album: MBC Drama "East Of Eden" OST Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: One of the most anticipated dramas in 2008, "East Of Eden" stars Song Seung Hun, Lee Da Hae, Yeon Jung Hoon, Lee Yeon Hee, and Han Ji Hye.  The megacast extends to the drama OST as well, and the title song "Opposed By Fate" is a duet between SG Wannabe and rising star Kim Jong Wook.  Top songwriter Cho Young Soo, who has written hit songs for both SG Wannabe and Kim Jong Wook this year, is in charge of this R&B ballad.  While it is too early to tell whether this drama will be successful, it is safe to say that this song will be one of the top drama OST songs of 2008.

16. (+5) Namolla Family (feat. Tae In) – 사랑이 그렇게 쉬워 (Love Is That Easy)
Score: 315
Genre: Pop / Hip-Hop

Music + Lyrics: Oh Se Wook
Album: Namolla Family Digital Single "Love Is That Easy" Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment: Included in Namolla Family’s single album with the same title, this hip hop number with minor-chord melodies draws attention to Kim Jae-woo’s cruel narration in the beginning. Sensitive tones meld with melody rap and Tae-in’s poignant vocals add sadness to the song about heart-breaking separation. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

17. (New) Monday Kiz – Never Say Goodbye *** HOT SHOT DEBUT *** 
Score: 306
Genre: R&B Ballad

Music: PJ / Lyrics: Choi Gap Won
Album: Monday Kiz best hits album "Recollection" Track 4 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: Perhaps for one final time, Monday Kiz have a new song in the top 20.  "Never Say Goodbye" is from their best hit album "Recollection".  This is a previously unreleased song.  Member Kim Min Soo tradegically died in a motorcycle accident a few months ago.  As the song title implies, this is a sad ballad in which fans never want to say goodbye to Min Soo.

18. (–) Davichi – 사랑과 전쟁 (Love and War)
Score: 293
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Davichi Vol. 1.5 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Davichi’s 1.5 album, “Vivid Summer Edition 1st Amaranth Repackage Album”. It’s a dance number with upbeat and yet approachable melodies melded with HaHa’s comical narration. The music video features the revenge story of a woman who was dumped by her boyfriend, combined with footage of Davichi lip-synching. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

19. (+8) Lee Hyun Ji – Kiss Me Kiss Me
Score: 271
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: Lee Hyun Ji Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Known as "Pocket Girl" for her tiny figure, Lee Hyun Ji appeared as Banana Girl on their last album.  Now the former MC of Music Bank finally debuts as a solo artiste.  The title song "Kiss Me Kiss Me" is a cute dance track.  Shinhwa’s Jun Jin makes a cameo appearance on this song.

20. (+9) Banana Girl – 미쳐미쳐미쳐 (Crazy Crazy Crazy)
Score: 268
Genre: Pop / Dance

Music: Bang Shi Hyuk, Lee Jin Won / Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: Banana Girl Vol. 4 Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Ironically, Banana Girl also hit the top 20 this week.  This is a project dance "one person" group that features different vocalists each time.  Lee Hyun Ji was Banana Girl on their last album, this time it is Kim Sang Mi, who is a model studying vocals in college.  "Hitmen" Bang Shi Hyuk wrote this fun dance track.

21. (+2) Wonder Girls – So Hot : 255
22. (New) The One – 죽도록 (To The Death) : 253
23. (-8) Brown Eyes – 너 때문에 (Because Of You) : 250
24. (+1) Shin Ji (feat. Mighty Mouth) – 해뜰날 (The Day The Sun Rises) : 201
25. (-8) Seo Tai Ji – Moai : 194
26. (New) Brown Eyed Girls – 어쩌다 (How) : 188
27. (New) Solbi – Do It Do It : 168
28. (-6) Nam Gyu Ri – 남자 (Man) : 167
29. (New) Yoon Eun Hye – 샐러드기념일 (Salad Anniversary) : 161
30. (+16) E Byul – 01(영원..) (01(Forever..)) : 159 *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
31. (-12) Uhm Jung Hwa – D.I.S.C.O : 155
32. (-2) Taw (feat. Joo) – 우리들의 행복한 시간 (Our Happy Times) : 154
33. (-9) Mighty Mouth (feat. Sun Ye) – 에너지 (Energy) : 142
34. (+7) Jang Yoon Jung – 장윤정트위스트 (Jang Yoon Jeong Twist) : 132
35. (New) Kim Dong Ryul – Melody : 123
36. (New) BGH4 – 흔적 (Marks) : 118
37. (-11) Maybee – 어쩜 좋아 (Oh My) : 117
38. (New) Son Dam Bi (feat. Eric) – 미쳤어 (Become Crazy) : 106
39. (New) Zi-A – 난 행복해 (I’m Happy) : 104
40. (-7) DNT – 두사람 그리고 그후 (Two People And Thereafter) : 95
41. (-5) Alex – 사랑하오 (I Love You) : 80
42. (New) Mario (feat. Park Hye Kyung) – 난 너에게 (To You) : 79
43. (-6) PK Heman (feat. Beige) – 그럴꺼면 왜 (If It’s Going To Turn Out Like This, Then Why?) : 76
44. (-5) Turtles – 어깨쫙 (Broad Shoulders) : 75
45. (Re) U-Kiss – 어리지 않아 (Not Young) : 74
46. (-8) MC The Max – 가시 물고기 (Bony Fish) : 71
47. (-12) Seo Jin Young – 눈물이 글썽 (Tears In One’s Eye) : 70
48. (-4) Jun Jin – Together 4ever : 65
49. (–) Show How (feat. Brian) – New Day : 60
50. (-22) Super Junior Happy – 파자마파티 (Pajama Party) : 53

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

BONUS TRACK:

J-Walk – 안타까워 (Heartbreaking)
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Han Sang Won / Lyrics: Kang Eun Kyung
Album: In The Season – Summer 2008 (digital single)
Watch: MV
Comment: We rewind back to 2002, when ex-Sechskies members Eun Ji Won, Kang Sung Hoon, and Lee Jae Jin all made their solo debut.  Fans were wondering where Jang Su Won and Kim Jae Duk were, then they came out to form the duo J-Walk.  Their debut song "Suddenly" became an instant success.  Over the years, J-Walk’s music has changed a lot.  However, this song reminds me so much of "Suddenly", not the melody, but the style.  It’s interesting that this song is featured on a digital single "In The Season – Summer 2008".  But I think this warm and easy-listening ballad fits winter more than summer.  Anyway, it brings back a lot of memories of J-Walk’s early days.

Sources of the chart

ChartKorea – 15%
Air Monitor Chart – 15%
MNet M!Countdown – 15%
Various Internet charts (Melon, Jukeon, Dosirak, MNet, Muz, Bugs, Ohdio, Soribada) – 15%
Hanteo and KMDIA Weekly Album Sales (2 weeks lag) – 10%
SBS – Inky Gayo Take 7 + Internet Chart + MP3 Download Chart + Music Video Chart – 10%
Hanteo Gayo Chart – 10% (1 week lag)
KBS Music Bank K-Chart – 5%
Gasoo appearance on gayo shows (MBC Show! Music Core, SBS Inky Gayo, KBS Music Bank, MNet M!Countdown, KBS Yoon Do Hyun Love Letter, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%