Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2010 - January Week 5

1. (+17) CNBlue – 외톨이야 (Loner) *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 + BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 728
Genre: Rock
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho / Lyrics: Han Sung Ho, Amen
Album: CNBlue 1st mini-album “Bluetory” Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
CNBlue breaks many chart records this week with their debut song
“Loner”. It just took them two weeks to get to the top spot, becoming
the first rookie artist to achieve this feat on our chart. Meanwhile
they are also the biggest mover this week. It was the biggest jump to
No. 1 by a song since Brian’s “Don’t Go” three years ago. Having
debuted in Japan as an indie artist, and also front man Jung Yong Hwa
starred in the popular SBS drama “You Are Beautiful” last year, CNBlue
is returning home to Korea to release their first mini-album. “Loner”
was composed by Kim Do Hoon and Lee Sang Ho. It has addictive beats and
a strong melody. One can say that this is a song only CNBLUE can
express. Despite plagiarism accusation swirling around this song, it
doesn’t affect its popularity. Congratulations.

2. (-1) Younha – 오늘 헤어졌어요 (We Broke Up Today)
Score: 688
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Lee Kwan / Lyrics: Hwa Yobi
Album: Younha Vol. 3 Part B Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Title song of singer Younha’s third studio album, Part.B ‘Growing
Season.’ The sad sound of the piano comes together with Hwayobi’s
heart-breaking lyrics in this wintery ballad. Younha sings of the pains
of breaking up in a sincere and honest way with her rich and appealing
voice. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

3. (+5) Hyun Ah (feat. Yong Joon Hyung of Beast) – Change
Score: 672
Genre: Hip-hop / Dance

Album: Hyun Ah digital single “Change” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Being the most well known member of 4minute largely due to her days
with Wonder Girls, Hyun Ah is the first 4minute member to release her
own solo song “Change”, a trendy number composed by Shin Sa Dong Tiger.
It has 80s glam hip-hop sounds. Featured in the song is BEAST member,
Yong Jun Hyung. The song has powerful beats and one can see an upgrade
of 4Minute’s songs. Hyun Ah is to show her charismatic performance and
style through this track. She proves that she is more than a rapper,
she can also sing. This week it moves up another five spots to the top
3, a really good accomplishment for a digital single.

4. (-1) After School – 너 때문에 (Because Of You)
Score: 658
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: After School 2nd single Track 1 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Title song of After School’s third digital single album. The music is a
Shibuya-Kei style electro pop song with a sentimental twist. The song
is a combination of a beautiful piano and violin melody, an addictive
chorus and the powerful rap of After School. (credits to Arirang TV –
Pops In Seoul)

5. (-1) Ga In & Jo Kwon – 우리 사랑하게 됐어요 (We Fell In Love)
Score: 615
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Lee Min Soo, Je-A / Lyrics: Kim Ina, Ga In, Jo Kwon
Album: Ga In & Jo Kwon digital single “We Fell In Love” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
The first top 5 hit coming from the reality TV Show “We Got Married”.
The song features Brown Eyed Girl’s Ga In and 2AM’s Jo Kwon. It’s
composed by Brown Eyed Girl’s leader Je-A. It is a nice duet song that
has an (8 beat) new wave sound that was popular during the 1980s.
Composer Lee Min Soo (Love; Abracadabra) and lyricist Kim In Na have
contributed in creating the song as well. Ga In and Jo Kwon also
contributed to the lyrics by telling honest stories of their
make-believe marriage life. Through this couple/duet song, we will be
able to listen to their wonderful harmony and outstanding vocal skills.
This song already topped many internet charts in Korea, one big reason
for its success here.

6. (+4) See Ya, Davichi, T-Ara – 원더우먼 (Wonder Woman)
Score: 578
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: K. Smith
Album: See Ya, Davichi, T-Ara digital single “Wonder Woman” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
The success of “Women’s Generation” last year prompted a sequel now.
The difference this time is that Eun Jung and Hyo Min represent T-Ara
instead of Ji Yeon, and also See Ya’ s new member Soo Mi also
participates, making it a total of seven members. Together the girls
are to showcase powerful harmony. “Wonder Woman,” like “Women
Generation,” is a bokgo dance number with a catchy and slight trot
melody. The song is about girls’ friendship and loyalty. This week it
is moving up four more spots to No. 6.

7. (-5) T-Ara – Bo Beep Bo Beep
Score: 495
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Shin Sa Dong Tiger
Album: T-Ara Vol. 1 Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of T-Ara’s first studio album “Absolute First
Album.” It is a funky-rhythm dance song with cute lyrics and a charming
dance that represents T-Ara’s fresh image. When performing it, the
T-Ara members wear large-patterned leggings and paw-shaped gloves.
(credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

8. (-3) Eun Ji Won (feat. Mr. Tyfoon) – 사이렌 (Siren)
Score: 468
Genre: Hip-hop
Music + Lyrics: Kim Se Jin, Seo Jung Jin
Album: Eun Ji Won Vol. 5 Track 5 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
The title song of Eun Ji-won’s fifth album, “Platonic”. Unlike Eun
Ji-won’s past albums, this electronic hip hop song contains an
addictive and contagious melody, and it relates the prohibited love
feeling for a friend’s girlfriend. “Siren” is a sea fairy from Greek
mythology that is known to allure seamen with soft songs in order to
devour them. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

9. (-2) Zi-A – 그녀처럼 (Like Her)
Score: 425
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Zi-A mini-album Atelier Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
Zi-A’s latest hit, the title track “Like Her” from her recently
released mini-album “Atelier”, drops two spots to No. 9 this week. Her
previous hit “Let’s Have A Drink” also hit this spot two weeks ago.
“Like Her” is composed by Lee Joo Ho who also wrote “Let’s Have a
Drink” and penned by Ecobridge (Lee Jong Myung), making this song more
anticipating. One can hear Zi-A go three octaves in this song. A 14
member orchestra also took part in the song, bringing out more sadness
and feelings to the melody.

10. (-4) Jewelry – Love Story
Score: 408
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Jewelry Vol. 6 Repackaged Version Track 2
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Millions of viewers watched Jewelry’s tear jerking final performance of
long time members Park Jung Ah and Seo In Young three weeks ago at SBS
Inky Gayo. That momentum is still helping “Love Story”, originally on
the way out of the top 20, maintains its place in the top 10 this week.
“Love Story” is about a love story between a man and a woman in which
they go through different stages in their relationship. The lyrics
express the different emotions very well and the melody fits perfectly
with the winter atmosphere. Unlike Jewelry’s dance songs, “Love Story”
showcases the members’ strong vocal and rap skills. Jewelry will
recruit two new members soon. We wish Park Jung Ah and Seo In Young all
the successes in their solo careers.

11. (+2) Kim Jin Pyo (feat. SG Wannabe Kim Jin Ho) – 로맨틱 겨울 (Romantic Winter)
Score: 374
Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Kim Jin Pyo mini-album “Romantic Winter” Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
All-round artist Kim Jin Pyo is back with a mini-album “Romantic
Winter”. The title track of the same name is at No. 11 this week.
“Romantic Winter” features SG Wannabe’s Kim Jin Ho’s vocal along with
Kim Jin Pyo’s rapping to unveil a sweet seasonal ballad. With the
winter theme, this song is still one of the top airplay songs in Korea
now.

12. (-1) Lee Seung Ki (feat. Davichi Kang Min Kyung) – 처음처럼 그때처럼 (Like The First Time, Like that One Time)
Score: 373
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Lee Seung Ki digital single “Like The First Time, Like that One Time” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment:
As a Christmas present to fans, Lee Seung Ki has released one of the
his singles earlier on his soon to be released repackaged 4th album.
“Like The First Time, Like that One Time” was composed by Kim Do Hun,
one of Korea’s top composers. The song is about a man who learns about
the preciousness of his past lover. It is a bright medium tempo track
which features Davichi member, Kang Min Kyung. This week it dropped one
spot to No. 12. Lee Seung Ki is scheduled to release his repackaged 4th
album next week. This song should move up again with the album release.

13. (New) 2PM (feat. Yoon Eun Hye) – Tik Tok *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 369
Genre: Pop / Dance

Album: 2PM digital single “Tik Tok” Track 1
Watch: MV
Comment:
Just when their former No. 1 song “Heartbeat” fell out of the chart
this week, 2PM returns with a new song “Tik Tok” immediately and is our
highest debut at No. 13. “Tik Tok.” It was composed by Tommy Park and
penned by Kim Eun Soo. The single starts with the ticking of a clock,
furthering bringing in the mood for the song. The song is about a
secret love story that others should not know. It’s also about wanting
to reveal the relationship to the public. Actress and former Baby Vox
Yoon Eun Hye is featured in this song as well. This song is for Cass
beer commercial, with 2PM members Nickhun and Taecyeon and also Yoon
Eun Hye.

14. (-5) Beast – Mystery
Score: 368
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Lee Sang Ho, Kang Ji Won
Album: Beast mini-album “Beast Is The B2st” Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: Live Performance
Comment:
Beast’s “Mystery” dropped back five spots to No. 14 this week. However,
“Mystery” have surpassed their debut hit “Bad Girl” which went to No.
10. This is the follow up song from their debut mini-album “Beast Is
The B2st”. “Mystery” is a trendy pop/dance song, is the biggest hit of
Beast’s young career so far.

15. (+13) ZE:A – Mazeltov
Score: 352
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Han Sang Won
Album: ZE:A 1st single “Nativity” Track 3 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Last year it was many debutant girl groups grabbing the headlines. In
2010, the trend looks to have shifted to boy bands. We already saw
CNBlue with their first No. 1 song this week, now another new 9-member
boy group ZE:A rises to the top 20 this week with their first song
“Mazeltov”. The members are Moon Jun Young, Lim Si Wan, Hwang Kwang
Hee, Kevin, Kim Tae Hyun, Jung Hee Chul, Ha Minwoo, Park Hyung Shik,
and Kim Dong Joon and they each show their respective charms. The
members have gone through various auditions and have also took part in
the 50th episode of Winka Concert and various commercials already,
gaining fans already from the start. Leader, Moon Jun Young in
particular has gained much interest through the internet due to his
good looks. Others have taken part in music videos as have modeled for
various advertisements. The title track “Mazeltov” is defined as “good
fortune” in Hebrew. The song will catch listeners ears with the
repetitive line, “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, Sunday” as well as its melody.

16. (New) 4men (feat. 美) – 못해 (Can’t Do)
Score: 340
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music: Yoon Min Soo / Lyrics: Min Yeon Jae
Album: 4men Special Album “The 3rd Generation” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
A surprise new entrant to our top 20 this week is from R&B group
4men. They have been flying under the radar for a few years and now
with the release of a special album, the title song “Can’t Do” finally
introduces this group to mainstream audiences. “Can’t Do” is ranked
very high on most internet charts in Korea now. A pure R&B ballad
that we haven’t seen for a while. It was written by Vibe’s Yoon Min
Soo, no wonder it does remind us of Vibe’s songs.

17. (+5) Yim Jae Bum – 낙인 (Stigma: KBS Drama “Chuno” OST)
Score: 315
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Choi Chul Ho, Kim Jong Chan / Lyrics: Kim Jong Chan
Album: KBS Drama “Chuno’ OST Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment:
We are seeing a continuous revival of drama OST songs on the chart. The
latest one on the top 20 is from the highly rated KBS historical drama
“Chuno” starring Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji Ho, and Lee Da Hae. The OST comes
with the huskiest male voice in Korea in the name of Yim Jae Bum whose
theme song “Stigma” is his first top 20 hit in many many years. This
week it moves up 5 spots to No. 17.

18. (New) 2AM – 죽어도 못 보내 (Can’t Send You Even If I Die)
Score: 297
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: 2AM mini-album “Can’t Send You Even If I Die” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Despite being overshadowed by their “brother” group 2PM, 2AM is
actually having a very solid career so far. They are coming back with
their 3rd mini-album “Can’t Send You Even If I Die” produced by
hitmaker “Hitman” Bang Shi Hyuk. Through this new album, 2AM will be
able to show hybrid genres with trendy sounds and danceable beats, a
200% upgrade from their last. To fit the global trends in music,
electronica sounds can also be heard. We are able to see that 2AM are
also capable of dance numbers. The title track which is the same as the
mini-album title, is still the vintage power ballad we are known of
2PM. This week it debuts at No. 18.

19. (New) IU & Na Yoon Kwon – 첫사랑이죠 (It’s My First Love)
Score: 288
Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: IU & Na Yoon Kwon digital single “It’s My First Love” Track 1
Listen To: Full Song
Comment:
Male-female duets have been increasing dramatically in recent years.
Besides Ga In & Jo Kwon’s “We Fell In Love”, we have another duet
in the top 20 this week. IU & Na Yoon Kwon’s “It’s My First Love”,
coming from SBS Power FM’s “Sweet Musicbox”. This song will be a part
of the Sweet Musicbox project album which takes the lyrics written by
listeners and produce them into songs. This song is perfect for the
winter season especially for those who have just fallen in love. The
soft vocals of Na Yoon Kwon and the bright vocals of IU flow well in
this duet number. This week it debuts at No. 19.

20. (-5) U-Kiss – 만만하니 (Am I That Easy Going?)
Score: 275
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Brave Brothers
Album: U-Kiss mini-album “Conti UKiss” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
This is the title track of U-Kiss’ 3rd mini-album “Conti Ukiss.” Its
gangster-style hip-hop rhythm creates a fresh harmony with the
electronic genre. The sharp tone of its lyrics and addictive sounds are
especially impressive. The music video shows the U-Kiss members, who
have been transformed from young boys into chic guys. (credits to
Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

21 . (New) Lisa (feat. Miryo) – 우리 결혼할까? ( Shall We Marry? ) : 265
22 . (-3) Gummy – 그대라서 ( Because It Is You: SBS Drama “Will It Snow In Christmas” OST ) : 254
23 . (-6) Brian – 내 여자 ( My Girl ) : 245
24 . (-10) Park Jin Young – No Love No More : 243
25 . (-9) SHINee – JoJo : 232
26 . (New) Rumble Fish – 남잔 다 그래 ( Men Are All Like That ) : 222
27 . (-2) HAM – 두근두근 ( Tomorrow ) : 218
28 . (-8) Yoo Bum Sang – 행복해지는 법 ( The Way To Happiness ) : 215
29 . (+4) Jo Gyu Chan – I Love You : 207
30 . (+6) MBLAQ – G.O.O.D luv : 193
31 . (+3) Islander – 웃다가 울다가 ( Laugh And Cry ) : 185
32 . (-9) Kim Nam Gil – 사랑하면 안 되니 ( Can’t I Love? ) : 181
33 . (-4) Gil Me (feat. Jung Yup) – 넌 나를 왜 ( Why You Doing This To Me? ) : 151
34 . (+8) Lucy – 1년 365일 ( One Year 365 Days ) : 149
35 . (+15) F.Cuz – Jiggy : 145
36 . (-15) SG Wannabe & V.O.S – 사랑합니다 ( I Love You ) : 138
37 . (-2) Egg – One One Eight : 137
38 . (-12) IU – 마쉬멜로우 ( Marshmallow ) : 127
39 . (New) Lee Ji Hye – 눈물아 제발 멈춰줘 ( Tears, Please Stop ) : 117
40 . (New) Shoo – 자기밖에 ( Only For Himself ) : 116
41 . (-10) AB Avenue – 사랑 둘이서.. ( Love Between Us Two.. ) : 115
42 . (-10) MC Sniper – 마법의 성 ( Magic Castle ) : 114
43 . (New) Kim Yeon Woo – 축가(祝歌) ( Wedding Song ) : 106
44 . (-7) Kim Tae Woo – 사랑눈 ( Love Snow ) : 97
45 . (-1) Lucid Fall – 고등어 ( Mackerel ) : 95
46 . (New) Gavy NJ – 해바라기 ( Sunflower ) : 91
47 . (-9) Hwa Yobi & Go Yoo Jin – Ghost : 89
48 . (-2) In Soon Yi – 겨울바다 ( Winter Sea ) : 84
49 . (-4) Peppertones – 가울의 사엽가 ( Winter Businessman ) : 79
50 . (New) Trax – 가슴이 차가운 남자 ( Let You Go ) : 63

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

BONUS TRACK:
Baby-G (feat. Han Ji Eun) – 흔한 사랑 이야기 (Common Love Story)
Genre: R&B Ballad

Album: Baby-G single “Common Love Story” Track 1
Listen to: Full Song (thanks to Mardi09 for uploading)
Comment:
This Baby-G is not Ga In of Brown Eyed Girls. He is a mellow and
poppish R&B male vocalist. Even before debut, he had gained much
popularity in college, participated in many project albums and was
featured in various songs. The title track is “Common Love Story” which
has a harp arpeggio feel and strong beats that sound like a heart
palpitating. It is an urban ballad with sad lyrics. (credits to motoway065 for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:
Byul – 12월 32일 (December 32nd)
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: Byul Vol. 1 (2002) Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment:
Byul (real name: Kim Go Eun) was one of the more underrated artists
launched by JYP. Debuting in 2002, she has enjoyed moderate success
over the years. “December 32nd” was Byul’s debut hit song, from her 1st
album in 2002. This song with a catchy title went all the way to No. 1
on the music charts, a rare accomplishment by a debuting female artist
on a male dominated k-pop scene at the time. “December 32nd” was about
a girl waiting for her lover to come back. Instead of moving on to the
new year, she went past December 31 onto December 32, an imaginary
date. This song has also been remade by R&B group Bless. (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, MNet MP3 Chart, 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, 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%