Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2010 - December Week 1

1. (–) SNSD – 훗 (Hoot)   *** 2 WEEKS NO. 1 ***
Score: 948
Genre: Pop/Dance
Music: James, Jansen, Larsson /  Lyrics: Lee Hyun Gyu
Album: SNSD mini-album “Hoot” Track 1 Purchase this album    
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: SNSD remains No. 1 this week with “Hoot”.  Asia’s number one girl group, SNSD makes a surprise comeback with a new mini album, “Hoot.” The girls have been quite busy this year promoting their second album with songs, “Oh” and “Run Devil Run” and debuting in Japan. The title track of the new album is “Hoot,” which showcases their upgraded vocals and emotions.  SNSD joins 2AM (who they surpass this week) as the only artists in 2010 to score three No. 1 songs on our chart.  Congratulations. 

2. (+4) Beast – Beautiful        
Score: 852
Genre: Pop/Dance
Music+ Lyrics: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho, Shin Sa Dong Tiger
Album: Beast mini-album Vol. 4 Track 2 Purchase this album    
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Closing in on another chart topping hit is Beast’s “Beautiful”.  Beast keeps coming back with new hits and returns already with their fourth mini album titled, “Lights Go On Again.” Fans are expected to get surprised with what the boys have in store for them. The title track is “Beautiful,” a bright, loving, listener friendly, and lively number confession song perfect for the upcoming winter.  This week it moves up four more spots to No. 2.

3. (+4) Kara – 점핑 (Jumping)        
Score: 831
Genre: Pop/Dance
Music: Kim Seung Soo, Han Jae Ho / Lyrics: Song Soo Yoon
Album: Kara 4th mini-album Track 2 Purchase this album    
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Kara who has been promoting and gaining popularity in Japan releases “Jumping” in both Korea and Japan. The title track is of the same title and is a pop dance number co-composed by Han Jae Ho and Kim Seung Soo. The song incorporates both retro sounds from the 80’s and current euro pop sounds. The song is about wanting to go back to the past to one’s past love.  This week it moves up four spots to No. 3.

4. (-2) 2AM – 전활 받지 않는 너에게 (To You Who’s Not Picking Up The Phone)    
Score: 822
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music+ Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: 2AM Vol. 1 Track 2 Purchase this album    
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the double title track of 2AM’s first full-length album, ‘Saint O’Clock.’ It’s a ballad song about the emptiness and pain one is left with after a break-up, which is perfectly expressed through 2AM’s soulful voice. The listeners are bound to relate to the sad lyrics that are expressed through the serious voices of the members. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

5. (-2) Psy – Right Now    
Score: 792
Genre: Hip-hop
Music: Psy, Yoon Gun Hyung / Lyrics: Psy
Album: Psy Vol. 5 Track 2 Purchase this album    
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Psy’s “Right Now” drops two spots to No. 5 this week. This is his first album in four years. Known for his unique rap and dance songs, PSY has brought together an impressive team for his comeback album Psyfive. Cool’s Lee Jae Hoon features in the advance track “In My Eye”, while Seo In Young pitches in on Thank You. Brown Eyed Soul’s Jung Yup and YDG also participated in the album.  The title track is “Right Now”.  This song combines electronic arrangement along with Psy’s singing and rapping.  Psy is our December Artist Of The Month.  Check him out.

6. (+3) Huh Gak – 언제나 (Whenever)     
Score: 612
Genre: Pop Ballad
 Music+Lyrics: Cho Young Soo
Album: Huh Gak first mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album   
Watch: MV 
Comment: Contestents of Super Star K Season 2 keeps hitting our chart, and winner Huh Gak releases his first mini album titled, “Whenever.” Included in the album is his debut track, “Whenever,” a ballad written by top composer Cho Young Soo.  One can hear the powerful vocal of this up and coming talent on this song.  This week “Whenever” is up another three spots to No. 6.

7. (-3) SG Wannabe – 해바라기 (Sunflower)
Score: 555
Genre: R&B Ballad
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min 
Album: SG Wannabe Vol. 7 Part 1 Track 3 Purchase this album 
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Korea’s top male vocal group, SG Wannabe makes their comeback after 1.5 years with part one of their seventh album.  Teaming up once again with Cho Young Soo and Ahn Young Min on their title song “Sunflower”, the group presents us an easy listening ballad with smooth flow.  This week it drops three spots to No. 7. 

8. (-3) 2NE1 – 아파 (Slow)      
Score: 552
Genre: R&B Ballad
  Music: Sun Woo Jung Ah, e.knock / Lyrics: e.knock
Album: 2NE1 Vol. 1 Track 5 Purchase this album    
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: The hits keep coming from 2NE1’s first studio album, ‘To Anyone.’ This time the girls made a 180 degrees image change for beauty and elegance to perform this R&B ballad “It Hurts (Slow)”.  The four members shared vocal equally, even for CL and Minzi who usually rap, sing extensively in this song.  It is a perfect song as we get into the winter.  This week it drops three spots to No. 8. 

9. (New) Tae Yeon, The One – 별처럼 (Like A Star)   *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
Score: 543
Genre: Pop Ballad
  Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Ahn Young Min
Album: Tae Yeon, The One digital single “Like A Star” Track 1   
Watch: MV 
Comment: Our highest debut this week is a very special collaboration.  The One and SNSD’s Taeyeon have come together to release a single titled, “Like a Star.” The two singers go way back. Ten years ago, prior to SNSD’s debut, The One was the vocal teacher for Taeyeon among others such as DBSG members. The song, “Like a Star” is a duet ballad number composed by hitmaker Jo Young Soo with lyrics penned by Ahn Young Min.

10. (+25) Orange Caramel – 아잉♡ (Ah-Ing)   *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
Score: 535
Genre: Pop/Dance
Music: Cho Young Soo / Lyrics: Wheesung 
Album: Orange Caramel 2nd mini-album Track 1 Purchase this album 
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Orange Caramel who has done quite well with their debut song, “Magic Girl” returns this fall with a lovely image. Their title track is “Ah-Ing” which was created by the Jo Young Soo – Wheesung combo who also created, “Magic Girl.” The song is expected to be yet another hit with its trendy Korean sounds. The lyrics, “Again and again ah-ing ah-ing; I’m happy, so ah-ing ah-ing…” are very addicting and energetic. The song will be about the feelings formed over a crush.  This week it is our biggest mover, up 25 spots to No. 10.

11. (-3) 2PM – I’ll Be Back  
Score: 469
Genre: Pop / Dance
Music + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: 2PM mini-album “Still 02:00pm” Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of 2PM’s mini album, ‘Still 2:00PM.’ It’s a song with a blend of an R&B melody and Hip-hop and House rhythms. The appealing and powerful vocals of 2PM and the lyrics about a man who cries out for his past love are impressive. The key dance move that is reminiscent of the last scene from the movie, ‘Terminator 2,’ and the energetic performances by this group of beasts are bound to capture your attention. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

12. (-2) Supreme Team & Young Joon – 그땐 그땐 그땐 (Then Then Then)
Score: 377
Genre: R&B/Hip-hop
  
Album: Supreme Team & Young Joon (Brown Eyed Soul) mini-album “Ames Room” Purchase this album 
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: This is the title track of Supreme Team & Young-jun’s first mini album, ‘Ames Room.’ In this soulful hip hop number, the powerful rap by Supreme Team and strong vocals by Young-jun from Brown Eyed Soul come together to create a unique harmony. It is about pain after separation, but the fast beats that contrast with the sad lyrics make the song surprisingly vibrant. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

13. (+8) KCM – 사랑곰 (Love Bear)
Score: 347
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: KCM / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra 
Album: KCM “Alone Part 2: From My Soul” Track 2 Purchase this album 
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: KCM returns with a new mini album, “Alone Part 2: From My Soul” which he produced himself. The title track is “Love Bear” written by the singer himself.  It is an emotional ballad with unique vocals only KCM can bring out. The song is about finding love from a person who loves silently like a bear.  This week it becomes KCM’s latest top 20 hit, moving up eight spots to No. 13. 

14. (+10) Outsider (feat. LMNOP) – 주인공 (Hero)     
Score: 318
Genre: Hip-hop
  
Album: Outsider Vol. 3 Track 2 Purchase this album   
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Outsider returns this year with his third album titled, “Hero.” The rapper gained much interest in 2009 for having the skill to spit out words with great speed, reaching number one on various music charts. This third album is about the hero in everyone as each and every single person dreams and goes through many obstacles to reach his or her goal.  This week “Hero” returns to the top 20 again at No. 14.

15. (-2) December – 눈부신 눈물 (Blinding Tears)    
Score: 296
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Park Jung Wook /  Lyrics: Nine   
Album: December Vol. 1 Track 1 Purchase this album 
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Male duo, December who has released quite a number of hits including “Can You Not Come Back,” the theme song for the drama series “Iris” along with “Love is Really” has finally released its first studio album, “A Story to the Sky.” The group has returned with new music styles, shifting from their usual medium tempo ballads to lounge music. One of the three title tracks, “Blinding Tears” is at No. 15 this week.  “Blinding Tears” showcases the duo’s vocals skills as they sing about the sadness one feels over a loved one who has passed away.

16. (+24) Oh Won Bin (feat. Miryo) – 사랑해 또 사랑해 (Love You, Love You Again)
Score: 279
Genre: Rock Ballad
   
Album: Oh Won Bin digital single “Love You, Love You Again” Track 1 
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Former FT Island member Oh Won Bin makes his solo debut with a pop/rock ballad “Love You, Love You Again”.  This song has similar style to FT Island hits in early years.  It also features Brpwn Eyed Girls’ Miryo as rapper.  This week it is our second biggest mover, up 24 spots to No. 16.

17. (+6) Shin Seung Hoon – You Are So Beautiful      
Score: 278
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Shin Seung Hoon /  Lyrics: Kim Ina   
Album: Shin Seung Hoon 20th Anniversary Album Disc 1 Track 1  Purchase this album
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Korea’s ballad prince Shin Seung Hoon is celebrating his 20th anniversary as a singer this year. He releases a special two-disc anniversary album features the pop legend’s greatest hits plus tribute songs by younger singers. The title track is a new song You are so beautiful, with piano accompaniment by famed new age pianist Yiruma.  This week it moves up six spots to No. 17. 

18. (+20) VNT – 소리 (Sound)     
Score: 277
Genre: R&B/Dance
   Music + Lyrics: LA Bounce
Album: VNT first single “Sound” Track 1
Watch: MV Live Performance
Comment: Korea’s top producer, Kim Chang Hwan’s team creates its first female idol group called VNT. VNT  which stands for 92’ers with voice, is made up of three girls, Yumi (vocal), Tina (vocal), and Lil’J (rap) who have all received two years of training. The girls are expected to bring some new elements into Korean pop music with hip-hop rhythms and R&B. The title track is “Sound” an R&B number with LA Bounce beats. The strong, dynamic sounds are expected to capture listeners’ ears on first listen.  This week it becomes VNT’s first top 20 hit, up 20 big spots to No. 18.

19. (-7) Lee Juck – 그대랑 (With You)
Score: 259
Genre: Rock Ballad 
   
Album: Lee Juck Vol. 4 Track 2 Purchase this album
Watch: MV
Comment: This is the title track of Lee Juck’s 4th studio album, ‘Love.’ It’s a song with a unique blend of dynamic rock sounds and a beautiful melody that will make you feel as if you’re flying across the sky. The dynamic electric guitar performance and the piano melody are impressive, and the innocent words like that of a child will linger in your mind for a long time. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)

20. (-9) Gummy – 죽어도 사랑해 (Love You Even If I Die)     
Score: 237
Genre: Pop Ballad
Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Hyun Seung / Lyrics: Choi Kap Won
Album: SBS Drama “Dae Mool” OST Part 1
Watch: MV
Comment: This song is coming from SBS Drama “Dae Mool” featuring top stars Cha In Pyo, Kwon Sang Woo, and Go Hyun Jung. The sad ballad by Gummy written by hitmakers Kim Do Hoon, Lee Hyun Seung, and Choi Kap Won captures the emotions of the drama as well.  This week it drops to No. 20.

21. (-1) V.O.S – 내겐 네가 흘러서 (You Flow To Me) : 231

22. (New) Baek Ji Young – 그여자 (That Woman) : 228

23. (+19) Buzz (feat. Venny) – 여자가 싫다 (Don’t Like Women) : 210

24. (+3) Park Bo Ram – 세월이 가면 (When Time Passes By) : 206

25. (-10) Suki – 가슴아 안돼 (No, Heart) : 194

26. (-9) Miss A – Breathe : 192

27. (-2) Jang Jae In – 가로수 그늘 아래 서면 (If I Stand Under the Shadows of the Roadside Trees) : 190

28. (+11) G.na & Hyun Ah – Say You Love Me : 187

29. (+8) Kim Jang Hoon – 비처럼 음악처럼 (Like Rain Like Music) : 182

30. (-2) Kang Seung Yoon – 본능적으로 (Instinctive) : 179

31. (-17) Ga In – 돌이킬 수 없는 (Irreversible) : 178

32. (New) Kim Bo Kyung – Because Of You : 176

33. (-3) John Park – 빗속에서 (In The Rain) : 175

34. (-3) San E – Love Sick : 173

35. (New) Yurisangja – 결별 (Break Up) : 163

36. (-20) Lee Jung (feat. Leessang) – 헤어지는 일 (To Be Break Up) : 156

37. (New) D. Heaven – 모르는 사람처럼 (Like Strangers) : 150

38. (+3) Min Kyung Hoon – 상처투성이 (Full of Wounds) : 138

39. (New) Cho Moon Geun – 너라는 걸 (Something Like You) : 137

40. (New) Gavy NJ – 전화 좀 받어 (Pick Up the Phone) : 136

41. (-22) Rainbow – 마하 (Mach) : 132

42. (-24) Yim Jae Bum – 후회합니다 (고해 Part 2) (I Regret It (Confession Part 2)) : 123

43. (-11) Zi-A, 4men – 울고 불고 (Crying) : 120

44. (–) Lim Jung Hee – 진짜일 리 없어 (It Can’t Be Real) : 109

45. (-23) 4men – 미안해 (I’m Sorry) : 99

46. (-20) Co-Ed School – 삐리뽐 빼리뽐 (Bbi Ri Bbom Bbae Ri Bbom) : 97

47. (New) AB Avenue – 여자는.. 알아요 (Women.. Know) : 90

48. (-14) Brocolli You Too – 졸업 (Graduation) : 78

49. (-6) Davichi – 두 번 헤어지는 일 (Event That Causes Two Breakups) : 71

50. (New) Bobby Kim & Double K – 너 하나만 못해 (You Aren’t the Only One) : 70

Blue: Songs to watch out under top 20

Green: Editor’s recommendations under top 20

BONUS TRACK:

Woo Joo (feat. Hwayobi) – Happy Together

Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: Woo Joo digital single “Happy Together” Track 1

Watch: MV Live Performance

Comment: “Happy Together” is a cheerful song that you couldn’t find in Woo Joo’s music before. It has bright and beautiful lyrics with a melody that can make you feel good. The song features r&b singer Hwayobi who also directed and sang the chorus. (credits to suejinners for translations)

YESTERDAY ONCE MORE:

FINKL – True Love

Genre: Pop Ballad

Album: MBC Drama “All About Eve” OST (2000) Track 1

Watch: MV

Comment: One of the all time greatest Korean dramas with its theme song sung by one of the all time greatest k-pop girl groups.  “All About Eve” starred Jang Dong Geun, Chae Rim, Kim So Yeon, and Han Jae Suk, and it was one of the earliest Korean dramas that introduced “hallyu” to oversea fans.  On each episode we can hear this song multiple times.  FINKL needs not much introductions, as members Lee Hyori, Ok Ju Hyun, Lee Jin, and Sung Yuri are still among the biggest stars in Korean entertainment.  

About the soompi music chart:

Soompi Music Chart is unlike any other music charts or television rankings.  It takes into account not only sales and rankings by various other charts in Korea, but also airplays of each song, the number of live performances and appearances, making it an unbiased and objective tally of what’s going on in the world of K-pop.  When we compare our chart to the GAON Music Chart which is now the official music chart in Korea, we are very closely matched.  Our chart is composed of the following sources:

Air Monitor Chart – 15%
Cable Sources (MNet, 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, MBC Music Travel LaLaLa, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, KBS Yoo Hee Yeol Sketchbook, Pops In Seoul) – 5%

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