This is the last music chart of 2008. As a tradition, we are taking the last week of the year off. However, we’ll bring you two special programs during this holiday season. Next weekend, we’ll reveal the Staff-recommended top 20 songs of 2008, and also recommended albums of 2008. On Dec 31, we’ll bring you the 2008 Soompi Gayo Award Show. You can hear the results live this year as Big B Radio will broadcast this event. The weekly music chart will resume in the first weekend of January 2009.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers of this weekly music chart post, and our team of music staffs: motoway065, adikkeluangman, Aziraphale, ~S2~, and purpletiger86. They helped me on doing research, translations, and editing. Without their help, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to write all these week after week. I wish all of you Happy Holidays! The 2009 music chart will be even better as we plan to add more features. Stay tuned.
1. (+1) Baek Ji Young – 총 맞은 것처럼 (Like You Got Shot By A Gun) *** 1 WEEK NO. 1 ***
Score: 953
Genre: Pop Ballad
BaekJiYoung7Music + Lyrics: Bang Shi Hyuk
Album: Baek Ji Young Vol. 7 Track 4
Comment: The last No. 1 song of 2008 belongs to Baek Ji Young, as she moves up to the top this week with “Like You Got Shot By A Gun”. This song is already No. 1 on all major internet charts in Korea, and deserves to be ranked No. 1 here. Coming back from vocal cord surgery, Baek Ji Young traded her signature husky voice for a pure crystal tone and released her 7th album “Sensibility”. Since switching from Latin dance to ballads two albums ago, Baek Ji Young has enjoyed great success. “Like You Got Shot Bu A Gun” is a sentimental ballad written by
“Hitmen” Bang Shi Hyuk.
2. (-1) Big Bang – 붉은 노을 (Sunset Glow)
Score: 941
Genre: R&B / Dance
BigBang2Music: G-Dragon, Teddy, Lee Young Hoon / Lyrics: G-Dragon, Lee Young Hoon
Album: Big Bang Vol. 2 Track 3
Comment: This is the representative track of Big Bang’s 2nd official album, “Remember.” The remake combines the refrain of Lee Moon-sae’s “Red Sunset” with rapping done in Big Bang’s distinct style. It’s filled with fun beats and groove. The music video presents a message of hope to people struggling in society or economically. It was shot on Korea’s west coast, a place that recovered and found hope even after a major oil spill. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
3. (–) Kim Jong Kook – 어제보다 오늘 더 (Today More Than Yesterday)
Score: 800
Genre: Pop Ballad
KimJongKook5Music: Kim Do Hoon, Lee Sang Ho / Lyrics: Yoon Sa Ra
Album: Kim Jong Kook Vol. 5 Track 4
Comment: This R&B number, which has a warm melody, is the representative track of Kim Jong-kook’s 5th album “Here I Am”. It’s the song with which he has made his return to K-pop from the military. Kim Jong-kook sampled the song “Grand Father’s Clock” by U.S. children’s songwriter H.C. Work. The lyrics are about loving someone more today than he did yesterday. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
4. (+9) SS501 – U R Man
Score: 776
Genre: Pop / Dance
URMan
Album: SS501 special album U R Man Track 2
Comment: With Kim Hyun Joong busy shooting the Korean adaptation of Hana Yori Dango and Park Jung Min starring in the musical Grease, the other 3 members of SS501 – Kim Kyu Jong, Heo Yong Saeng and Kim Hyung Jun – have formed the special unit Triple-S to carry on the music, and they’re now releasing the special six-track mini-album U R Man. Triple-S, which is also the name of SS501’s fan club, represents a new challenge for the three members as they push for a more mature sound and look, and even unveil their songwriting skills. Produced by the same team that created SS501 hits like 4 Chance, the album’s title track U R Man is just about a guaranteed hit with its catchy mid-tempo melody and urban house sound. (credits to ~S2~)
5. (–) Brown Eyed Girls – My Style
Score: 753
Genre: Pop / Dance
MyStyleMusic: Lee Min Soo / Lyrics: Kim Yi Na
Album: Brown Eyed Girls digital single “My Style (Hidden Track)” Track 1
Comment: This is the title track of Brown-Eyed Girls’ single album “My Style”. It’s an electronic dance song featuring a trendy melody and cheerful beat. The lyrics contain many cute and interesting expressions to convey a woman’s feelings of love toward the man of her dreams. The music video draws attention with images that are switched cut by cut. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
6. (–) Tei – 기적 같은 이야기 (Miracle-Like Story)
Score: 720
Genre: Pop Ballad
Tei5Music: Lee Hyun Seung / Lyrics: Tei
Album: Tei Vol. 5 Track 2
Comment: This is the title track of Tei’s fifth album “The Note.” This sentimental ballad features Tei’s ample vocals. It drew attention for its lyrics, which are about the singer’s personal experience. It is a story of a man who compares his past love with a miracle. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
7. (-3) DBSG – Wrong Number
Score: 720
Genre: Pop / Dance
DBSG4
Album: DBSG Vol. 4 Track 2
Comment: Featured in DBSG’s 4th album, “Mirotic,” this song has a melody with a dark and
depressing vibe and showcases DBSG’s unique charisma. It’s about dealing with phone calls from an over-managing lover. In the music video, the members of DBSG play guys who are exhausted by obsessive girlfriends, as the lyrics suggest. (credts to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
8. (+6) Mighty Mouth (feat. Son Dam Bi) – 패밀리 (Family)
Score: 600
Genre: Hip-Hop
MightyMouth1R
Album: Mighty Mouth Vol.1 Special Edition Track 2
Comment: This is the title track of Mighty Mouth’s same-titled single album. This hip-hop song features a cheerful rhythm and melody. Mighty Mouth’s unique rap and Son Dam-bi’s vocals create a sophisticated harmony. The lyrics are about living happily like one big family. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
9. (-2) Wheesung – 별이 지다.. (Star Is Setting..)
Score: 546
Genre: R&B Ballad
Wheesungmini08Music: Park Geun Tae, Jun Goon / Lyrics: Wheesung
Album: Wheesung mini-album “With My Heart And Soul” Track 3
Comment: This R&B number is the representative song of Wheesung’s 6th album, “With All My Heart and Soul.” With a sweet and soft melody, the song is about a breakup with a lover who is a celebrity. Wheesung wrote the lyrics, inspired by the movie “Notting Hill”. The music video created extra buzz for starring Lee Hyori. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
10. (-2) Lee Soo Young – 이런 여자 (This Kind Of Woman)
Score: 543
Genre: Pop Ballad
Once
Album: Lee Soo Young mini-album “Once” Track 1
Comment: Ballad queen Lee Soo Young is coming back with her first mini-album “Once”. The title song “This Kind Of Women” adds to her large collection of top-10 hits. After experimenting new styles of music during her last 2 albums with mixed success, Lee Soo Young is returning to her roots in this song, which is an emotional ballad that fans are familiar with from her. Let’s see if this song can take her career to another level.
11. (-2) Wonder Girls – Nobody
Score: 490
Genre: Retro Pop / Dance
TrilogyMusic + Lyrics: Park Jin Young
Album: Wonder Girls: The Wonder Years: Trilogy Track 2
Comment: This track took a 60s and 70s Motown girl-group sound and infused it with a contemporary sensibility. It melds soul music with a trendy hip-hop beat. The song repeats “If not you, I don’t want anyone else” and is about a love that does not welcome separation. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
12. (+10) Lee Seung Chul – 듣고 있나요 (Are You Listening?: MBC Drama “East of Eden” OST2)
Score: 464
Genre: Pop Ballad
EastofEden2
Album: East Of Eden OST Vol. 2 Track 1
Comment: From the 2nd OST of the megacast MBC Drama “East Of Eden”, veteran Lee Seung Chul contributes with this ballad. The 1st OST of the drama has already produced a hit with SG Wannabe and Kim Jong Wook’s “Opposed By Fate”. This 2nd OST is even stronger with 3 songs on the chart this week: this song, Black Pearl’s “Hateful Love”, and Song Seung Hun’s “When Time Leaves”. The music video for the song “Are You Listening?” is a compilation of the best scenes from the drama.
13. (-3) Son Dam Bi – 미쳤어 (Become Crazy)
Score: 455
Genre: Pop / Dance
SonDamBimini2Music: Brave Brothers / Lyrics: Eric
Album: Son Dam Bi Mini Album Vol. 2 Track 1
Comment: The title track of Son Dam-bi’s second mini-album, this dance song is a combination of retro and modern sounds that create a dreamlike mood. Eric’s rap adds charm to the song. The music video of “Crazy” shows the sexy Son Dam-bi performing a unique dance. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
14. (+4) Rumble Fish – 비와 당신 (You And The Rain)
Score: 407
Genre: Rock Ballad
Memory4u
Album: Rumble Fish remake album “Memory For You” Track 3
Comment: Last year Rumble Fish increased their popularity with their third album “Open The Safe” that featured the online hit “You and Me Again”. Now the Korean rock band, led by vocalist Choi Jin Lee, return with their latest release “Memory For You”. The title track, “The Rain and You”, becomes their latest top-20 song. It was originally sung by Park Joong Hoon in the film Radio Star, which also starred veteran actor Ahn Sung Ki. (credits to ~S2~)
15. (+9) Nell – Part 2
Score: 395
Genre: Rock
TheTrace
Album: Nell EP “The Trace” Track 2
Comment: This year Nell released their 4th album “Separation Anxiety”, which enjoyed great success and further cemented their status as the top rock group in Korea. Nell have returned with an EP and thr title song “Part 2” becomes another top-20 hit for the group. Even though Nell are still considered underground by many, they keep crossing over to the pop scene with song after song.
16. (–) Untouchable (feat. Hwa Yobi) – It’s Okay
Score: 384
Genre: Hip-hop / R&B Ballad
Itsokay
Album: Untouchable digital single “It’s Okay” Track 1
Comment: This is the title track of the male hip-hop duo Untouchable’s first single album, “It’s Okay”. The addictive song melds a piano and hip-hop sounds. Hwayobi, who is featured, adds to the song’s appeal with her alluring vocals. They sing sensually of the joy of love. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
17. (-5) Shinee – 아.미.고 (Amigo)
Score: 347
Genre: R&B / Dance
Shinee1RMusic: JV, Gabe, Lopez / Lyrics: Yoo Young Jin
Album: Shinee Vol. 1 (repackaged) Track 1
Comment: Featured in SHINee’s first official repackage album, the title of this memorable dance song is an abbreviation of a Korean sentence that means “loving a beautiful girl hurts” and is also Spanish for “friend”. An intense beat and a fresh melody create a fun and exciting vibe. (credits to Arirang TV – Pops In Seoul)
18. (-7) Bi – Love Story
Score: 317
Genre: Pop Ballad
Bi5Music: Kim Tae Sung, Choi Young Joon / Lyrics: Bi
Album: Bi Vol. 5 Track 4
Comment: Latest hit by Bi (Rain), “Love Story” is the first time he’s promoting a ballad song despite its melody being quite upbeat. Composed and arranged by Choi Hyung Joon of V.O.S, Love Story is a pop R&B number that talks about the ugly side of love, surprisingly coming from the singer’s own experience. In the song’s music video which features actress Ha Ji Won, Rain extends his talent net by orchestrating the full storyline. (credits to ~S2~)
19. (+13) Kara – Pretty Girl
Score: 314
Genre: Pop / Dance
PrettyGirl
Album: Kara 2nd mini-album “Pretty Girl” Track 2
Comment: Kara have had a good year in 2008, with their popularity on the rise. They are coming back with their 2nd mini-album “Pretty Girl”. The title song of the same name gives them another top-20 song. This song has a cute dance beat which is similar to their previous hit “Rock U”.
20. (+11) Park Ji Heon & Kang Min Kyung – 해피투게더 (Happy Together)
Score: 285
Genre: Christmas Ballad
HappyTogether
Album: Park Ji Heon & Kang Min Kyung digital single “Happy Together” Track 1
Comment: This is a hit for the Christmas season – a collobaration between V.O.S’ Park Ji Heon and Davichi’s Kang Min Kyung. Top songwriter Cho Young Soo composed this song which we can feel the joy of celebrating Christmas.
21. (+6) Namolla Family (feat. Baek Ji Young) – 붙잡아도 (Even If I Hold On) : 284
22. (+1) Yoon Jong Shin – 즉흥여행 (Impromptu Trip) : 277
23. (+3) Goeun – 사랑해 사랑해 사랑해 (I Love You) : 271
24. (-9) Epik High – 1분 1초 (One Minute One Second) : 254
25. (-8) W & Whale – RPG Shine : 247
26. (-7) Eun Ji Won – Dangerous : 246
27. (New) M To M – One Day : 227 *** HOT SHOT DEBUT ***
28. (+22) Black Pearl – 미운 사랑 (Hateful Love: MBC Drama “East of Eden” OST 2) : 222 *** BIGGEST MOVER OF THE WEEK ***
29. (-9) Tae Yeon – 들리나요 (Can You Hear Me: MBC Drama “Beethoven Virus” OST) : 219
30. (-5) Miss $ (feat. Nam Gyu Ri) – 바람 피지마 (Don’t Have An Affair) : 207
31. (-10) Baek Chan (feat. Lee Soo Young) – 무슨 사랑이 그래요 (What Kind Of Love Is This) : 179
32. (New) K.Will (feat. MC Mong) – 러브119 (Love 119) : 178
33. (+7) Alex – 나쁜짓 (Bad Behavior) : 156
34. (New) Norajo – 슈퍼맨 (Superman) : 132
35. (-5) Son Ho Young – I Know : 111
36. (-8) Typhoon – 널 사랑하지 않았어 (I Didn’t Love You) : 105
37. (New) Youme – 여자라서 하지 못한 말 (What I Couldn’t Say Because I’m a Woman) : 97
38. (New) Vodka Rain – 100 퍼센트 (100%) : 95
39. (New) Song Seung Hun – 세월이 가면 (When Time Leaves: MBC Drama “East of Eden” OST 2) : 89
40. (-5) Davichi – 병원에 가다 (Going to the hospital) : 88
41. (-5) Kim Dong Wan (duet Younha) – 약속 (Promise) : 86
42. (-9) Koyote – 너만이 (Only You) : 82
43. (-2) FT Island – 너를 사랑해 (Love is…) : 79
44. (-5) Jo Sung Mo – 바람의 화원 (Wind’s Flower Garden: SBS Drama “Wind’s Flower Garden” OST) : 78
45. (New) MC The Max – Goodbye To Romance : 72
46. (-9) Park Hyo Shin & Hwang Project – The Castle of Zoltar : 67
47. (-9) 2PM – Only You : 66
48. (New) Tony An – 같은 마음 (Similar Heart) : 59
49. (New) Cult Two – 사랑한다사랑해 (I Love You I Love You) : 50
50. (-6) See Ya – 그 사람 (Shoe (III)) : 48
BONUS TRACK:
Shin Gun (With Kim Hyun Jung) – 사랑에 지치다 (Sick of Love)
Genre: Hip-hop ballad
Album: Shin Gun digital single “Love & Hate Part 2” Track 2
Comment: Our last bonus track of 2008 is one of my favorite songs recently. There are a lot of hip-hop artistes who specialize in rapping slower tempo songs in k-pop these days. Shin Gun is one of them. After a sweet love song with As One, Shin Gun releases a second hot single of the Love and Hate Project. The title track, Sick of Love, which features Kim Hyun Jung, is about a sad story between a couple who has just broken up. This song was composed by Park Jung Wook, who has also done songs for T (Even If You Cry Without Notice) and Zia (Sorry, Mom). Shin Gun took part in penning the lyrics as well as designing the concept. We rarely hear ballads from Kim Hyun Jung, but she has proved that she is equally good in singing this kind of songs here.
Sources of the chart
ChartKorea – 15%
Air Monitor Chart – 15%
MNet M!Countdown + Cable Airplays – 15%
Various Internet charts (Melon, Dosirak, MNet, Muz, Bugs, Ohdio, Soribada) – 15%
Hanteo 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 (SBS Inky Gayo, KBS Music Bank, KBS Lee Hana Peppermint, SBS Kim Jung Eun Chocolate, YTN Live Power Music, MTV Non-stop, Pops In Seoul) – 5%
credits: soompi
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ooh~ DBSK is in Top 10!!! wahahahaha~
im sorry u’ve got the wrong number~~ xD
– JiN
any2person 
DBSK Should Have Debuted Solo!?
{ November 6, 2008 @ 7:42 am } · { K-POP, TVXQ }
{ Tags: asia top group, big bang, bigbang, comments, dbsg, dbsk, dong bang shin gi, dong bang shin ki, good singers, lee soo man, lsm, rain, singers, sm town, solo, top artists, tvfxq, tvxq } · { Comments (1) }
TVXQ In Other Artists’ Eyes
Because we’re in different genres, I’ve never seen them as a competitor. TVXQ is our respected sunbae. Their vocal skills are strong, and we’ve studied much of their performances and choreography. I’ve watched them stay determined to push themselves forward. They really are the perfect sunbaes.
TAEYANG (BIG BANG)
TVXQ has always chased after different music styles, and their members all have very strong talents. Seeing TVXQ’s music and stage makes me feel touched, and they’re a very good influence on us. We’ve also started promoting in Japan, and compared to TVXQ sunbaes, we still have to secure a place. We all like TVXQ very much. We hope this time we’ll use the chance to become more intimate with the members.
KIM GUN MO (SINGER)
If only I was a TVXQ member!
They’re a group that’s hard to believe, with talent that’s shocking.
YG ENTERTAINMENT’S YANG HYUN SOK (During a Big Bang Interview)
Ah! They’re the only singers I admire. TVXQ is really awesome. On the Live stage, they do very well. If they weren’t good looking, they would probably be the male version of Big Mama. Some bias our country’s people have toward TVXQ is wrong.
Choi Min Ho (3 Time Gold Medalist)
If I wasn’t a fan after listening to all of TVXQ’s fourth album, I wouldn’t be able to feel Youngwoong Jaejoong’s singing effortlessly like that. Xiah Junsu has a fine voice.
KENZI (COMPOSER)
TVXQ as an idol group is kind of a waste. If they took a step forward, they could also be a group of fantastic musicians. SM doesn’t cultivate idols without talent. TVXQ is the most talented group out there right now. In the music industry, Jaejoong and Junsu are also fine and talented singers. TVXA really is an awesome group.
MNet 21 Century Artist
I can’t say TVXQ is the country’s best singer. But, being able to harmonize all five member’s voices so beautifully isn’t something many groups can do. This shows that they aren’t just an idol group, but also have the potential to be a vocal group. They truly are the image of idol groups in the 21st century.
IZM
TVXQ’s five members all have very fine potential. If they focused on this, they could become five groups. Because of financial issues, they were put into one group- this kind of saying doesn’t seem like a rumour. But the five members’ harmonization has become the reason for this kind of good feeling.
Show Music Center PD
TVXQ are the most polite singers.
Tablo (Epik High)
From the beginning TVXQ was with us. Why~~do~~ we have the same thoughts? Seeing the support TVXQ gives us, really lets me see the love between singers. I can still feel it today. Really, I’m very thankful for this in the Hip Hop world.
FT Island
TVXQ sunbaes are very modest. Although they’ve already become Asia’s top idol group, we respect the humbleness they display at all times.
Japanese MC
They’re a very polite group.
Korean MC
Last year I was able to become closer to TVXQ because we did many shows together. As we filmed, I got to know more about their real lives, and they’re a group of hard to find hardworking young adults. Children like them are reasons my mood rises.
Park Joon Hyung
There were a lot of groups in the music industry during that time that disbanded because there were conflicts between members. Today I walked in and saw TVXQ, and knew that nothing like that would happen.
Rain (Singer)
I’m very envious of TVXQ, who is able to have those teen fans anticipating them. After the performances, those teen fans will chase after their cars,and wait for them outside the office buildings. But with my fans, after performances, they say “You’ve worked hard~” I’ve also been asked, “How come you don’t have teen fans?”
Jang Ri In
Before they go on stage, they always have a very stable attitude. It’s like they really have handsome and clear souls.
Kim Dong Wan (Shinhwa)
There are many groups coming out these days, and a lot of them look really good. TVXQ stands out among these groups.
K. Will
TVXQ’s vocal talent among idol groups is really the best. Especially their charisma and leadership onstage, it’s really good.
Super Junior
We admire TVXQ, who has been able to successfully make a place for themselves in Japan.
Tony An
After they get onstage, they can bring together all of the audience’s focus. This is the kind of thing we need to bring energy to the music world. From this kind of view, there should be many groups like TVXQ appearing now. It’s not talking about coming out with many groups. More like, there should be more groups with such power to influence. Being able to receive the general audience’s support can also become a good foundation for the entertainment industry.
Jong Hyun (SHINee)
Out of all our sunbaes, TVXQ doesn’t hold back, they’ve done very well. Especially to TVXQ’s Micky Yoochun, I’m very thankful. The first time ew went onstage, he came in person to bring food over to support us, I was really thankful that time.
Hairstylist
TVXQ has the most confidence. At the time they earned a lot of fans using the teenage girls style~
Kangta
Although they’re already top stars, their personality is still very good. Compared to when I was younger, they’re really very kind.
LSM (SM Entertainment)
It’s really a waste~ The kids who could’ve gone onto their solo careers became a group in the end.
Star News
TVXQ really changed the concept of idol groups. All the members have the talent to do solo activities right away.
Singer
On the surface, they look glamorous, but in reality, they’ve all been through hardships in life. Truthfully, I really want to go over and give them big hugs.
Translation: jae!fany @ Shinki! Forums (http://iscreamshinki.net)
Source: DNBN + 将爱 myyunho.com + Mr. TVXQ + fangirlmitz
Take out with full credits please ^^
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Haha! i really like Kim Gun Mo’s comment!! Good thing they have financial problems, if not, DBSK members will be debuted solo.. THANK GOD! woot! DBSK manse~
– JiN