If PSY galloped his way into everyone’s heart with “Gangnam Style,” Naul is moving listeners with his soulful ballad “Memory Of The Wind.” Naul is a member of Brown Eyed Soul, a group that celebrates a decade in the business next year, whose latest skyrocketed to the No.1 spot last week and remains there in this week’s K-Pop Hot 100 chart. “Memory Of The Wind” showcases Naul’s sorrowful vocals about a man reminiscing about his ex-lover every time the wind blows. One even hears a flute that recalls another famous ballad, “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.
Orange Caramel, the subunit group of After School (comprised of members Lizzy, Nana, and Raina), debuted in 2010 with “Magic Girl.” Thereafter, the girls released a slew of hits, including “A~ing♡,” “Bangkok City,” and “Shanghai Romance.” The girls recently scored a successful comeback with “Lipstick” and this week stays strong at the No. 5 spot (after peaking at No. 2). The electronic track has infectious harmonies and “Mr. Saxobeat”-like saxophone and synth sounds. In the accompanying video, the girls’ quirky energy exudes as they compete for a man’s attention while playing ping pong play ping pong in odd, girly outfits.
Like Orange Caramel, other idol groups in the Top 10 have created some must-see videos for their latest singles. G-Dragon of BIGBANG rocks out with a host of different looks (including channeling Pinocchio, cross-dressing, and a rocking trendy footballer outfit) in “Crayon” (No. 6).
T-ara made sure their comeback was visually strong with a clown doll theme that sees them doing a robot dance moving like actual porcelain dolls. See the eerily real portrayal in “Sexy Love,” this week up to No. 7.
While PSY is making history globally, (ranking No. 2 for two consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100), back in Korea, PSY has risen to the No. 4 spot, up from No. 7 last week, on the K-Pop Hot 100. Korea’s music market has one of the fastest changing ranking systems, and for PSY’s “Gangnam Style” to be charted in the top 10 for three staggering months, truly proves the track’s unflagging popularity back home.