Yoona, Lee Rang, In Young and Jini comprise the new 4-girl group called Koo Ki. The group aspires to be the next Fin.K.L., but I find they have more of a dance style than Fin.K.L. For example, their lead single, Choae [RealAudio], has a good dance beat, as does Jolchighae Malhae [RealAudio]. What remains to be seen is whether their pop-dance music spells success for this foursome.

0 24 recently released their second album, Growing Up, and all I can say is--I hope they paid their royalty fees1x The group's first album, Live in HIP HOP1x, was pretty tight with a display of some decent rapping skills [Jayoo (Freedom) [RealAudio] was one of the better singles]. Since then, the group has shrunk from four members to three, and the sound has changed from hip hop to pop. Exemplary of their new style is Blind Faith [RealAudio]. There's nothing particularly wrong with 0 24's new album as a whole, except there's really not an original song on it. Take Bye Bye [RealAudio], for instance. It takes about two seconds to recognize it as a remake of *NSYNC's Bye Bye Bye. It's not a crime, but doesn't show much originality to produce an album of cover songs.

Yurisangja is on its fourth album, Home. You might remember the bouncy single Ibodah Duh Joheulsoon Uhpjyoo (It Couldn't Be Better) [RealAudio] from Yurisanga 3, Be Happy. Their lead single from Yurisanga 4 is likely to be the delicate ballad Geurae Naegeh Moodneundamyuhn (If You Ask Me) [RealAudio]. This is a pretty song and should do well as we move into the winter months. Nan Malya [RealAudio] is also quite sweet and pretty.

From the hip hop worlds comes the new CD by People Crew called 2^nd Outcry. Despite the creepy picture on the album jacket, this is a neat piece of work. Track two, Kkeom [RealAudio] has a strong classical feel, an awesome bass track, and a grooving melody. The rap is good, the tune is good. And Yahwa [RealAudio] is catchy, with a definitive funk beat. It's good to see this album follow their successful funky hip hop debut.

Also available now is the original soundtrack for If. One nice song from the CD is I've Found You Were There [RealAudio] by Choi Jin Kyung. This warm, smooth song is performed in competent English. It's jazzy and makes for a good love song. Also on offer with this album is Nuhmaneul Uihan Sarang [RealAudio], sung by Jin Seung Hoon. This breathy disco-dance tune fits well with I've Found You Were There.

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