VQF is an emerging file format for digital audio developed by Yamaha (Click here to download a player). The noticeable difference between MP3s and VQF files is that the VQF audio file is smaller than the MP3, and thus downloads more quickly. However, you might have noticed a paucity of Korean VQF files. I've managed to track down a few to share with you.

First on my playlist is Shinhwa's T.O.P. which appealed to me almost instantly with its mixture of classical and rap, but it doesn't hold the same allure after several repetitions of it.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Park Mi Kyung's new CD in my mailbox. In the meantime, I can only listen Jipchak. If the rest of her fourth album is as solid as this release, she should be in good shape. Jipchak is a hot salsa tune, good for some summer latin dancing. I play this song almost as frequently as I play Park Ki Young's Shijak. I still think Park Ki Young's second album Promise is one of the best releases of the year.

As evidenced by the popularity of Ricky Martin, Enrique Inglesias and the salsa sounds of songs like Jipchak, the latin sound is in this season. YangPa's Addio is more subtle in its European tones, being more Italian than Spanish, but still seems to be part of this trend. Addio is strong on the charts as I write this and showing no sign of letting go its top spot.

Diva's Gori and Fin.K.L.'s Jashonshim are also on my playlist and represent a small set of "girl group" songs.

On the sweet and romantic side is Bijou's Nuguboda nul saranghae. If you get a chance to see the video to this song, by all means, do so. It's a happy little interlude, and the hero of the movie is cast as a dentist, an unusual occurrence.

My "novelty" music includes Silyeon off Kim Jong Seo 7. This is a great example of Ska. It was recorded with the San Francisco funk artists Tower of Power. If you're at all into Ska, this is the song for you.

The last odd piece on my VQF playlist is Il Shim by Country Kko Kko. This song is a blast right from the beginning. Country Kko Kko seem to be all about having fun, and this song demonstrates it.

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