The charts are not reflecting what I've been hearing on the radio and what my friends have on their stereos right now. For instance, everyone I know is searching for songs like Nuhmanun Moreugil [RealAudio] and Somang [RealAudio] by As One. True, Sky is also much sought after right now, so their hit Youngwon (Forever) [RealAudio] probably deserves to hang around in the top ten. But Youngwon [ASX] is showing a staying power on the charts that I just don't get.

On the other hand, having been re-exposed to Koyotae's Miryun (Heartbreak) [ASX], I'm liking it that they have a song on the charts. I listened to Miryun [RealAudio] a lot when the CD first came out, then shelved it. Now I'm enjoying hearing it again, it's like an old favorite. It seems the descant in the background makes this stand out from similar songs.

Doing well is I Believe [ASX] by Lee Soo Young. I Believe [RealAudio] is the title song off Lee Soo Young's debut album. It is a pretty ballad reminiscent of Vanessa William's Colors of the Wind from the movie Pocahontas. You can easily picture this song as part of a professional ice skating routine.

The new SM group, Fly to the Sky, is breaking into the charts now. You can hear their single Day by Day [ASX] on most radio stations. Luckily for them these kids are good-looking, because I think the song is boring. The first albums by SM produced groups are usually weak, and while there's nothing particularly wrong with this song, I don't see it changing the face of pop music anytime soon.

I finally heard the new song by Jinju on a countdown. This comes from her second album, Soul Music. Leaving Me [RealAudio] is a subtle song that is best when you turn the bass down and the treble up on your box.

Also new to the top twenty in the past week or so is Yoo Seung Jun's Yunga [ASX]. One chart still had his Vision [RealAudio] ranked, but that's probably just old news. Based on these two songs, though, it seems that this CD is going to sell better than Yoo Seung Jun's last endeavor.

In other news, S.E.S. and Fin.K.L. are still duking it out. On every chart I looked at and listened to, their singles were side by side. I really thought Twilight Zone [ASX] (S.E.S.) would have disappeared by now, and what is it with k-pop and Christmas music? I swear, half my k-pop CDs have Christmas songs on them, even if though they were July releases. This feliz navidad strain in Fin.K.L.'s White [ASX] has gone from amusing me to striking me as just plain weird.

I'll admit I'm going to be sad when I don't hear Saranghae Geurigo Giyukhae [ASX] by G.O.D. anymore. It is the best song on their album. I'll also be sad when Jaurim's Nabi falls off (and I think it will soon), but at least I know the rest of the CD is solid and should produce some hits.

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