A list from the Ministry of Culture revealed the songs that made the most profit from royalties and copyright revenue back in 2012. These profits come from not only downloads domestically and internationally, but fees received when songs are used such as when it's sung in Karaoke joints, performed overseas, etc.
KARA's catchy song "Mister", although released back in 2009, ranked first for the year of 2012 with about 362 million won (~ 341,000 USD). Girls' Generation trailed right behind with their song also released in 2009 "Gee", which earned approximately 359 million won (~ 338,000 USD).
In third place was trot singer Park Goo Yoon's 2010 song "Only You" with an estimated profit of 249 million (~ 235,000 USD). Trot is known to do well even though it is not prevalent in music charts or shows as it is easy to sing along and well known by the public. It is also popular in Japan and the songs generally have a longer lifespan.
Following in fourth was another KARA 2010 song, "Jumping", which made about 237 million won (~ 223,000 USD). Last but not least was T-ara's 2011 hit "Roly Poly" in fifth place with approximately 199 million won (~ 188,000 USD).
In 5th and 6th were more trot songs by Park Sang Chul and Shin Yoo.
For the income of copyright revenue made overseas in 2012, Japan made up 91.5% of the total. The country was responsible for the overwhelming majority of overseas income by spending 11 billion won (~ 10 million USD) on Korean music. Australia came in a far distant second place, having spent 150 million (~ 140,000 USD) in comparison.
Source: Joongang Ilbo via Nate
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