Covers have become a staple feature and aspect of K-Pop today. Showing their amazing creativity and vocal talents, many K-Pop idols often treat cover performances like their own songs. Whether subtle or loud, there is always a noticeable difference between these covers and originals that often makes them just as unique and special as the original works.
While the original songs will always remain number one, here are some K-Pop idol/artist covers of songs are just as pleasing to listen to as the original versions.
1. GaHo
GaHo is a master when it comes to cover performances. He doesn't just give you back, word for word, or sound for sound, how the original version of the songs are, he puts his creative spin on the song, making them sound so unique and recognizably different from the original. We call it the GaHo effect. His ability to make each cover he takes on sound like his own original song. It is almost like, he tries to show you another version, the GaHo version, which is just as attractive and appealing to listen to.
There are endless covers that fall under this themed article, covers that are recognized bops, covers that have shown his versatile sound and creativity as an artist, and covers that have made us often say in acclaim "wow! This is amazing".
2. Kim WooJin
Kim WooJin is another artist who treats cover performances like they are his original songs. With each cover performance he shares, it almost feels like yet another moment to recognize not just his outstanding vocal abilities but his musicality as a whole. There are always various moments in his songs that sends chills and makes you so entranced or lost in his sound.
Frankly, while the original songs are already a hit and great, from Kim WooJin's style, he adds another layer of appeal to the songs that somehow makes them even more enjoyable and wholesome. A Kim WooJin cover is always a delight to listen to, as regardless of the genre or the artist, he always delivers a thrilling vocal performance that leaves you in awe. Like GaHo, Kim WooJin has a long list of covers that could very well form a discography. The embedded videos in this article are some of our favorites so far.
3. SF9's DaWon
In our opinion, DaWon is such an underappreciated vocalist and it is almost criminal how he doesn't get the due recognition he deserves. DaWon has one of the sweetest vocal textures in K-Pop today. So sweet, he makes every song he sings so easy to listen to. We can aptly say that, perhaps due to the number of members in SF9, having just 1 or 2 moments within a song where he gets to show off his vocals powers is just not enough. But thankfully, he is also one of the idols who enjoys sharing cover performances with fans, and with every cover he has shared so far, we have felt blessed. Like our senses have been opened to receiving the blessings that emanate from his angelic tone. These three covers embedded into this article are some of our favorites so far.
BTS' songs have a very high pitch and whenever another artist performs them, they can either get it very right or terribly wrong. This performance by DaWon falls in the former as he left us amazed by his vocal powers.
The Weeknd's voice is one of a kind and so his is music. But with this cover, DaWon gives us a copy of his own version that makes us also want to listen on a loop.
4. Maddox
If your speaking voice already sounds angelic, we wonder what your singing voice would sound like. However, there is no cause to wonder too much, as Maddox has vividly shown that he is a vocal powerhouse with the ability to not just belt a tone but mainly to treat you to a blissful vocal experience. It is always an experience when Maddox sings because immediately after he belts the first note, you're embarking on a serene or emotional journey with him. It is like a slow and peaceful ride on a fluffy cloud as his angelic tone soothes and refreshes your mind.
Maddox has so amazing covers so far, with this Adele's 'Easy' being one of his most famous ones yet. And for due reasons. He simply delivered! He delivered an A+ performance that made us really enjoy the song even more.
5. NCT's Kun
Watching this cover, even though it is from 3 years ago, to say we don't expect this level of mastery from June would be a lie. Like we mentioned in our Boyfriend Material Pictures article, Kun is a well-rounded artist and this fact is not one many realised today. As if his soft and soothing vocals that could calm every stormy heart weren't enough to make this song wholesome, he also plays the piano as well, taking the experience of listening/watching this cover to a whole new level.
6. AB6IX's Jeon Woong
Whenever we make articles about K-Pop idols and covers, Jeon Woong is always mentioned because when it comes to iconic covers, he takes the crown in this category. Regardless of the genre, every Jeon Woong cover is just as tasteful and delightful as the original.
While he easily embodies and reflects the feel of the original songs, he also adds his own unique flavor and style that makes it even more unique. It could be with his intonation, a soft switch in the flow or rhythm, or (by watching the videos), his attitude. With Jeon Woong, delivering amazing song covers is a skill he has honed to perfection.
7. SEVENTEEN's SeungKwan
After watching the above video for the umpteenth time, we decided to go through the comments to see if we could find like-minded fans who are simply as amazed by SeungKwan as we were. And two comments caught our attention. "There is no one doing it like SeungKwan" and "His voice literally matches every genre". No truer words have been said about SeungKwan like these.
SeungKwan's talents are mindblowing, and when it comes to music, his technique is beyond impressive. Whenever he sings, it is always so evident that he is an experienced artist. With this cover, there is a clarity in his vocals and delivery that is just so wholesome and his vocal colors are as warm and soothing as they are beautiful.
Honorable mentions
GaHo and Kim WooJin
If there is an award for the best song cover by a K-Pop idol, then, this cover would rightly win. No matter how many times we listen to this, we still get goosebumps at how amazing this song is. And we are sure a lot of fans feel the same way too. With clearly distinct vocal tones, they both brought their own feel to the verses, and at the climax, it was simply breathtaking and beautiful as their voices blended perfectly to create a one-of-a-kind harmony.
ATEEZ's JongHo and Maddox
Ever since we heard 'Call Me Anytime', we have been patiently waiting for the day when JongHo and Maddox will show their amazing vocals on the same song again, and with this NewJeans' 'Ditto' our every desire was duly met. From the soothing and sweet melodies each artist presented to their beautiful harmonies, and the amazing high notes, this cover is simply a masterpiece that you can listen to on a loop.
Which of these idols/artists make the best covers? Let us know in the comments section.