Remakes find new life across generations, borders in K-pop
Remakes are accounting for a growing share of K-pop releases this year, with rookie idol groups and established vocalists alike reinterpreting hits from past decades. Rookie girl group AtHeart will release its take on "3! 4!," a 1996 hit by hip-hop and dance pop group Roo'Ra, on Aug. 19. The single is the second installment of the group's "Time Travel Project," a series built around songs that…
K-pop's remakes are gaining traction across generations and borders, as both new idol groups and experienced vocalists reinterpret past decade hits. Rookie girl group AtHeart is set to release its version of 3! 4!, originally by hip-hop and dance pop group Roo Ra, on August 19. This release is part of the group's Time Travel Project, a series centered around songs that were hits in 1996 in Korea and the United States.
The seven-member multinational group debuted in August 2025, framing the concept as a 30-year leap to connect listeners from different eras. They kicked off the series in June with a recreation of The Cardigans' Lovefool, which charted on Melon's HOT100. Girl group RESCENE has also benefited from this strategy, with their remake of Pretty Girl, a 2008 hit by KARA, winning three music show trophies since its release.
The original KARA version never won an award. Veteran vocalists are also participating in this trend, demonstrating the enduring appeal of remaking classic K-pop songs.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Remakes find new life across generations, borders in K-pop koreatimes.co.kr
