Korean songs and their non-Korean counterparts.
Example 1
Timeless
English: Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini
Korean: Zhang Liyin & Xiah Junsu
For those who don't know this song, it was on the soundtrack of the movie, "From Justin to Kelly", starring the Winner and Runner-up of American Idol season 1 themselves, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. While the movie itself was a box office bomb, the song is actually incredibly nice.
More about their Korean counterparts, Zhang Liyin (Jang Ri In) is the first Chinese singer to break into the Korean market, debuting under SM Entertainment. Her first single is a remake of Kelly Clarkson's song, which she sang along with fellow label-mate, Xiah Junsu of DBSK.
Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini:
No official MV available btw,
And here's Zhang Liyin & Xiah Junsu:
Han Kyung and Siwon of Super Junior are the lead males here. Lee Yeonhee is the lead female, all 3 of which are also under SM.
Which is better?
It was kind of difficult to decide. For the male voice, some say Junsu put much more soul into it, but i think Justin Guarini did just fine. For the female voice i clearly think Kelly Clarkson did the song better. I dun think i have ever doubted Kelly's vocal prowess. Still, the Koreans gave an awesome MV to the song. There's a prequel to the video actually. Both combine to tell a touching tale of a Timeless Love.
Example 2
Right Round
English: Flo Rida
Korean: DJ Shine
A newer song. Was nvr really a fan of this song, but i admit sometimes its pretty fun to listen to, especially at the end credits of the movie, The Hangover. The song itself is actually a remake of a 1984 song, "You Spin Me Round" by Dead or Alive. Flo Rida topped a few charts with this one, and a Korean remake soon followed.
DJ Shine is a hip hop artist originally from the group, Drunken Tiger. Drunken Tiger is said to have reformed the Korean music industry with their unique hip-hop sound and realistic lyrics. So when the first song released by DJ Shine after going solo was a remake, many fans were disappointed.
Flo Rida:
And here's DJ Shine:
Which is better?
I dun have a clear opinion on this cuz the song isnt that great to me. But if i were to consider myself as a Drunken Tiger fan, i would definitely be disappointed with this song of DJ Shine's. With that said, Flo Rida wins this right round. (ha-ha-ha)
Example 3
Deal With It/Juliette
English: Corbin Bleu
Korean: SHINee
The song Deal With It is a song on the debut album of Corbin Bleu, of High School Musical fame. A fairly catchy song to me.
It was soon remade by SM Entertainment, for the boy band, SHINee. SHINee gained quite abit of success with this song, but i'm just not feeling it. AMIGO and Replay were far better songs.
Corbin Bleu:
SHINee:
Which is better?
I really cant make a decision on this one. Vocally, i guess SHINee is better, but for some reason this song suits Corbin better? This one's a draw i guess.
Example 4
Tell Me Your Wish/Raqsga Tushgin (?)
Korean: Girls Generation (SNSD)
UZBEKISTAN: Dineyra
Alright, this time round, its nt English vs Korean. This round we are featuring an Uzbekistan pop singer, Dineyra. Dineyra was actually the first to release this song but because Uzbekistan music isnt exactly mainstream, the song pretty much didnt cross boundaries.
But when SNSD of SM Entertainment sings it, half of Asia sings along. "Tell Me Your Wish" was not as successful as "Gee" but it still was quite a big hit. The controversy dat arose was that a few weeks after TMYW was released, resourceful netizens found the Dineyra version which was released earlier. Anti-fans were quick to pounce on this, claiming that SNSD had plagiarised. The truth it, it was Dineyra's agency that had acquired the song without any permission.
Dineyra:
SNSD:
Which is better?
I actually felt that Dineyra's version didnt sound half bad at all. But if 2
Example 5 (i'm gonna be done soon)
Under My Skin/Mirotic
English: Sarah Connor
Korean: DBSK
I don't know much about Sarah Connor, but i know she's not the Sarah Connor from The Terminator series. This Sarah Connor is a German singer who is said to be one of the most successful, with sales of more than 12 million copies worldwide.
Still, it is the Korean counterpart DBSK's version that we are more familiar with. The song was originally written for the German singer, but SM Entertainment (notice i've mentioned them 4 times alr) also bought the rights to this song and gave it to DBSK, who turned this song into one of their greatest hits, so much so that it spawned a Japanese version, and even a Mandarin version.
Sarah Connor:
DBSK:
Which is better?
I must say, both are amazing. Sarah Connor is HOT. And honestly speaking, i once had a inferiority complex when i looked at DBSK's Jaejoong. I think he's way too perfect. He's hot. Okay, moving on, i want to say that its a draw, but that wudnt be much fun. If i HAD to make a choice, it'd be DBSK, because i'm more familiar with them.
Example 6
Insomnia
English: Craig David
Korean: Wheesung
We all know this song. "Imsomnia" is a damn fine song and Craig David is probably one of the best R&B singers i've heard.
Unlike the cases of SM Entertainment, where they buy the rights to songs and remake or cover them, Craig David personally requested Korean R&B singer, Wheesung, to sing a Korean version of "Insomnia". Wheesung has recieved quite abit of success in Korea but apparently, his full potential is yet to unleased.
He is now preparing for an American debut. His album is being produced by Rodney Jerkins, who has produced albums for Michael Jackson, Beyonce and more. Moreover, one song will be featuring R&B supertar, Ne-Yo himself, and the song was actually originally planned to be on Michael Jackson's new album.
Craig David:
Wheesung:
Which is better?
I find it hard to admit, that i think Wheesung did this song better than Craig David himself. At times, the Korean lyrics were probably too long and rushed. But Wheesung added in some amazing ad-libs. And the scream/howl at the end of the song just before the dance break, was what nailed it for me. Wheesung wins.
'nuff said
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