The English Version of Your Favorite Female K-Pop Anthems
As K-Pop fans, we support and stream the songs that make us excited to support our favorite artist, but it's also an exciting moment when artists drop an all-English version of our favorite songs. When it comes to new music in K-Pop, there’s a possibility of an English version being released, especially if the song is very popular among fans. The release of English versions for original K-Pop tracks allows for international promotion and can be considered a gift to international fans. Whether it's old or new, English versions always add a different sound and texture to an already popular hit. Check out a few legendary English releases from the women in K-Pop!
Red Velvet - “Bad Boy”
In early 2018, Red Velvet dropped the fierce R&B single and music video for “Bad Boy” that was featured in the repackage album The Perfect Red Velvet. The popularity of the track was tremendous for its femme fatale-inspired style and addictive sound. Red Velvet surprised fans at KCON NY 2018 in July with a live performance of “Bad Boy,” where the English version debuted for the first time, becoming a jaw-dropping moment for REVELUVs in attendance. The English version of “Bad Boy” was later released in their first summer mini-album Summer Magic as the bonus track.
Girls’ Generation - “The Boys”
Girls’ Generation’s third Korean full-length album The Boys contained a title track of the same name. On the repackage album Mr. Taxi, an English version of “The Boys” was added in as a bonus track. Member Tiffany participated in co-writing the lyrics for the English version and it was produced by Teddy Riley. Girls’ Generation performed the single on television programs like David Letterman and Live with Kelly and Michael, where the whole world got to see the strong vocals and skills these girls had to offer in the music industry.
2NE1 - “Can’t Nobody”
Featured on 2NE1’s 2010 album To Anyone, is the English version of their dance hit “Can’t Nobody.” The English version has some explicit lyrics that tie in the bad-ass energy and aura that the girls of 2NE1 portray vocally. On YouTube, you can find multiple fan-made and edited videos that combine the original video and the English version together to visualize what it could look like as an official music video.
ITZY - “Not Shy”
At the beginning of 2021, ITZY released the mini-album Not Shy (English Ver.) featuring English versions of their title tracks, including “Not Shy.” Promotions for this song, in particular, came with a ZEPETO-styled music video featuring the members of ITZY as animated characters donning the outfits of the original music video. Even though the video is a bit silly, the song is still just as trendy and catchy as the original. You can stream the other English versions on Spotify.
Wonder Girls - “NOBODY”
Second generation fans, do you remember this classic? Released in September 2008, “NOBODY” by the Wonder Girls was an instant hit in Korea for its memorable performance that led to future achievements by the girls. The rise to prominence led to the song being recorded and released in other languages like Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and English. The English version of the single was performed on The Wendy Williams Show and So You Think You Can Dance, and was also featured in the American film Penguins of Madagascar. The popularity of the English version allowed for fans all over the globe to be exposed to the talents in Korea like the Wonder Girls and more.
Brave Girls - “Chi Mat Ba Ram”
With 2021 being an amazing year for Brave Girls with the resurging popularity of “Rollin’,” the girls decided to take it up a notch by dropping new music! In their fifth mini-album Summer Queen, Brave Girls added an English version for the album's title track “Chi Mat Ba Ram” as a gift for fans who have been by their side since their debut. It’s their first English single in their discography, so hopefully there’ll be more to come in the future.
CLC - “HELICOPTER”
On September 2, 2020, CLC released their single album containing the title track “HELICOPTER” and an English version of the track. “HELICOPTER” was the final song of CLC as a seven-member group before Elkie’s departure in February 2021. The powerful EDM and trap-pop hit took off for its theme of taking off with confidence and being ready to take on any potential obstacles you can face. It even resurged in popularity after an episode of Girls Planet 999. The English version and music video, in particular, has over a million views on YouTube with dozens of compliments from fans praising the girls for the quality and talents they showcased in it!
TWICE - “CRY FOR ME”
In December 2020, TWICE gave a surprise performance for an unreleased single titled "CRY FOR ME" for Mnet's 2020 MAMA. Soon after the live performance, ONCE pleaded with JYP Entertainment to release the single officially on streaming platforms as it quickly became a fan favorite. Twelve days later, the song was released on streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where fans were grateful to stream a track that fits TWICE's vocal repertoire. TWICE later dropped an English version for the popular single as a bonus track for their tenth mini-album, Taste of Love. Unfortunately, the only way to stream this version is by purchasing the physical album to obtain the single or listening to it unofficially on YouTube videos made by fans.