B-Sides for the Spooky Season

Halloween is finally here! While you’ve probably got your Halloween K-Pop playlists prepared, full of so many well known and popular spooky-themed K-Pop songs, here’s a look at some more songs that are also perfect for the spooky season. 

“Put It Straight (Nightmare Version)” - (G)I-DLE

(G)I-DLE’s “Put It Straight (Nightmare Version)” is the alternative version of their single “Put It Straight” from their 2019 EP, I made. This spooktacular version was made during their time on the survival show Queendom and was released just eight months after the original track. While the original version of “Put It Straight” is a ballad with slight eerie, cinematic aspects, the nightmare version definitely emphasizes on creating a more horror dynamic for the song, complete with a Halloween choreography video that sees the members all dressed in different horror and villain costumes.

“Scary Fairy Tale” - IU

A major throwback to the earlier years of IU’s music, “Scary Fairy Tale” (also known as “Cruel Fairy Tale”) is the second track from IU’s 2011 single album REAL+. This song carries a distinct and unique haunting waltz sound that is perfect for a “Scary Fairy Tale” vibe while carrying a strong cinematic feel that would have been great to see a music video accompany it. In “Scary Fairy Tale,” IU’s voice plays like a delicate, soft, whisper while various fantasy and spooky sound effects chant around her, creating this horror fairytale atmosphere.

“Nightmare” - VICTON

The opening track from VICTON’s 2020 EP Continuous, “Nightmare” is a dark hip-hop track whose instrumentation gives off strong, eerie, Halloween vibes. The song opens with a haunting piano piece and a background clock ticking sound played behind the members’ vocals that are repeated throughout the song. An electronic beat then enters the flow, adding to this eerie yet sensual sound perfect for Halloween. Hanse also makes great reference to one of the greatest Horror figures, rapping, “Hello baby, my name is Freddy freakin’ Kreuger,” further emphasizing the Halloween feel.  

“Midnight Road” - SF9

SF9’s “Midnight Road” is a beautifully dark and eerie track on their 2018 fourth mini-album MAMMA MIA, sung by SF9’s vocal line. The song combines sweet, sensual ballad aspects with light pop and EDM elements that contribute toward accentuating their vocals. The song opens with this haunting ghost-like background noise before a voice enters, whispering, “Can you hear me calling you?,” giving this ballad somewhat of a spooky vibe to listen to for Halloween.