From 'Candy' to 'Monologue,' remakes of 1990s-2000s hits take music scene by storm

By Dong Sun-hwa

Remakes of the hits from the 1990s and 2000s are creating a splash in the K-pop scene, enthralling fans from all generations.

K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment's boy band, NCT DREAM, put out a track titled, “Candy” on Dec. 16, which is a remake of boy group H.O.T.'s 1996 hit of the same name. H.O.T. was also created by SM in 1996 and the quintet ― comprised of Moon Hee-joon, Jang Woo-hyuk, Tony Ahn, Lee Jae-won and Kangta ― basked in immense popularity as a first-generation K-pop group, selling more than 6.4 million records during their five-year career.

Upon its release, “Candy” ranked first on the Top 100 Chart of the major music streaming platforms including Melon. It is one of the most striking musical feats by a boy band this year, given that the majority of streaming charts here had been dominated by girl groups like NewJeans, IVE and Le Sserafim throughout the year.

Just like the acts of yesteryear, NCT DREAM members also don oversized fur gloves and fur suspenders for their “Candy” performance, highlighting their bubbliness. They also show off some signature dance moves of the H.O.T. members, including the so-called “Butt Dance.”

The “Candy” EP ― which also carries “Graduation,” “Tangerine Love (Favorite),” “Take My Breath,” “Moon” and “Walk With You” ― racked up more than 2 million pre-orders and took first place on iTunes' top album chart in 17 regions around the world. The music video of its namesake lead single has also garnered more than 22 million views on YouTube as of Thursday.

According to SM, NCT DREAM's version of “Candy” was newly arranged by acclaimed singer-songwriter Kenzie in a way that puts emphasis on the septet's refreshing vibe.

As to why this remake is popular, experts point out that it evokes a sense of nostalgia for the older generation while attracting young listeners with its retro feel.

“NCT DREAM's 'Candy' can facilitate intergenerational integration by connecting the past and the present,” SM explained in a statement.

NCT DREAM is not alone in remaking popular songs from the 1990s and 2000s. Ballad singer Tei reigned atop some streaming charts in Korea with his tune, “Monologue,” in September, which is his own reinterpretation of the 2003 release by band Buzz. After bursting onto the music scene in 2003, Buzz was catapulted to fame with its sentimental rock ballads such as “Trip to Myself” (2005) and “You Don't Know Man” (2006).

“Monologue” came out a few months ago, but it is still going strong. On Melon, it has grabbed the No. 19 spot as of Thursday.

K-pop boy band MIRAE also made headlines for remaking “Snow Prince” (2005) by boy group SS501 ― one of the leading stars of the second generation of K-pop ― while Jung Eun-ji of girl group APINK dropped a remake album titled, “Log,” in November.