Producing K-Pop songs is a lot of work. Songs are pitched to the companies, and multiple writers collaborate on writing those songs. These companies employ producers and songwriters who write songs for the artists to sing. Sometimes, the artists themselves write and produce songs. Many songs in K-Pop are written with a particular group or artist in mind. However, sometimes due to behind-the-scenes issues, they are given to other artists. Some of these songs are so iconic that it is inconceivable that they were meant for other artists. Below, we list the top 10 songs that were meant to be sung by one artist, but ultimately sung by another:
1. Siren, Sunmi
Siren was written by Sunmi herself. For the song, she partnered with the producer, Frants, and intended for her group, Wonder Girls, to sing it as the lead for their album, “Why So Lonely.” She sent it to JYP for approval, but it was rejected because he felt the song didn’t suit the group. After several years of delay, the track underwent changes and became Sunmi’s iconic title track for her solo album.
2. Sage, Only One Of
The song “Sage” was created by Jaden Jeong, the former creative director of BlockBerry Creative. It was made to be performed by LOONA. However, when he departed from the label, he took the song with him. He joined 8D Creative, and gave it to the rookie group OnlyOneOf. The song was performed by the group for their first comeback after their debut.
3. Light, Wanna One
Wanna One’s hit song “Light,” was written by Got7’s leader, JayB. He intended for his group to sing it, but the song was not approved by JYP. Apparently, the song did not suit Got7. Instead of Got7, the song went to Wanna One. JayB later released a guide version of the song.
4. More & More, Twice
TWICE’s “More & More” was initially meant for Swedish singer Zara Larsson. The song was titled “Back & Forth” and was slated to be released on her second album, “So Good,” in 2015. However, Zara ended up not using the song and sold it to JYP Entertainment. The lyrics were changed by JYP and Bibi to suit TWICE. Zara’s original demo in English was leaked on YouTube later.
5. Love Dive, IVE
Former Wonder Girls member Sunmi has revealed that IVE’s “Love Dive” was initially offered to her. The song was in her style, but she felt its charm would be better expressed by a group rather than a soloist. The song went to IVE as their second single and established the group as one of the most promising groups in the K-Pop industry.
6. Look, Red Velvet
Red Velvet’s “Look” was written by producer Jinbo who wrote it with BoA in mind. The Korean pronunciation of the track is “bwa,” which is phonetically similar to the name of the artist BoA. However, the song ended up as a b-side track for Red Velvet’s second studio album “Perfect Velvet.”
7. As If It’s Your Last, Blackpink
In 2021, 2NE1 member Minzy revealed that BLACKPINK’s hit song “As If It’s Your Last,” was originally meant for their group. They were given the song as a demo and were even prepared to record it. However, the song didn’t make the cut since there were too many good songs and was given to BLACKPINK, who used it for their comeback.
8. Ko Ko Bop, EXO
“Ko Ko Bop” is EXO’s iconic lead single for their fourth studio album, “The War.” However, it was revealed by producer Styalz Fuego that the song was originally meant for the girl group Red Velvet. The song’s demo was recorded in a female voice at a key three times higher than EXO’s.
9. Press Your Number, Taemin
Taemin’s iconic song “Press Your Number” was originally written by none other than Bruno Mars! The “Uptown Funk” hitmaker wrote it under the title “Press It.” Instead of releasing it himself, he sold the song to SM Entertainment. The song ended up with SHINee’s Taemin. He hopes to work personally with Bruno Mars someday.
10. Up & Down By EXID
EXID’s breakout hit “Up&Down” was originally written for Jessi. EXID’s LE revealed that she and producer Shinsadong Tiger had written the song for Jessi’s solo album. Upon recording the song, Jessi realised that the song didn’t fit her style and she recommended EXID sing it. The iconic song skyrocketed EXID’s popularity, and it is still the song many people know them by.
