4 Impressive NewJeans Cover Performances By K-Pop Artists
These artists absolutely kill it in their cover performances of NewJeans' hottest tracks!
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 2 min to read ·
Published : Mar 9, 2023
KQ Entertainment / Jun.K Official Instagram
NewJeans is one of the hottest 4th generation girl groups that has debuted in the past year. Although they had no promotional teasers prior to debut, they absolutely exploded into the K-Pop scene on both a global and national scale. Their songs are trendy in melody and lyrics, causing everyone around the world to sing along and dance to no end.
Of course, other K-Pop artists have taken notice, with social media feeds being filled up by the likes of 'Ditto', 'Hype Boy', and most recently 'OMG'. Some like the songs so much that they decided to create their own renditions! And these cover performances are absolutely mind-blowing!
So we've compiled a list of artists who do NewJeans' songs justice and are an absolute treat to listen to! Check them out down below!
Jun.K might have history as being one of the original beast idols, but he sheds that ferocity with this funky rendition of NewJeans' 'Hype Boy'. For his version, he cleverly names it 'Hype Girl' and puts his own spin on the iconic track. With a full band behind him and groovy riffs galore, you feel as if you've stepped into a cozy jazz bar. His silky, smooth vocals make you happily sway from side to side while enjoying the fun cover.
Heize is absolutely more R&B and hip-hop than traditional K-Pop. But we could not ignore her spectacular cover of 'Ditto'. Her vocal color is a close match to the original and could make you believe she's the long lost member of NewJeans. Although there are similarities, Heize's version sounds like a fairytale lullaby you could listen to every night. The next Disney princess movie definitely needs a voice like Heize for the OST.
How do you miss someone you haven't even met? You listen to this rendition of 'Ditto'. There's an indescribable yearning imbued in JongHo and Maddox's voice that's hard to ignore. Their vocals are just that good, making the NewJeans track even more sentimental and heartbreaking than before. You cannot help but tear up while listening to their version of the hit song.
4. Kwon JinAh - 'Ditto' Cover
Kwon JinAh is an artist in every sense of the word and this cover of 'Ditto' proves it! The way she brings us through the production process of making her own rendition is absolutely mesmerizing. She keeps the general base of the song, while adding a flair of her own through the melody and wispy vocals. And can we talk about the cuts to her in cat ears? So adorable!
What's your favorite rendition of these NewJeans tracks? Tell us what's on your mind through the comment section!
ATEEZ At Coachella Week 2 Was A Ritual Of Love & A Warcry At The Same Time
ATEEZ gave us one of the most unforgettable performances for week 2 of Coachella 2024 and I have some thoughts about it.
Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Apr 22, 2024
Coachella on X
The cozy comfort of a much-awaited Saturday morning was settling in when I tuned in to the Coachella Week 2 "Sahara" stage live broadcast. Having witnessed the absolute grandeur of ATEEZ's Week 1 performance at Coachella, I was mostly expecting a reiteration of the same iconic level for Week 2. However, what we got was something out of this world.
One phrase kept going round and round in my mind as I watched this ATEEZ set at Coachella week 2. This is a ritual of love. Love for music, love for performance, and very distinctly, love for each other. ATEEZ's Coachella week 2 performance was not just one of the best performances at Coachella this year, but it was a glorious invocation of the muses. Having studied literature and art for all my life, I cannot possibly think of a better way to describe the breathless brilliance of this performance.
Coachella on X
Getting the obvious out of the way, of course, ATEEZ's confidence, panache, showmanship, vocals, rap, dance, and all other technicalities were much more polished than in week 1. The boys were now more aware of the stage, and having had one go at it, they were definitely more relaxed. In Korean, this state of mind where one recognizes scope or room to expand is called "yeoyu" (여유).
Yeoyu is something you see in a seasoned warrior, and when our Captain walked onto the stage that night with his members, ATEEZ looked nothing short of warrior princes coming for the throne. Every single member stood out in their own unique way, with their versatile talents on full display. The visuals were top-tier, as always, the styling - en pointe, and the vibes - immaculate. The rap came across power-packed and smooth, the vocals were resounding yet delicate when need be, and energy was at an all-time high. These men knew what they were doing, even with the slightest gaze they held out to the audience, and the effortlessness of it all elevated the performance to a whole new level.
Coachella on X
This time, it was as if ATEEZ was putting their lives on the line and thankfully, the camera work delivered in picking up the detailed nuances of this performance. Even as I write this, I'm taken back to SeongHwa, sword in hand, screaming into the sky to call forth the last ounce of strength he needed to pour his all into his art. When SeongHwa roared, like lightning sent back to the heavens, the lump in my throat threatened to escape, only to be held back by the realization that I was looking at a spitting image of Sung JinWoo from "Solo Leveling". Now, I need that live-action to happen, and I need SeongHwa to play humanity's greatest hunter.
The very next thing I remember is a singular black tear running down his cheek as he stared right down at the camera. This moment has gone viral and for good reason, too, as artists flock to SeongHwa, having found their new muse.
However, it wasn't just the aesthetics of it all that left an impression. To me, as an ATINY and a Hallyu Journalist, this tear represented how far ATEEZ had come. The unstilted passion, diligence, hard work, and endless struggle they endured culminated in this one defining moment when they were on top of the world. ATEEZ, who started from nothing, created something, and won everything, were declaring to the world that they were just getting started.
The respect ATEEZ had for the Coachella stage, for the audience, and for everyone who supported them, especially ATINY, is what that tear symbolized to my eye, but like all art, this, too, is up to your interpretation.
Overseas Fans Name Their Top 5 K-Dramas Of 2023 And Why "Squid Game" Continues To Dominate The List
Check out the top 5 favorite Korean dramas chosen by overseas fans from over 26 countries and how "Squid Game" continues to remain at the top.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 7 min to read ·
Published : Apr 22, 2024
Netflix Korea
The results for the 2024 Overseas Hallyu Survey has been released, naming the most beloved K-Dramas of viewers from across the globe. The top 5 series consists of "Squid Game", "The Glory", "King The Land", "Crash Landing On You", and "Taxi Driver", in that order. For the third time since its release, "Squid Game" continues to dominate, earning mass-attention from audiences worldwide.
Conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Overseas Hallyu Survey aims to compile the data on the impact of the Hallyu wave. With a sample size of 25,000 people from over 26 countries, the survey tries it best to show an accurate representation of what types of K-Content is being consumed in different countries.
While many more amazing series have popped up over the years, "Squid Game" is still named as one of the most enjoyed K-Dramas by 9.0% of survey participants. While they're not all the same genre, they do have some similarities, and some clear cut reasons why "Squid Game" remains at the top.
Top Ratings And Streams
Looking at the list across the board, these series cover a variety of different themes. This includes everything from lighthearted romantic comedy to suspenseful thriller and heart-racing action. As vastly different as they might be, they share a similarity in receiving top ratings and streams.
At their highest ratings, "Crash Landing On You" received 21.7%, "King The Land" ended on 13.8%, and "Taxi Driver" received 16% for season 1 and 21% for season 2 respectively. When it comes to the Netflix-produced shows of "Squid Game" and "The Glory", rather than percentage ratings, there are hours viewed. At its peak and according to FlixPatrol, "The Glory" reached an astonishing 124,460,000 hours viewed. But this seems pale in comparison to the 571,760,000 of "Squid Game".
Earlier, we mentioned that Squid Game was picked by 9.0% of survey respondents. The rest are as follows: "The Glory" (3.4%), "King The Land" (2.6), "Crash Landing On You" (2.2), and "Taxi Driver" (1.6). While the rest of these series are amazing in their own right, the difference between "Squid Game" still remains quite large, even three years after its release.
Translated by Kpopmap.com
While these numbers don't tell the whole story, they portray these shows' mass appeal and how they naturally had the entire globe wrapped around their finger, eagerly moving from episode to episode. With a majority of these shows made available through Netflix, and "Taxi Driver" as the lone Amazon Prime Video representative, it was easy for individuals around the globe to become hooked and name them as their top series of 2023.
More Than Just A K-Drama
Netflix Korea
Now, we have a general idea of how well these series have done, according to stats. And while statistics might be a clear representation of these K-Dramas' success, when breaking things down, it becomes more than just the numbers. And in turn, these shows become more than just a regular, old K-Drama. In the case of "Squid Game", "The Glory", and "Taxi Driver", they certainly were not your typical K-Dramas that ended with a couple riding into the sunset towards their happily-ever-after. Instead, they erred more on the intensity of the world, how some actions are simply unforgivable, and the sheer ruthlessness of certain individuals. They introduced global audiences to a grittier, less explored side of K-Dramas that left a lasting impression on millions.
Looking over at "Crash Landing On You" and "King The Land", these two offered a totally different experience for viewers, acting as quintessential examples for your tried and true K-Drama. They had layers of depth and character development, while remaining lighthearted enough for you to witness a swoon-worthy romance, made you smile in unending laughter, and kept audiences coming back every single week.
JTBC
Millions of individuals raved about these series' incredible success and how they managed to change the landscape of the K-Dramas we see today. And aside from the feel good happy endings and the idea that love is real from "Crash Landing On You" and "King The Land", they approached a myriad of real-life topics that are generally harder to talk about for any one person. "Squid Game" tackled economic disparity, "The Glory" depicted the lasting effects of bullying, and "Taxi Driver" portrayed the idea that the less fortunate can receive their due justice.
It's in these life lessons, combined with the pure entertainment factors, that make these shows so worth it.
The Lasting Effect Of "Squid Game"
Netflix
It's no secret that Netflix's "Squid Game" became a world-renowned hit. According to data collected by Netflix, as of April 14th, 2024, "Squid Game" has received a approximately 265,200,000 total views, earning it the top spot of Netflix's Most Popular TV (Non-English) list. During its initial year of release, it became an international craze, with millions flocking to filming locations of the series, creating a boon in the tourism industry. Even the official VISIT SEOUL website curated a list of "Squid Game" filming locations that travelers could visit in Seoul.
Additionally, a pop-up playground was previously set up at Itaewon station, which ran from September 17th, 2021 until September 26th, 2021.
Netflix Korea
Many would think that the first year of global success aside, and with the amount of incredible K-Dramas that have graced our screens since, surely there would have been at least one to overtake the no. 1 spot from "Squid Game". However, going from 21.2% to 11.3%, and now 9.0% shows just how much presence the Netflix series continues to retain.
From mentions & reach to netizen sentiment, "Squid Game" remained truly relevant within such a fast-paced and ever-changing entertainment world. And while there are dips here and there, the sentiment around "Squid Game" is ultimately positive, a consensus shared by a large portion of survey respondents and the world. Although the drama's mentions and reach are on a downwards trend, it has yet to fall off completely, showing that audiences still have their tabs open to search more about "Squid Game".
Kpopmap
Kpopmap
Looking at it even deeper, there's many reasons for that.
The 'Wow' Factor
Entertainment-wise, "Squid Game" is truly a special title. As the characters participate in a series of missions in an attempt to earn a life-changing monetary prize, audiences await with bated breathe to see just who will make it out alive. Taking simple Korean games and transforming them to psychologically frightening tasks blows everything out of proportion, but creates such an inescapable magnetic pull that you can't help but be dragged along by its explosive plot. This 'wow' factor certainly contributed to the overall success of "Squid Game" and how it became such a loved hit for three years in a row.
Spinoffs And Reimagined For Real Life
Even with its immense virality and worldwide influence, many probably could not foresee that it would incite others into action to replicate the hit series and create a real-life "Squid Game". One of the most notable attempts was done by popular YouTuber, Mr. Beast. Although the contestants do not carry a sense of desperation to succeed like the original characters nor is blood actually shed, the spirit of "Squid Game" is still present. This 26 minute video by the YouTuber now sits at around 600M views.
Then, just last year in 2023, Netflix tapped into the success of "Squid Game" and created "Squid Game: The Challenge". This was the official real-life rendition of the iconic series. While this was a bit more laidback like Mr. Beast's version, tensions were a little higher as the streaming giant tried its best to stay as true to the K-Drama as possible.
Outside of these, along with many other attempts to bring "Squid Game" to life, the iconic tracksuits, guard outfits, and more reached store shelves everywhere. Then when Halloween came around the corner, millions walked along the street dressed from head to toe in "Squid Game" attire, showing their enjoyment and outright affection for the show.
"Squid Game" Moving Forward
Considering the news about "Squid Game 2" and how it's going to drop sometime this year, it seems the craze is far from over. Rather, it will most likely receive a second wind, dominating watchlists and search engines worldwide. And even then, depending on whether or not the response for season 2 is similar or surpasses expectations, there could even be a chance that the "Squid Game" universe is expanded even further. This would pave the way for even more exploration into the "Squid Game" narrative and an expansion of an already complex story. This time next year, "Squid Game 2" could be like its predecessor and be chosen as the top K-Drama from 21.2% of survey respondents, or more.
What do you think of the results for the 2024 Overseas Hallyu Survey? Have you gone back to rewatch "Squid Game" in the past year?
Top 19 MBC Dramas With The Highest Ratings Since 2020 (2024 Update)
Check out which MBC dramas have the highest ratings in the history of the channel from 2020 to 2024!
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 7 min to read ·
Published : Apr 22, 2024
MBC
Throughout the world of K-Dramas, various broadcasting stations bring numerous series to the home of fans all across the globe. One of these stations is the illustrious MBC. MBC is one of the most popular broadcasting channels, with its K-Dramas consistently placing in the best ratings list. The channel continues to deliver high-quality productions appealing to fans in South Korea and abroad. As such, MBC drama ratings rise to the very top, with many reaching record highs.
Here are the top MBC Dramas with the highest ratings since 2020!
1. "Knight Flower" - 18.4%
Starring Lee Hanee and Lee JongWon, the historical drama "Knight Flower" starred high in ratings and quickly reached high ratings. The drama gained even more popularity in its last weeks and reached the ratings of 18.4% with its final episode. In 2024, the drama broke the previous records held by "The Red Sleeve". The drama is available on Viki, Kocowa, Apple TV, and Prime Video.
Among historical K-Dramas, "The Red Sleeve" was phenomenally made, filled with moments of romance and yearning that cannot be easily forgotten. Due to its massive success, it gained 17.4% ratings, making it the highest rated series among MBC K-Dramas from 2020 to 2023. Luckily for fans new and old, the K-Drama is available to watch on Rakuten Viki.
"Big Mouth" made big waves during its initial run. The chemistry between Lee JongSuk and Girls' Generation's YoonA was magnificent, and combined with a compelling storyline, it became an immediate hit, reaching 13.7% ratings. The drama can be watched via streaming site Hulu.
4. "My Dearest (part 1 & 2)" - 12.9%
MBC
Starring NamKoong Min and Ahn EunJin, "My Dearest" gained massive success and tugged on the heartstrings of all its viewers with a total of 21 episodes. Reaching its highest rating of 12.9% with the final episodes, it puts the series as one of the most watched of MBC. "My Dearest" is currently available on Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
5. "Wonderful World" - 11.4%
MBC
"Wonderful World" (2024) is a revenge and thriller drama starring Kim NamJoo and ASTRO's Cha EunWoo. The drama went viral on social media and the mysterious story caught attention. The drama peaked at 11.4% with its 9th, 11th, and 13th episodes. It started at 5.3%.
6. "Chief Detective 1958" - 10.1%
MBC
The retro crime drama "Chief Detective 1958" starring Lee JeHoon, Lee DongHwi, Choi WooSung, Yoon HyunSoo, and Seo EunSoo started with 10.1%. The drama started after "Wonderful World" and garnered a lot of attention to be able to start with such high ratings.
Also starring NamKoong Min, "The Veil" kept audiences at the edge of their seats with its various twists and turns. Its captivating suspense allowed the drama to reach its highest ratings of 9.8%, landing it at number four among MBC dramas. "The Veil" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki or Kocowa.
8. "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" - 9.6%
MBC
"The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" based on webtoon gained a lot of popularity. Bae InHyuk and Lee SeYoung's chemistry was amazing and the story was full of mystery so the drama gained a lot of viewers. The drama started at 5.6% and reached the highest rating of 9.6%.
This MBC drama depicted the hard working performance of the National Tax Service. Featuring a cast with Yim SiWan, Go AhSung, Son HyunJoo, and much more, "Tracer" reached its highest rating at 9.0%, earning it the fifth spot among MBC dramas so far. "Tracer" is available on Rakuten Viki, Kocowa, and Wavve.
"The Golden Spoon" is a webtoon-based drama that followed poor, yet studious Lee SeungCheon (BTOB's SungJae) and chaebol son Hwang TaeYong (Lee JongWon) as they switched lives during adolescence and adulthood. The drama explored the stark differences between the extremely rich and those living in poverty. While there were moments of crushing heartache, there were scenes of uplifting hope that lit up all the dark spaces in your heart. "The Golden Spoon" earned its highest ratings at 7.8% and is available on Disney+ and Hulu.
While this webtoon-based drama had various moments of uplifting comedy, it also did an excellent job at exploring hard-hitting topics. This involved aspects of mental health, life after death and those left behind, as well as the will to live on. At its highest peak, "Tomorrow" earned 7.6% in ratings. This MBC K-Drama is available on streaming platform, Netflix.
Starring the iconic actor, So JiSub, "Doctor Lawyer" is a fusion of medical and law, providing the best of both worlds. As Han YiHan (So JiSub) searched for the truth, viewers could not help but remain by his side. With the help of its loyal viewers, the MBC drama reached its highest ratings of 7.2%, placing it at eighth on this list. "Doctor Lawyer" is currently available on Disney+ and Hulu.
Adapted from the winning script from MBC's 2018 drama writing contest, "Kkondae Intern" follows the reversal of roles between Ka YeolChan (Park HaeJin) and Lee ManSik (Kim EungSoo). The office comedy provided viewers a reason to smile and laugh, week after week, and reached its highest ratings of 7.1%. "Kkondae Intern" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
A story of strangers to lovers, Kim HaeKyung (Song SeungHeon) and Woo DoHee (Seo JiHye) unexpectedly meet on Jeju Island. Bonding over their respective heartaches and love of food, they remain in contact and gradually fall for one another. "Dinner Mate" earned its highest ratings at 6.1% and is available to watch via streaming sites iQIYI and Prime Video.
"Find Me In Your Memory" is a moving story between Lee JungHoon (Kim DongWook) and Yeo HaJin (Mun KaYoung). While the drama had its fair share of romance, it also offered moments of healing that aided broken souls everywhere. The drama earned its highest ratings at 5.4%, landing at eleventh among MBC K-Dramas. It is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
"The Forbidden Marriage" certainly had it all: a budding romance, a swoon-worthy second lead, a love triangle that broke your heart, and so much more. Audiences certainly agreed, sticking with the drama for every new episode, helping it reach its peak at 4.9% ratings. "The Forbidden Marriage" is available to watch on Prime Video, Rakuten Viki, and Kocowa.
17. "Kokdu: Season Of Deity" - 4.8%
MBC
"Kokdu: Season Of Deity" was filled with quirky characters, electrifying chemistry, and a romance that withstood the test of time. Switching between historical and modern, "Kokdu: Season Of Deity" had fans constantly coming back for more, earning 4.8% ratings. The MBC drama is made available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Wavve.
"When I Was Most Beautiful" is a heartbreaking love story featuring Oh YeJi (Im SooHyang) who is caught between brothers Seo Hwan (Ji Soo) and Seo Jin (Ha SeokJin). As they navigated feelings of love and jealousy, audiences remained glued to their seats, watching the story unfold. With the help of its dedicated viewers, the series earned 4.7% ratings, placing it at number fourteen among MBC K-Dramas. "When I Was Most Beautiful" is available to watch via Rakuten Viki and Kocowa.
19. "From Now On, Showtime!" - 4.6% & "The Game: Towards Zero" - 4.6%
MBC
Comedic with a touch of mystery, "From Now On, Showtime!" was able to captivate viewers with its lighthearted storyline and incredible lineup of actors. On the other hand, there was the more serious, thriller series "The Game: Towards Zero" which kept viewers shrouded in suspense. While two different genres, these series earned its highest ranking at 4.6%, tying at number fifteen among MBC K-Dramas.
Which of these MBC dramas is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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