7 Iconic K-Band Covers That You Might Have Missed

ONEWE Twitter / Pink Fantasy Twitter / Rolling Quartz Twitter / Xdinary Heroes Twitter

Amid the sweeping effect of the Hallyu Wave is the underrated gem that is Korean rock. Often going more under the radar than their idol counterparts, K-rock bands typically struggle to break out in a pop-based industry. Over the past few years, though, various acts have begun to gain traction as the niche proves it has a little bit of something for everyone.

You might be wondering: Where do I start, though? Aside from each group’s diverse discography, they also have a number of covers that exhibit their range and musical color. Whether you’re already a fan of the or you’re someone curiously wondering what K-rock has to offer, this list of seven memorable covers is meant to introduce you to noteworthy artists of the genre that you might want to consider for your next playlists.

1. Even of Day - Peder Elias’s ‘Bonfire’

The most recent addition to DAY6’s Young One series, Young K and WonPil’s cover of ‘Bonfire’ is a comforting acoustic number. DoWoon takes on percussion, making the video a winsome collaborative of the group’s Even of Day sub-unit. ‘Bonfire’ shows off the boys’ youthful charms and pure vocals. It feels exactly like the song promises—a good time where you can forget all your troubles.

2. Pink Fantasy - Loren Allred’s ‘Never Enough’

Loren Allred’s ‘Never Enough’ from the 2017 film “The Greatest Showman” is far from an easy number. It’s a high-strung ballad with narrative undertones, performed usually at an operatic range. This makes Pink Fantasy’s YeChan all the more astounding. She belts the high notes with chilling control, not once faltering in her consistent delivery of the heart-wrenching song. The cover can be treated as a teaser of her capable vocals in other Pink Fantasy tracks! More covers from the members can be found on Mydoll Entertainment's YouTube account.

3. The Rose - Bruno Mars’s ‘Marry You’

The Rose is most known for their contribution to the Korean alternative pop scene. It’s fun, then, to see them switch it up a bit with a doo-wop pop number like ‘Marry You.’ WooSung and DoJoon show off their infectiously happy stage presence, backed by playful vocals from JaeHyeong. HaJoon sets the tone—and even has his own moment!—on the drums, really driving home an enjoyable cover that would have likely made Bruno Mars himself proud.

4. DREAMCATCHER - Little Mix’s ‘Secret Love Song’

Don’t be deceived by the video beginning with b-rolls of YooHyeon acting silly. The moment she starts singing the pop ballad ‘Secret Love Song’, she transforms into a serious force to be reckoned with. Little Mix is a four-piece group, but YooHyeon does a terrific job at distinguishing them during her emotional one-woman cover. Other members of DREAMCATCHER have their own covers that are also worth checking out in the “Special Clip” section of their official YouTube channel.

5. ONEWE - The Chainsmokers ft. Coldplay’s ‘Something Just Like This’

ONEWE masterfully transforms EDM track ‘Something Just Like This’ into a song more fitting to their rock sensibilities without losing sight of the number’s message. This is evident in the nostalgic adlibbed rap of CyA, which comes as a welcome surprise amid the band’s reinvention. Throughout the cover, DongMyeong and YongHoon showcase compelling vocals, ultimately standing out thanks to the dynamic instrumental prowess of HaRin and KangHyun.

6. Rolling Quartz - Paramore’s ‘Misery Business’

There’s not a pop-punk fan who doesn’t know ‘Misery Business.’ Rolling Quartz don’t need the song’s popularity, though, as their rendition holds its own for being a lively performance of a well-loved song. JaYoung takes the lead with her sprightly vocals, finding a perfect place amid YeongEun’s precise drum work. Rounding up with ARem on bass, Iree on guitar, and HyunJung on rhythm guitar, the five breathe new life into the Paramore classic.

7. Xdinary Heroes - Nothing But Thieves’s ‘Impossible’

If rookie group Xdinary Heroes caught your attention with their recent debut, then their cover of ‘Impossible’ is bound to keep you hooked. They display incredible command of the stage from the moment O.de and JooYeon deliver the first lines, followed by JungSu’s compelling interpretation of the chorus. Gunil’s drumming and JunHan’s guitaring blend perfectly into the performance; the rendition ties up perfectly with a powerful adlibbed rap courtesy of Gaon.

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