When it comes to the K-pop world, there is always something that will be remembered – most thrilling moments are when idols do their peer’s biggest hits covers. Hitting the notes or simply doing their dance moves, these performances entail making a song their own while respecting the legacy of the original. Most Iconic Kpop Covers bring powerhouse vocals to intense choreo that gives goosebumps, Let’s take a look at some of the most awe-inspiring K-pop covers that had fans talking, cheering, and sharing these legendary stages.
(Trying not to hit replay for the hundredth time…) Here’s a dive into the K-pop covers that left fans breathless and proved that a cover can feel like a new masterpiece.
Most Iconic Kpop Covers
Dance Monkey by Jessi and Henry
Original Artist: Tones and I
Jessi’s interpretation of Dance Monkey was nothing but electric. When she did this international hit, it became a moment-she voiced out, her swag, everything-was executed with the signature stamp. Known for being charismatic and bold, Jessi sang it out with an edge that made it not seem like some cover at all. With her powerful voice and trademark sass, this performance instantly became a crowd favorite that fans will never get tired of talking about.
SUPERNOVA by &TEAM
Original Artist: aespa
It was a real treat to see &TEAM perform aespa’s SUPERNOVA on Inkigayo Live in Tokyo. For one, they are very passionate and specific about the little details, especially when it came to the dance moves! The whole team was in sync, and Harua’s part was an eye-opener, too!. He wasn’t just performing; he was living it, adding his own vibe that brought the cover to the next level. &TEAM did aespa proud and gave the fans a memorable rendition of this already catchy song.
Dionysus by Stray Kids
Original Artist: BTS
Stray Kids performing Dionysus at the KBS Song Festival 2020? That’s a moment! The original by BTS is strong and intense, but Stray Kids knew very well how to bring something to the table using their edginess. With this dark twist, they provided relentless energy to “Dionysus” so that this song could really fit them. The performance was so intense, charismatic, and nothing short of epic because it proved, once again, why Stray Kids are known for their hard-hitting style.
Love Shot by LE SSERAFIM
Original Artist: EXO
When LE SSERAFIM tried to steal the crown with EXO’s Love Shot, they did so with all the class and ferocity we could hope for. Silky, smooth, and enticing choreography that epitomizes the song was perfectly captured by each member as they balanced power and elegance properly. LE SSERAFIM’s take on this classic felt like the perfect ode to EXO but, at the same time, with their own twist, that gave the performance a new allure. It reminded everyone about why they are among the top performers in K-pop today.
MANIAC by Kep1er
Original Artist: Stray Kids
But there’s something uncanny about the kind of wild energy in Stray Kids’ songs, and MANIAC is definitely one of those tracks I never thought could be covered by a girl group because it’s just so intense. And then comes Kep1er at The Fact Music Awards 2024 to blow one’s mind! Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Hikaru, and Youngeun totally owned that stage! They are able to capture every aggressive beat and gritty vibe, striking the expressions and choreography with perfection. Hikaru and Youngeun were, like, literally untouchable—the way they uncaged the raw energy of MANIAC placed fans on the edge of their seats. This cover proves that Kep1er can take whatever is thrown their way.
Boy In Luv by TXT
Original Artist: BTS
TXT performed the most-awaited cover from BTS, which was Boy In Luv, and brought an entirely new wave of energy to this strong song. With their youth charm and playful intensity, they did an amazing job of capturing the spirit of the original song while adding their flavor. Their performance, after all, was that of an ode to BTS’s early days, yet it was dripping with freshness; fans loved how they showcased the potential of mixing nostalgia with freshness. TXT, after all, made this cover very much their own through an unforgettable stage that struck fans.
Bang Bang Bang by Treasure
Original Artist: BIGBANG
BIGBANG’s Bang Bang Bang is an iconic anthem, and Treasure can’t do it justice. They were energetic and frenetic in the way the song needed, lighting up the stage with their vocals and movements as they “Bang Bang Bangged” through their performance. Treasure did well to pay respects to the seniors in the most awesome way possible: Treasure is here to show why “Bang Bang Bang” will never grow old. It was the perfect blend of fan tribute and young enthusiasm, which made this one of the most memorable covers in recent times.
So Hot by BLACKPINK
Original Artist: Wonder Girls
BLACKPINK’s version of Wonder Girls’ So Hot was truly a beautiful combination of paying homage to K-pop history with a hearty slice of their modern flair. There’s an extent of the stage presence that BLACKPINK holds that gel together and give the performance that cool, fierce vibe that resonates with the iconic energy from the track. It feels like a bridge from one generation of K-pop to another, because BLACKPINK just added that unique flavor to make “Hot” sound as fresh and relevant as ever.
Perfect Man by BTS
Original Artist: Shinhwa
BTS performed a cover of Perfect Man for the 2015 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, and it is still being talked about until now. They hit every single beat with razor-sharp precision and charisma running through every pore. In this performance for the song that K-pop legend Shinhwa popularized years ago, it was seen that they are very talented in their skills and showed respect to their seniors.
10 Minutes by TWICE’s Nayeon, Momo, and Jihyo
Original Artist: Lee Hyori
Lee Hyori’s 10 Minutes came to life through the girls of TWICE Nayeon, Momo, and Jihyo with all the attitude and swag it needed. The rendition nicely captured a playful energy and fierceness that marked the three girls’ versatility. It would not be wrong to say that they did a great job paying homage to Lee Hyori and the beautiful elegance of TWICE, thus making the whole performance a very fun yet strong performance.
On by ATEEZ
Original Artist: BTS
The cover of On by ATEEZ is completely immersive. They took on BTS’s harsh choreography and bleak vibe, bringing their theatrical touch in to the performance to make it both new and just a bit too energetic. Each of the members puts his soul into the performance, and it shows. This cover was an excellent way to pay respects to BTS, ensuring that ATEEZ can definitely pull off complex songs into something that has a distinctly unique feel to it.
These covers remind us why K-pop is exciting: idol groups bring new life to classical songs while paying homage to the originals while bringing their own mark to them. These performances are more than just performing hits-it is the actual manifestation of passion, skill, and creativity which people want to hold on. As long as idols stand ready to pay tribute to peers, the heritage of unforgettable covers for K-pop will just continue to expand.
Also Read: 10 Best Chinese Drama OSTs to Add to Your Playlist Right Now!
