Halloween Special: Best K-pop "Screen to Stage" Covers by Other Artists

It's officially Halloween, and we can't wait to share our favorite spooky-themed performances by K-pop groups! These talented artists have infused beloved gothic tracks with their unique, eerie twists, showcasing haunting visuals, captivating vocals, and impressive rap skills. Their thrilling and unsettling performances will leave viewers on the edge of their seats while marveling at these fan-favorite songs' brilliantly executed, spine-chilling interpretations. Check out our top seven picks for the Halloween special!

 

1. LOONA's Cover of Sunmi's "Full Moon"

Sunmi's spooky vampire-themed track from her debut solo EP, which also featured Lena, is brilliantly reimagined by the girl group LOONA. Adapting songs for live performances can be challenging, especially since the stage lacks the elaborate and immersive quality of a music video. However, LOONA has transformed "Full Moon" into a captivating group performance while retaining key elements from Sunmi's original music video, such as the use of chairs. Interestingly, LOONA is a variant of the word "Luna," which means "moon" in Latin. Coincidence? We think not!

 

2. Stray Kids' Cover of BLACKPINK's "DDU-DU DDU-DU" (and "God's Menu")

This performance is nothing short of iconic! A fourth-generation boy group taking on a popular track from a third-generation girl group, and blending it with one of their own chart-toppers, all while incorporating a touch of Marvel—only Stray Kids could pull off such a trend-setting feat. While neither "DDU-DU DDU-DU" nor "God's Menu" can be classified as horror songs or music videos, Stray Kids infused their 'screen-to-stage' reinterpretation with spooky elements, using gothic masks, blood-red lighting and Deadpool to create the perfect Halloween vibe.

 

3. A.C.E's Cover of VIXX's "On and On"

VIXX, known as K-pop's certified "Kings of Horror concepts," have explored many captivating concepts throughout their careers, making them a strong source of inspiration for younger idol groups. One such group is the talented A.C.E, who delivered a striking cover of VIXX's "On and On" with a sexy, vampire-inspired twist. This dance-pop track, rooted in VIXX's horror-themed universe, features A.C.E in dark eye makeup that contrasts beautifully with their pristine white suits. They truly aced the dance cover, creating an engaging stage adaptation that’s a joy to watch.

 

4. ONEUS' Cover of 2PM's "Heartbeat"

JYPE's 2PM is one of the most underrated second-generation K-pop groups, and their 2009 hit "Heartbeat" deserves far more recognition. This supernatural, gothic song is dark, atmospheric, and moody, and ONEUS delivers a stunning dance cover that adds their unique flair to the iconic track while aligning it with their group's concept. They drive the performance with their powerful vocals, rap, and stage presence. With its intense horror themes, "Heartbeat" features a predominantly orchestral instrumental setup, making it the perfect choice for a 'screen-to-stage' adaptation.

 

5. YOUNITE's Cover of ENHYPEN's "Bite Me"

One boy group truly embodying the dark academia concept in K-pop is fourth-generation group ENHYPEN, and their 2023 track "Bite Me" stands out as a highlight in their discography. This deliciously dark and sexy song exudes an alluring atmosphere, and YOUNITE's cover of "Bite Me" is equally scintillating and engaging, featuring a solid stage setup presented as a horror-themed skit with captivating visuals in the background. A special mention goes to the dance break in YOUNITE's cover, which truly steals the show.

 

6. THE BOYZ's Remake "Quasi una Fantasia" of VIXX's "Shangri-La"

Here's another VIXX song adaptation on our list, but this one stands out as unique. Unlike previous examples where a K-pop group has covered the original song or blended it with their own, THE BOYZ have crafted a fantastic remake of VIXX's 2017 track "Shangri-La," titled "Quasi una Fantasia." While "Shangri-La" isn’t a horror concept, it features traditional K-pop elements with supernatural undertones and stunning vocals. "Quasi una Fantasia," which roughly translates to "almost a fantasy," draws inspiration from Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata." Although it isn't a typical horror song, it is evocative and atmospheric, infused with mood-enhancing intensity. THE BOYZ truly excelled in this rendition.

 

7. fromis_9's Cover of f(x)'s "Red Light"

It’s unfortunate that we don't see enough girl groups exploring horror or dark academia themes, resulting in fewer 'screen to stage' adaptations. However, one of our favorite performances is fromis_9's cover of f(x)'s "Red Light." The original song by f(x) combines atmospheric elements with K-pop fun, flirting with the idea of spooky while keeping it frisky and lighthearted. fromis_9 incorporates certain elements from f(x), such as Gyuri wearing an eye patch reminiscent of Krystal, and largely retains the essence and charm of the original. Their rendition adds an enjoyable and entertaining vibe to this spooky meets spunky dance cover.