In the ever-evolving world of K-pop and Korean popular music, few artists have left as enduring a mark as Park Hae-kyung. Over two decades since her rise to stardom, Park’s songs are experiencing a vibrant renaissance, thanks to a surge of remakes by some of today’s most prominent female vocalists. This wave of reinterpretations, which began well before 2020 and continues to gather momentum, has not only reintroduced Park’s music to new audiences but also reignited appreciation among longtime fans.
One of the most notable recent developments is the revival of Park’s 1999 classic, "Gobaek" (Confession). This beloved song, originally celebrated for its delicate portrayal of unrequited love and its bright, hopeful melody, has now been given fresh life by Kim Chae-won, a member of the group Le Sserafim. Kim’s version, released on October 16, 2025, serves as the theme for the Japanese Netflix series "Romantic Okinawa Muses"—a testament to the song’s cross-cultural and cross-generational appeal. The new rendition, performed in Japanese, is expected to resonate with listeners in both Korea and Japan, bridging musical tastes and emotional sensibilities across borders, according to reporting by Ilgan Sports.
Kim Chae-won’s connection to "Gobaek" is deeply personal. In a handwritten letter and video message, she expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to cover such an iconic song. "It’s my first time singing a drama OST alone, and I’m thrilled. Especially since Park Hae-kyung’s ‘Gobaek’ is such a famous song, I’ve listened to it often. I’m really happy to be doing this remake and can’t wait to share it with everyone," Kim said through her label, Source Music. The new version preserves the original’s emotional nuance while introducing subtle changes in arrangement to suit Kim’s unique vocal style and the drama’s atmosphere.
This isn’t the first time Park Hae-kyung’s music has found new life through reinterpretation. The 2021 remake album "Tight Grip" featured Red Velvet’s Joy covering Park’s song "Hello," while in 2023, Joonyel released a heartfelt version of "I Want to Give It to You." In May 2025, IU included a remake of "Red Sneakers" in her album "Kkotgalpi Set," further testifying to Park’s lasting influence. Each of these covers, though crafted by different artists with their own stylistic touches, shares a common thread: the enduring appeal of Park’s original melodies and the emotional clarity of her lyrics.
What makes Park Hae-kyung’s work so ripe for reinterpretation? According to composer Kang Hyun-min, who has worked closely with Park as a producer on her solo debut and subsequent albums, the answer lies in her voice. "Park Hae-kyung’s voice is unique even now, but back then, it was truly distinctive," Kang told Ilgan Sports. He elaborated, "My songs often sit somewhere between mainstream and underground, but when Park Hae-kyung’s voice is added, even the less commercial tracks become accessible to a wider audience. Even if another singer performs the same song, Park’s rendition just sounds better. That’s the power of her voice. It’s the synergy between the artist and the music."
IU, who remade "Red Sneakers," echoed this sentiment in her album notes, remarking, "Park Hae-kyung’s voice is like magic dust that makes you feel sparkly. I listened to her songs a lot as a child." This sense of wonder and respect for Park’s artistry is shared by many of the younger singers who have chosen to revisit her catalog.
Behind the scenes, the production of these remakes is no simple feat. Kim Chae-won’s version of "Gobaek" was crafted with the help of experienced producers and composers, including Lee Bae-hyuk and Black, both of whom have a track record of successful music projects. Their expertise ensured that the new arrangement retained the spirit of the original while offering something fresh for today’s listeners. Kim was also involved in producing a drama OST titled "Hooja Drama OST" as part of the tribute to Park Hae-kyung, further demonstrating her commitment to honoring the legacy of the song.
The enduring popularity of Park’s songs is not just a matter of nostalgia. As one music industry insider told IS Photo, "Most of Park Hae-kyung’s hits were released over 20 years ago, but their modern pop sound still feels sophisticated and not at all outdated. These were songs beloved as national anthems of their time, so they have strong competitive power when remade. Their timeless emotion feels fresh to younger generations." This modern sensibility, coupled with the emotional depth of Park’s songwriting, has made her catalog a treasure trove for artists seeking material that resonates across age groups.
Kang Hyun-min, who has also played key roles in groups like Ilgiyebo, Loveholic, and Brick, described his approach to songwriting as both rhythmic and melodically clear. "I always wanted to write modern songs, so I tried a lot of experimental things. Back then, pop music seemed more sophisticated and cool, so I tried to make my songs just as stylish," he reflected. This desire for innovation, combined with Park’s interpretive skills, explains why their collaborations continue to stand the test of time.
The phenomenon of Park Hae-kyung remakes is more than a passing trend. It reflects a broader movement in Korean pop culture, where the music of the late 1990s and early 2000s is being rediscovered and reinterpreted by a new generation of artists. For Park, whose songs were once the soundtrack of an era, this resurgence is both a tribute and a testament to her artistry. For listeners, it’s a chance to experience familiar emotions in new ways—and perhaps to find comfort in the knowledge that some melodies, no matter how much time passes, never lose their magic.
As Kim Chae-won’s rendition of "Gobaek" finds its way to both Korean and Japanese audiences, and as other artists continue to draw inspiration from Park Hae-kyung’s discography, it’s clear that the legacy of these songs is far from finished. Instead, they’re being woven into the fabric of contemporary music, ensuring their place in the hearts of listeners for years to come.