While some idol groups produce, compose, and write the lyrics to their own songs, other groups use songs written by some of the best musicians in the industry. Often times, producers release snippets of the demo versions of K-Pop songs before their release. Check out these K-Pop demo songs below that feature English lyrics!

Red Velvet - Ice Cream Cake

In December 2012, Hayley Aitken and producing team Trinity Music showed a 21-second demo version of “Ice Cream Cake” on an episode of a Swedish TV show 'Kobra.' The demo version was purchased by SM Entertainment and Korean lyrics were added by songwriter Jo Yoon Kyung and Kim Dong Hyun. 

EXO - Monster

EXO’s “Monster” was written and composed by Kenzie and LDN Noise. It was produced as a dark and intense medium-tempo dance song that portrayed a man’s obsession with his lover. 

TWICE - Signal 

While JYP collaborated with Kairos to write and compose “Signal,” making it the first TWICE song to be written by JYP. The song captures the emotions of a girl who sends “signals” to her lover, who does not notice her attempts to express her feelings. 

EXO - Ko Ko Bop

“Ko Ko Bop” is an energetic reggae song produced by Style Fuego and co-written by Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun. Shaylen Carroll, one of the female composers, did the demo and it was supposed to be for a girl group. Eventually, the reggae-pop song went to EXO. 

f(x) - 4 Walls

Jam Factory member Lee Seuran wrote the song, while LDN Noise, Tay Jasper, and Adrian McKinnon assisted in composing and producing the song. “4 Walls” has a heavy electronic dance music influence, and is characterized by its tropical house sounds. 

Blackpink - Whistle 

“Whistle” is a song written by iKON’s B.I., Teddy Park, and Bekuh Boom. The song maintains a balance between a more minimalistic hip-hop atmosphere and a guitar-driven pop style. The song title refers to a love call to one’s significant other, as well as the beating of the heart.  

EXO - The Eve 

SM Entertainment uploaded a video of Henry singing the demo version of EXO’s “The Eve.” It originally had English lyrics, and Henry was among the musicians who helped compose the hit song. 

Girls’ Generation - You Think

“You Think” is a powerful pop dance song that also features trendy trap beats. SAARA sang the demo version of the song, with English lyrics. The lyrics express the story of a woman who sends her former male lover a warning when he spreads rumors about her after their breakup. 

Taemin - Press Your Number

Many fans are unaware that “Press Your Number,” was originally written by Bruno Mars and composed by The Stereotypes. Prior to Taemin’s release, the demo was released and the track was purchased by SM Entertainment. Although Taemin did not actually work with Bruno Mars to produce the song, he did add his own lyrics to the song. 

Red Velvet - Peek a Boo

“Peek a Boo” was originally composed by Moonshine, Ellen Berg Tollbom, and Swedish singer-songwriter Cazzi Opeia. In June 2017, Opeia revealed to the public that she had written a song for Red Velvet. The lyrics were written by S.M. Entertainment songwriter Kenzie, who captures the mischief in a new romantic relationship. 

EXO - Been Through 

SM Entertainment’s producer Marz produced “Been Through” while Brandyn Burnette sang the demo version of the song. When Burnette uploaded the demo version to his Soundcloud account, fans instantly became addicted to the song as well as its English lyrics.

BoA - Only One 

“Only One” was composed by BoA and arranged by Taesung Kim. Meanwhile, Andrew Choi sang the demo version of the song before its release. The English version of the song is just as good as the original version!

EXO - Growl 

Like many other songs, the demo version of EXO’s “Growl” features all-English lyrics. Many fans were surprised to find that the original song featured more sexual connotations compared to the original song, which tells the story of a jealous man.