Han Dong Geun Returns to Brand New Music
Recently, Brand New Music welcomed singer Han Dong Geun to their company after successfully renewing a contract with them once again. This highly anticipated reunion marks a significant moment for both the talented vocalist and the agency, promising exciting new musical projects under their renewed partnership.
Han Dong Geun’s career trajectory has seen interesting developments. While he remained under the label from 2019 to 2024, he established his own label after his contract expired, a move often pursued by artists seeking more creative control. However, through this renewal, he was returned to the company, indicating a strong, enduring relationship and a shared vision for his future endeavors within the K-Pop industry.
“Downpour” Remake Announcement Ignites Fan Reaction
Despite the positive news of Han Dong Geun’s return, a subsequent announcement from the agency has stirred a considerable amount of discussion and even backlash online. The agency recently announced that it would release a remake of I.O.I’s song, “Downpour,” which will be released on August 18.
For many K-Pop fans, “Downpour” is far more than just a song. It stands as an iconic, poignant farewell track from the beloved project group I.O.I, co-written by SEVENTEEN’s Woozi, deeply symbolizing the emotional bond between the group and their dedicated fanbase. Its lyrics evoke bittersweet goodbyes and enduring memories, rendering it an almost sacred piece of music. However, this drew significant backlash online, with fans expressing anger about why he would remake I.O.I’s fan song, which holds many memories for them and their fans. Many expressed strong sentiments that certain songs, especially those with such profound fan connections, should remain untouched as a tribute to their original significance.
아니 ㅋㅋㅋ 팬송을 리메이크 한단 소릴 생전 처음 듣네
어떤 싹바가지가 팬들이랑 추억 있는 곡을 함부로 리메이크를 하냐?
뭔데 맘대로 재해석을 해?
어이가 없네요 그리고 뻔한 속이 보여서 더 열받네 https://t.co/IijMtPfxO7
Seriously, this is the first time I’ve ever heard a fan song be turned into a remake…Who in their right mind would remake a song that holds special meaning to that artist and fan? Who are you to reanalyze that song? This is ridiculous, and it makes me even madder that I can see their intentions behind it.
이거 아이오아이 멤버들이랑 작사/작곡가 허락은 받은건가 궁금 저작인격권 무시하고 리메이크 한건가 설마 https://t.co/oYyGTMgxT2
I’m curious to know if the I.O.I members and the writer and producer have approved of this? Don’t tell me they are remaking this song and just ignoring the copyrights on it.
소나기 듣는중인데 또 열받음 남의 팬송을 퉁퉁이성악창법으로 츠위에떨거어십지않아어~ 하는걸 왜 들어야하냐고. 9년이 지나도 팬과 가수의 눈물버튼곡인데 왜 이걸 범죄자가 부르냐고🖕🏻🖕🏼🖕🏽🖕🏾🖕🏿 요즘 남의 팬송 훔쳐다 지들 서사에 쓰는게 유행임? 이딴유행 안유행; 다 꺼져 그냥
— 𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒐 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒉 (@androgp) August 14, 2026
I’m listening to it again, and I am so mad. Why do I have to listen to a fan song sung in an opera-style voice? Why is a criminal singing a song that is a tear-jerker for both the artist and fans for the past nine years? Is it some sort of trend to steal someone else’s fan song and use it for their story? This type of trend seriously needs to f*ck off.
The Debate: Artistic Reinterpretation vs. Fan Sentiment
The widespread online reaction highlights the delicate balance between artistic reinterpretation and respecting the deep emotional attachment fans have to original works. While remakes are a common practice across the music industry, the unique status of “Downpour” as a deeply personal farewell fan song makes this particular instance exceptionally sensitive. As the August 18 release date approaches, the K-Pop community will be closely watching how Han Dong Geun’s rendition is received, and whether it successfully navigates the complex interplay of artistic vision and profound fan sentiment. This situation has certainly become a significant talking point among fans and industry observers alike.
