Kim Tae-won Earns 100 Million Won in Royalties Thanks to IU's Remake of 'Never Ending Story'

Former Boohwal member and broadcaster Kim Tae-won revealed that he earned 100 million won in royalties after singer IU remade his song 'Never Ending Story'.

Appearing on the MBC show 'Radio Star' on the 17th, Kim Tae-won responded to a question about whether he was 'pulled up by the public' thanks to IU's remake of 'Never Ending Story'. He stated, "It's an honor." He shared that IU had contacted him first about the remake.

Kim Tae-won commented, "IU is a friend with talent." However, he expressed surprise at the song's unexpected massive success, saying, "But I didn't know that song would blow up overnight like that." He added, "I thought, 'IU is a superstar.'"

Regarding the 100 million won in royalties, he explained, "It came in per quarter." He also mentioned that it was a great honor for an old band's song to be sung again. He further shared an anecdote about receiving a song request from a Japanese singer, only to discover it was comedian Kim Gyeong-wook's parody character 'Tanaka'. Kim Tae-won expressed disappointment that his carefully crafted song wasn't performed as well as expected, lamenting, "His vocal ability was really lacking." He humorously concluded, "I wish it had become a hit like 'If I Love Again,'" showing he still harbored regrets.

Netizens reacted to Kim Tae-won's story about royalties, with comments such as, "IU's power is amazing," "It was a welcome remake because Kim Tae-won's song is good," and "It's even funnier because of the Tanaka meme lol."