Joo YoungHoon Reveals 90s K-Pop Songwriting Secrets

Renowned composer Joo YoungHoon has pulled back the curtain on his unique songwriting process, a key part of 90s K-pop history. On the December 01, 2025 broadcast of Channel A’s “Best Friends’ Talkumentary: A Table for Four,” the hitmaker detailed his unconventional method for creating some of the era’s most memorable dance tracks.

The Golden Age of K-Pop: A Look into Joo YoungHoon’s Process

During the episode, Joo YoungHoon was joined by fellow entertainers Yoon DaHoon, Yoon JungSoo, and Park KyungLim, where they reminisced about the bustling music scene of the 1990s. Joo YoungHoon described an incredibly demanding work schedule, revealing that at his peak, he was composing as many as 30 songs per month for famous singers. This prolific output cemented his status as one of the most sought-after composers during the golden age of K-pop, but the secret to his success was far from conventional.

Unconventional Inspiration: A Unique Songwriting Process

Joo YoungHoon shared that a critical part of his songwriting process involved what he termed “field research”: frequenting nightclubs. He explained that these visits were not for leisure but were a professional endeavor to understand what kind of song introductions would instantly make people want to dance. By observing the crowd’s reactions, he could deconstruct the elements of a successful dance track from its very first beat. This hands-on approach to market research was fundamental to his creative method.

From Nightclub Beats to Chart-Topping Hits

His unique research method paid off handsomely. Host Park KyungLim quickly made the connection between this strategy and the iconic, attention-grabbing intros of hit songs Joo YoungHoon wrote for legendary artists. His work for the group Turbo and iconic female soloist Uhm JungHwa are prime examples of this successful formula. The method ensured his compositions were not just musically sound but also perfectly engineered for dance floors, a key factor in 90s K-pop.

“Festival”: The Composer’s Most Cherished Song

When asked to name his most successful and profitable song, Joo YoungHoon identified Uhm JungHwa’s timeless hit “Festival.” He affectionately called it his “best filial song,” a term indicating it was the work that brought him the most significant financial success and recognition. This revelation highlights the immense impact of “Festival” not only on K-pop history but also on the composer’s own career. Joo YoungHoon’s story provides a fascinating glimpse into the intense work ethic and creative thinking that powered the hits of an unforgettable era.

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