Joo YoungHoon Reveals Secrets to Hit Songs’ Royalties

Renowned music composer Joo YoungHoon revealed the secrets behind his staggering copyright royalties on the December 1, 2025 episode of Channel A’s “Best Friend Talkumentary: Four-Person Dining Table”. Appearing alongside friends Yoon JungSoo and Yoon DaHoon, the hitmaker shared fascinating details about his most profitable hit songs, offering a rare look into the business of music production.

The “Filial Piety Songs” Driving His Copyright Royalties

During the candid conversation, Joo YoungHoon affectionately referred to his highest-earning compositions as his “filial piety songs,” acknowledging their role in securing his financial success. His ability to create enduring hits that generate significant copyright royalties places him among the industry’s top earners, a feat also seen with figures like the pioneer idol-producer G-Dragon. He detailed which tracks have been the most lucrative over his celebrated career.

‘Festival’: A Timeless Anthem with Strict Controls

Joo YoungHoon singled out the classic hit song ‘Festival’ as a primary and consistent source of his income. He explained that its use in popular dramas or during high-profile election seasons requires his personal approval. This level of control allows him to command significant fees, making the song a major contributor to his copyright royalties. The track’s timeless appeal ensures it remains in high demand for various media, solidifying its status as a financial pillar in his catalog.

‘Lovely’: A Modern Viral Sensation

In addition to older hits, Joo also highlighted the more recent success of ‘Lovely.’ The song experienced a massive resurgence in 2024, becoming a viral sensation on short-form video platforms. Its popularity was significantly boosted during the general election period of that year, demonstrating how his music continues to resonate with new generations and find relevance in contemporary culture. This viral success translated into substantial earnings, proving the power of modern media trends in reviving classic hit songs.

Friends Recall a Less Humble Music Composer

The episode of the Korean variety show also took a personal turn as Joo YoungHoon’s friends shared stories from his past. Fellow guest Yoon DaHoon provided a humorous anecdote about the music composer’s youthful days, painting a picture of a confident and ambitious artist on the rise.

Joo YoungHoon’s Youthful Confidence

Yoon DaHoon recalled times when a younger Joo YoungHoon would frequent nightclubs and openly boast about his compositions. He humorously noted that Joo lacked humility in his youth, often making sure people knew he was the creator of the songs playing in the venue. Joo YoungHoon candidly admitted to his past behavior, confirming that he would even have his juniors point out that he was the composer. This reflection offered a lighthearted glimpse into the personality of the man behind some of K-Pop’s most iconic hit songs. “Best Friend Talkumentary: Four-Person Dining Table” airs every Monday at 8:10 PM KST.

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