Dreams Come True (S.E.S. song)

"Dreams Come True" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group S.E.S. from their second studio album, Sea & Eugene & Shoo (1998). The song is a cover of "Rakastuin mä looseriin" ("I Fell in love with a loser"), released in 1996 by Finnish girl group Nylon Beat. It was originally composed by Finnish producer Risto Asikainen, with further composition of the Korean version handled by Yoo Young-jin while the lyrics were translated by Yoo along with group member Bada.^[1]

"Dreams Come True"
Single by S.E.S.
from the album Sea & Eugene & Shoo
Language	Korean
Released	November 23, 1998 (1998-11-23)
Recorded	1998
Studio	SM Digital Recording Studio, Seoul, South Korea
Genre	K-pop dance trip hop
Length	4:02
Label	SM
Composer(s)	Risto Asikainen Yoo Young-jin
Lyricist(s)	Bada Yoo Young-jin
S.E.S. singles chronology
"Oh, My Love" (1997) "Dreams Come True" (1998) "I Love You" (1998)
Music video
"Dreams Come True" on YouTube

Background

"Dreams Come True" is an adapted version of the song "Like a Fool" (1996) by Finnish pop duo Nylon Beat.^[2][3] It has been described as a smooth dance number with a moderate 1980s synth beat, utilizing synth flute hooks and soft vocal phrasings.^[4] SM Entertainment licensed the song from the original composers and reproduced it by adding Korean vocals, sound fills, and newly arranged parts in the last third of the song. The instrumental track (except for the added parts) remains identical to the original, and it retains the melodic and harmonic structure.^[4] Its music video was remastered in November 2021.^[5]

Reception

"Dreams Come True" achieved the top spots on several music programs in South Korea during its promotion.^[6] In 2021, "Dreams Come True" was ranked number 86 in online portal Melon and newspaper Seoul Shinmun's list of top 100 K-pop songs of all time.^[7][8]

Music program awards

Program	Date
Music Bank	December 8, 1998
	January 5, 1999
	January 19, 1999
Inkigayo	January 10, 1999
Music Camp	January 23, 1999

Cover performances

On February 27, 2009, members Taeyeon, Sunny, Yuri and Seohyun of Girls' Generation performed a cover version of "Dreams Come True" during the Music Bank History section of the 500th episode of KBS Music Bank.^[9] On September 12, 2015, Sonamoo performed a cover of the song on Show! Music Core.^[10] During the 2018 SBS Gayo Daejeon festival, Irene, Seulgi and Joy of Red Velvet and Momo, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu of Twice performed together a cover version of "Dreams Come True" for the 20th anniversary of the single's release.^[11]

Aespa version

"Dreams Come True"
Single by Aespa
from the album 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express
Released	December 20, 2021 (2021-12-20)
Recorded	2021
Genre	Pop
Length	3:24
Label	SM Dreamus
Composer(s)	Yoo Young-jin BoA Risto Armas Asikainen
Lyricist(s)	Bada Yoo Young-jin BoA
Aespa singles chronology
"Savage" (2021) "Dreams Come True" (2021) "Life's Too Short" (2022)
Music video
"Dreams Come True" on YouTube

"Dreams Come True" was re-recorded by South Korean girl group Aespa and was released by SM Entertainment on December 20, 2021, as part of SM's Remastering Project, and also as the lead single of the album 2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU Express. South Korean singer, BoA, participated in the song's production, choreography and visual aspects. It was later included on the group's second extended play Girls which was released on July 8, 2022.

Background

On November 4, 2021, SM Entertainment announced that Aespa would be releasing a cover of "Dreams Come True", slated for release in December.^[12] The group was additionally set to remake the "Dream Comes True" music video, as part of the agency's "Remastering Project", where younger generation groups would present new versions of older generation music videos.^[13] On December 11, 2021, it was revealed that the song and a music video for the group's version would be released on December 20, 2021, as a part of the project.^[14] Aespa's member Giselle revealed that the group "have tried to add [their] own colours to the original track".^[15]

Composition

The lyrics for "Dreams Come True" were written by Bada, Yoo Young-jin, BoA and produced by the latter two with Shaun Kim, BXN, and Risto Asikainen. The song is mainly a "crisp" pop song with strong influence from trap and hip hop elements.^[16][17] Aespa's version features a new verse: "Yeah, get it on nah Get it on nah / Let's bring back to Nineties".^[16] The remake's unique young energy and contemporary style are added "to build a soundscape that pays homage to S.E.S's artistry whilst also showcasing the vocal prowess of the girl group".^[16] Clash described the remake as "a thrilling reinvention" with "scintillating" chorus and "crisp" pop and hip-hop elements added to its production.^[17]

Music video

Aespa as seen in dreamy aesthetics combined with "otherworldly" visuals

An accompanying music video for the song was uploaded to SM's YouTube channel in conjunction with the release of "Dreams Come True"; the video was preceded with a teaser—which was released via the same platform one day earlier.^[18] The "otherworldly" visual combines the dreamy aesthetics from S.E.S.'s original music video with their Aespa's edgy, futuristic signature style. In the video, the group is performing the song's choreography from a grand, purple-tinted room filled with alien-like flora to a street-styled contemporary space. Later in another scene, Aespa is seen on a massive skyscraper design platform alongside projections of their virtual versions.^[15] The holographic butterflies and wings from the original music video have been retained.^[16]

Divyansha Dongre of Rolling Stone India described the video's sets as "futuristic and flamboyant".^[16] NME's Gladys Yeo wrote that the "otherworldly new visual" combines "the dreamy aesthetic" from S.E.S.'s original music video with Aespa's "own edgy, futuristic signature style".^[15] Writing for Clash, Robin Murray noted the "tightly choreographed video" for its "alien-like flora" surrounding the group.^[17]

Track listing

• Digital download / streaming^[19]

1. "Dreams Come True" – 3:24
2. "Dreams Come True" (Instrumental) – 3:24

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Melon.^[20][21]

Studio

• SM Booming System – recording, digital editing, mixing
• Sonic Korea – mastering

Personnel

• Aespa – vocals, background vocals
• Bada – lyrics
• Yoo Young-jin – lyrics, composition, arrangement, vocal directing, background vocals, recording, digital editing, mixing, music and sound supervisor
• BoA – lyrics, composition, arrangement, vocal directing
• Risto Armas Asikainen – composition
• Shaun Kim – arrangement
• BXN – arrangement
• Jeon Hoon – mastering
• Shin Soo-min – mastering assistant

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2021–2022) Peak position Global 200 (Billboard)[22] 197 Singapore Top Regional (RIAS)[23] 8 South Korea (Circle)[24] 8 South Korea (K-pop Hot 100)[25] 5 US World Digital Songs (Billboard)[26] 7 Vietnam (Vietnam Hot 100)[27] 47

Monthly charts Chart (2022) Peak position South Korea (Circle)[28] 8 Year-end charts Chart (2022) Peak position South Korea (Circle)[29] 64

Certifications

Certifications for "Dreams Come True" by Aespa

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[30]	Gold	50,000,000†
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Dreams Come True"

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
Various	December 20, 2021	Digital download streaming	SM Dreamus	[31]

References

1. "SES: Dreams Come True" (in Korean). Naver Vibe. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
2. Ikonen, Emmi (July 6, 2020). "Muistatko? Nylon Beatin kappaleesta tuli maailmanlaajuinen megahitti - näin erikoinen tapahtumaketju eteni" [Do you remember? Nylon Beat’s song became a global mega-hit - this is how a special chain of events progressed]. Iltalehti (in Finnish). Archived from the original on October 8, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
3. Koh, Young-tak (January 2002). "나일론 비트(Nylon Beat)". IZM (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
4. Fuhr, Michael (June 12, 2015). Globalization and Popular Music in South Korea: Sounding Out K-Pop. Taylor & Francis. p. 84. ISBN 9781317556916. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
5. Cho, Hye-jiin (November 10, 2021). S.E.S. 'Dreams Come True' 리마스터 뮤직비디오, 11일 공개 [SES 'Dreams Come True' remastered music video released on the 11th]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via MSN.
6. S.E.S.、ヒット曲「Dreams Come True」リマスター版のMVを11月11日に公開（Kstyle） [S.E.S. releases remastered music video for hit song "Dreams Come True" on November 11th (Kstyle)] (in Japanese). Yahoo! Japan. November 10, 2021. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
7. Hicap, Jonathan (August 29, 2021). "Top 100 K-pop songs of all time revealed". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on August 29, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
8. Kim, Young-dae. "K-pop 명곡 100: Dreams Come True - S.E.S." (in Korean). Melon. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
9. Lee, Jin (February 27, 2009). 500회 맞은 뮤직뱅크, 90년대 최고 히트곡으로 '스페셜 스테이지' 꾸민다 [Music Bank, celebrating its 500th anniversary, decorates a 'special stage' with the best hits of the 90s]. News Inside (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
10. Jang, Kyung-guk (September 10, 2015). 소나무, S.E.S 커버 무대… 'Dreams Come True' 완벽 재연 [Sonamoo, SES cover stage … Perfect reenactment of 'Dreams Come True']. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021 – via Naver.
11. Kwak, Min-goo (December 25, 2018). [2018 SBS 가요대전] 레드벨벳X트와이스, 제대로 美친 콜라보 'Dreams come true' [[2018 SBS Gayo Daejun] Red Velvet X Twice, a beautiful collaboration of 'Dreams come true']. Herald Corp (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
12. Gladys Yeo (November 4, 2021). "aespa to unveil remake of S.E.S.'s 'Dreams Come True' next month". NME. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
13. Dong, Sun-hwa (November 4, 2021). "SM, YouTube kick off 'Remastering Project' to revisit K-pop history". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
14. Lee Jae-hoon (December 12, 2021). "에스파, S.E.S '드림스 컴 트루' 리메이크…보아 프로듀싱" [Aespa, S.E.S 'Dreams Come True' remake... BoA Producer]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2021 – via Naver.
15. "Listen to aespa's electrifying remake of S.E.S.'s 'Dreams Come True'". NME. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
16. "aespa Reimagines S.E.S's Hit 'Dreams Come True'". Rolling Stone India. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
17. "aespa Share Stunning Take On 'Dreams Come True'". Clash. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
18. Jeon Hyo-jin (December 20, 2021). "에스파, S.E.S.와 광야로…'Dreams Come True' 재탄생 [DA:신곡]" [To Aespa, SES and the wilderness… Rebirth of 'Dreams Come True' [DA:New Song]]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021 – via Naver.
19. "Dreams Come True - Single by Aespa". iTunes. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
20. 앨범 정보 - Dreams Come True - SM STATION [Album Information - Dreams Come True - SM STATION] (in Korean). Melon. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
21. 곡 정보 - Dreams Come True [Song Information - Dreams Come True] (in Korean). Melon. December 20, 2021. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
22. "Billboard Global 200 – Week of January 15, 2022". Billboard. January 9–15, 2022. Archived from the original on January 10, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
23. "RIAS Top Charts – Week 52 (24 – 30 Dec 2021)". Recording Industry Association Singapore. December 24–30, 2021. Archived from the original on January 5, 2022. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
24. "2022년 03주차 Digital Chart" [Week 3 of 2022 Digital Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. January 9–15, 2022. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
25. "Billboard K-pop 100". Billboard Korea. January 23–29, 2022. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
26. "World Digital Song Sales – The Week of January 1, 2022". Billboard. December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022. Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
27. "Aespa Chart History (Billboard Vietnam Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
28. 2022년 01월 Digital Chart [January 2022 Digital Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on February 10, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
29. "Circle Digital Chart – 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
30. "Japanese single streaming certifications – Aespa – Dreams Come True" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved July 25, 2024. Select 2024年6月 on the drop-down menu
31. "Dreams Come True - Single". Spotify. Archived from the original on December 20, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.