You know that feeling when a song just clicks? It’s not necessarily a chart-topper or something you hear blasting in every mall, but it stays with you. That is exactly what happened with the Really Like You song by Jang Gyu-ri (better known simply as Gyuri). It’s been years since she first performed this cover, yet people are still digging through YouTube archives to find that specific clip from the show Produce 48. It’s a bit of a phenomenon, honestly. In a world of high-octane synth-pop and complex choreography, there’s something about a girl, a guitar, and a simple melody that just works.
It was 2018. The survival show craze was at its peak. Gyuri, who had already debuted with the group fromis_9, took a massive risk by going back to "trainee" status to compete for a spot in what would eventually become IZ*ONE. During the evaluation rounds, she stepped out. No backup dancers. No flashy lights. Just that song.
What’s the actual deal with the Really Like You song?
Let’s get the facts straight because there’s often some confusion about who originally owns this track. The Really Like You song isn't actually a Gyuri original. It was originally released by Eric Nam and BOA (the singer-songwriter, not the "Queen of K-pop" BoA). It’s a breezy, acoustic-driven track that captures that "butterfly in your stomach" stage of a crush. But when Gyuri covered it, she gave it a different texture.
Her voice has this specific huskiness. It’s warm. It’s approachable.
K-pop vocals are often judged by how high someone can scream a high note or how fast they can riff. This song demands the opposite. It requires restraint. It’s about the "air" in the voice, as JYP would say. When you listen to the Really Like You song, you aren't listening for technical perfection; you're listening for a mood. That's why it's a staple for people making "comfort" playlists. It feels like a rainy afternoon or a quiet coffee shop in Hongdae.
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The Produce 48 moment that changed things
The context matters. On Produce 48, Gyuri was under immense pressure. She had suffered a vocal crack during a previous performance of "Peek-A-Boo" by Red Velvet. It was a "meme-d" moment that could have ruined her confidence. When she chose to perform the Really Like You song for a later evaluation, it was a redemption arc.
She sat there. She breathed. She sang.
It wasn't just a performance; it was a statement that she was a vocalist first. The judges—usually harsh—were noticeably softened. People often forget that music is supposed to make you feel something, and her rendition of this specific track felt like a deep breath after being underwater. It’s one of those rare TV moments that actually feels authentic. That's a huge reason why the song is still searched for today. People want that feeling back.
Why acoustic tracks still hit different in the AI era
We are currently flooded with "perfect" music. Quantized drums. Auto-tuned-to-death vocals. Perfectly polished videos. The Really Like You song stands out because it’s imperfect. You can hear the fingers sliding on the guitar strings. You can hear the slight catch in her breath.
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Honestly, it's refreshing.
- Music fans are tired of the "noise."
- Acoustic covers provide a sense of intimacy that big group tracks can't.
- The lyrics—focusing on the simple, nervous excitement of liking someone—are universal.
Even if you don't speak a word of Korean, the sentiment is obvious. It’s the sonic equivalent of a soft blanket. Music theorists might point to the simple chord progression—standard pop-folk stuff—but the magic is in the delivery. Gyuri’s version is slower than the original. It lingers on the vowels. It doesn't rush to get to the chorus.
The "Gyuri Effect" and the song's legacy
Since that 2018 moment, Gyuri has transitioned into acting. She left fromis_9 in 2022 to pursue a career on screen, appearing in hits like It's Okay to Not Be Okay and Cheer Up. Yet, whenever she does an interview or a fan meeting, the Really Like You song comes up. It’s her signature. It's the piece of music that defined her transition from "just another idol" to a respected artist with a unique color.
Most people get it wrong when they think K-pop is all about the "main" tracks. The real gems are often these B-sides or covers performed on variety shows. They show the human behind the idol. When you look at the comments on the YouTube videos for this song, you’ll see people from 2024, 2025, and now 2026 saying the same thing: "I still come back to this."
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That’s the hallmark of a good song. It survives the hype cycle.
How to actually learn the Really Like You song
If you're a guitarist, this is a must-learn. It’s usually played in a standard tuning, often with a capo to match the singer's range. The chords are mostly major sevenths and minor ninths, which give it that "jazzy" but sweet feel.
- Fingerstyle is key: You can't just strum this. You need to pluck the bass note and the melody strings simultaneously to get that syncopated rhythm.
- Don't over-sing it: If you're trying to cover it yourself, keep the volume down. This is a song meant for a bedroom, not a stadium.
- Focus on the transitions: The beauty of the Really Like You song is how the verses melt into the chorus. It shouldn't feel like two different parts; it should feel like one continuous thought.
Actionable steps for your playlist
If you've only heard the snippet, you're missing out. Here is how to actually dive into this vibe:
Go find the original version by Eric Nam and BOA. It’s faster, more upbeat, and gives you a different perspective on the songwriting. It’s a great "getting ready in the morning" track. Then, watch the live stage version from Produce 48. Pay attention to the way the camera stays on her face—the lack of editing is what makes it powerful.
Next, check out the acoustic version by fromis_9 members. They’ve done various covers over the years that carry that same DNA. Finally, add the song to a specific "Low-Fi / Acoustic K-Pop" playlist. It fits perfectly next to songs like "Through the Night" by IU or "Coffee" by BTS.
Music doesn't have to be complicated to be good. Sometimes, a simple melody about really liking someone is all you actually need to hear. It reminds us that at the end of the day, we're all just trying to express things that are hard to say out loud. Gyuri just happened to say it perfectly.