This is neu’s Japanese-language version of “애송이의 사랑”, released through Warner Music Korea on 15 January 2026 under the title “若造の恋”. The official description frames it as the opening page of the singer-songwriter’s catalogue rather than a side project.

Rewriting the lyrics, not translating them

When a Korean song is reissued in Japanese, the words are almost never translated directly. Japanese is mora-timed and Korean is syllable-timed, so a literal rendering overruns the melody line. The standard practice is to commission a fresh Japanese lyric that fits the existing notes and keeps the original theme, which is why the credits here list Korean lyricists 최석영 and 도윤 rather than a translator. The title moved too: 애송이 means a greenhorn or novice, and 若造 (wakazō) is the closest Japanese equivalent — a dismissive word for someone young and untested.

About this release

“若造の恋” is a single issued by Warner Music Korea, described officially as a reinterpretation of the existing song with a J-pop rock arrangement. It was composed by Mike Taplinger, arranged and performed by iki, and produced by K.imazine with Q.PD as co-producer. The video was directed by 안지희 for SOCIAL PRODUCTION. The name neu is German for “new”.

Watching from outside Korea

The Japanese and Korean versions are distinct editions, with 애송이의 사랑 identifying the Korean title. Keep that distinction in mind while watching the version presented on this page.

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