Expanding on the fascinating world of song adaptations across languages, we delve into a captivating case featuring the Korean song “Please Tell Me Why” and its widely recognized Chinese counterpart, “Bu De Bu Ai.” These two songs present a unique scenario in comparative music analysis, as they share the exact same musical composition, differing solely in their lyrical language and performing artists. For listeners captivated by the melody or the emotional resonance of one, the other is almost certain to offer a similar appeal, with the primary distinction lying in linguistic accessibility. Intriguingly, even the titles in Chinese and Korean exhibit a rhyming quality, hinting at their intertwined nature.
Both tracks are skillfully performed as duets. The Korean version, “Please Tell Me Why,” stands as the original composition by the group Free Style, featuring a distinctive female vocalist who delivers the memorable chorus. The Chinese rendition, “Bu De Bu Ai” (translated as ‘Can’t Help But Love You’), is a cover by the popular Taiwanese-American artist Wilbur Pan (潘瑋柏), collaborating with the enchanting vocals of Xuan Zi (弦子).
The release of “Bu De Bu Ai” ignited considerable debate, with accusations of Wilbur Pan “copying” the original Korean song. This sparked fervent discussions among fans, reminiscent of the comparisons drawn between the Japanese and Chinese versions of Thelma Aoyama’s hit “Soba Ni Iru Ne.” Listeners passionately argue for their preferred version, highlighting nuances in lyrical interpretation and vocal delivery.
Wilbur Pan’s background, having been raised in both America and Taiwan, contributes to his bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese. Beyond his musical talents, he is also a recognized actor in Taiwanese television dramas, notably starring in series like “Bu Liang Xiao Hua” (不良笑花), also known as “Miss No Good.” The drama’s title itself is a clever wordplay, referencing both the female lead’s name, Xiao Hua (小花; ‘Little Flower’), and the Chinese phrase “bu liang xiao hua” (不良笑話), which translates to “bad joke.” Adding to the star power, Rainie Yang (楊丞琳), a celebrated pop singer in Taiwan, plays the female lead in “Bu Liang Xiao Hua,” further intertwining the worlds of music and drama within Taiwanese popular culture.
