Daewon Lee, Aubrey Caraan’s duet marks first Viva–Milagro Korea collab

MANILA, Philippines — The newly dropped single by South Korean singer Daewon Lee and Filipina singer-actress Aubrey Caraan proved that music truly transcends boundaries. The duet featured Korean and Tagalog lyrics, with each learning the other’s language to create a heartfelt blend of Korean drama and teleserye feel for the song titled Selfish Guy.

A self-confessed K-drama fan, Aubrey recalled that on the day of the recording, she was taught how to pronounce Korean words. “They’re really helpful and I’m so glad to experience the Korean language,” she said at a mediacon.

The “Avenues of the Diamond” actress was also impressed at Daewon’s Tagalog pronunciation despite limited time to practice. “I was surprised. He was really good! Everything’s good, as in! The materials were sent in Tagalog days before the recording and he knows it. As in alam na niya (he already knew it).

“What I really like about him in the recording studio, he’s very hands on. Kunwari may narinig nga siya sakin na… kasi ‘yun nga very strict sila pagdating sa techniques, i-ko-correct niya na ganito dapat, ganyan. Very hands on because it’s his song and I understand,” she said and added that it was a new learning experience for her.

Daewon was worried for Aubrey during the recording because they finished quite late but it turned out perfectly fine. The recording was originally planned to take two days but Aubrey insisted on completing it in just one.

“Aubrey and I connected together because music itself doesn’t have boundaries,” he stated through a translator.

Aubrey lauded Daewon’s vocal flair, saying he is the perfect collaborator for the song, while the latter described Aubrey as “amazing and beautiful.”

“I think Aubrey has been a singer (for a long time). She’s the perfect singer for the song. And since she has a colorful and powerful voice, she makes the song richer and deeper. It’s really an honor for me. Salamat po.”

Daewon penned Selfish Guy based on his personal experience. Through the song, he croons about the sentiments of a man who “pursues his dreams then loses love in the process.”

“And regrets it afterwards. So I tried to put all those emotions into a ballad. I tell you guys, don’t lose your love pursuing your dreams, don’t be selfish in that way,” mused Daewon.

Selfish Guy marked the first of the many collaborations between Viva Communications Inc. and Milagro Korea, aimed at “representing Filipino and Korean artists and creating more avenues for artistic exchange both in the Philippines and South Korea.”

Besides being a former member of the idol group OFFROAD, Daewon is also a dancer, actor and sports enthusiast who competed as a mixed martial artist, holding an Angel’s Fighting Championship title with an outstanding undefeated 8-0 run.

Daewon has spent an ample amount of time in the Philippines six years ago before they disbanded and has his YouTube channel where he documented his cultural experience in the country.

Aubrey, on the other hand, is the music maker behind How You Feel, the official soundtrack of the Viva One series “Avenues of the Diamond.”

She entered the entertainment business at the tender age of 10 and debuted as a member of Pop Girls.

Selfish Guy is available on all major music streaming platforms.