Gen Z American musician breathes new life into Korean classic ballad

An American musician and actor is generating buzz among K-pop fans with his remake of a beloved Korean ballad from the 1990s, breathing new life into a song cherished by generations of Koreans.

The artist behind the remake is 18-year-old rising star Julian Lerner, who released his new single, "Even If," on May 29.

The track is a reimagining of "Geudaeman Itdamyeon," Korean for "If only I had you," the 1999 hit by Ilgiyebo, a Korean male duo that debuted in 1993.

Lerner, who made his film debut a ...