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Summary of Japanese members who have been active or debuted in the K-POP scene

The K-pop scene has countless groups making it big worldwide, and it’s incredibly popular in Japan too!

Recently, there’s been a rise in Japan–Korea joint projects and auditions, and it’s no longer uncommon to see Japanese members selected for K-pop groups.

Seeing them, many fans may feel, “I want to support the Japanese artists working hard in the K-pop scene!”

So in this article, we’ll introduce all the Japanese members who are active in the K-pop world.

Let’s dive right in!

Summary of Japanese members active or debuted in the K-POP world (1–10)

GoosebumpsU(ONF)

(MV)온앤오프 (ONF)_Goosebumps
GoosebumpsU(ONF)

Debuting in 2017, ONF is a boy group known for highly polished songs crafted by MonoTree’s Hwang Hyun and a well-thought-out concept.

U, whose real name is Yuto, born in 1999 and from Osaka, is the group’s only Japanese member.

He began dancing in middle school, and his strengths include dance skills honed through experience as a backup dancer for EXILE and training at JYP.

Although he didn’t debut there, he continued to refine his craft as WM Entertainment’s first Japanese trainee and joined ONF’s performance unit, the OFF team.

While he often gives off a cute impression, his sleek, powerful dance style is undeniably cool!

UniverseSHOTARO(NCT U)

NCT U 엔시티 유 ‘Universe (Let’s Play Ball)’ MV
UniverseSHOTARO(NCT U)

NCT U is the first music group to debut from NCT, whose name stands for “United.” A distinctive feature is that the lineup changes to match each song’s concept.

Their beautiful choral work and emotional vocals captivate fans.

With many tracks boasting stylish yet bold sounds, they’re also recommended for EDM lovers! From Japan, SHOTARO from Kanagawa is a member, known for his exceptional dance performance.

Their global, technical dance and sweet looks will transcend borders.

Blessed-CursedNiki (ENHYPEN)

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) ‘Blessed-Cursed’ Official MV
Blessed-CursedNiki (ENHYPEN)

ENHYPEN is a seven-member male idol group selected through the mega project “I-LAND.” They captivate fans with their striking visuals and high-level dance performances.

Their emotional sound, infused with techno and R&B influences, is also memorable.

Known for their global lineup, the group includes a Japanese member, NI-KI.

Influenced by Michael Jackson, his dance skills are outstanding.

You won’t want to take your eyes off their achievements as they lead the K-pop scene!

Summary of Japanese Members Who Are Active or Have Debuted in the K-pop Scene (11–20)

WOULD YOU RUNmire (TRI.BE)

TRI.BE is a seven-member girl group known for a name that combines the triangle with existence to mean “the perfect being.” They are a multinational idol group consisting of members from Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.

Among the Japanese members is Mire, whose dancing skills are highly regarded.

Inspired by BLACKPINK, she set her sights on becoming an idol and also possesses strong vocal ability.

The group is produced by Shinsadong Tiger, a renowned hitmaker in the K-pop world.

Their crisp, elegant sound matches the group’s mature vibe, and they’re also recommended for fans of club music and dubstep.

Ring RingJuri (Rocket Punch)

로켓펀치(Rocket Punch) ‘Ring Ring’ M/V
Ring RingJuri (Rocket Punch)

Rocket Punch, whose name means “a fresh punch that blasts through a boring everyday life,” delivers unique and fresh music.

Juri, who has been active since their 2019 debut, is the group’s Japanese member.

In Japan, she’s well-known for her time in AKB48, but many may have discovered her charm through the audition program PRODUCE 48.

Despite having a stable career, her willingness to take on the challenge of competing in a foreign country—and her hardworking nature—are truly admirable.

Each year, she’s increasingly embraced a refined, distinctly Korean vibe, yet her unchanged, approachable charm—as seen in official YouTube uploads like #JURIFUL_DAYS—remains one of her appeals.

ALL INYUKU(DKB)

DKB(다크비) – ALL IN (줄꺼야) MV
ALL INYUKU(DKB)

DARKB, a boy group produced by Brave Brothers, debuted in 2020.

They’re the junior group to Brave Girls.

The only Japanese member, Yuku, was born in 2002 and is a hard worker who graduated from a Korean high school.

In addition to vocals and dance, he can also DJ, showcasing one of DARKB’s many versatile sides.

With his captivating eyes and gentle personality, he’s well loved by the older members.

His favorite artists are EXO, GOT7, and SHINee, which suggests a good match with the group’s melodic and sophisticated musical color.

EclipseTOMO(ORβIT)

ORβIT 「Eclipse」 M/V (Full ver.)
EclipseTOMO(ORβIT)

Orbit is a boy group formed by members who appeared on the audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN and members who withdrew before evaluations, and they debuted in 2020.

The group’s name seems to reference celestial orbits, and Tomo, who represents Neptune, was born in 1996.

Perhaps influenced by being from Fukuoka Prefecture, he has the cool, handsome look of a sharp, stoic Japanese man.

Formerly a ship engineer, Tomo’s masculinity is a given, but his vocal ability—as the group’s main vocalist—is also an unmissable highlight.