A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]

dancerVaundy

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] Odoriko / Vaundy: Music Video

One of Vaundy’s signature songs.

It explores the theme of heartbreak and renewal, depicting complex emotions.

The repeated phrases are striking and seem to symbolize feelings that never reach their destination.

Released in November 2021, it surpassed 100 million streams at the fastest pace of his career at the time.

Many cover videos focusing on solo acoustic performances have been uploaded, and Minji from NewJeans even covered it at their Tokyo Dome concert.

As of mid-2024, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it an extraordinarily prominent J-pop track.

It’s a wonderful masterpiece to listen to, and it’s also great for everyone to enjoy together at karaoke!

InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Inferno

The song released in July 2019 as the opening theme for the anime Fire Force exploded in popularity in South Korea under the title “불꽃소방대 OP.” Right after the anime began airing, Korean otaku forums were buzzing with comments like “the view count is insane,” and the track quickly secured its place as a staple anisong.

Videos featuring Korean translations of the lyrics and pronunciation guides were uploaded one after another, and the song even charted in the Japanese-song rankings at noraebang.

It has become established as a “singable J‑pop” hit to the point that its selection numbers are widely known for both TJ and Kumyoung.

Its driving guitar sound and fiery, flame-inspired message captured the hearts of Korea’s younger generation, and at the group’s first Seoul concert in February 2025, the venue turned into a massive sing-along.

It continues to be loved not only by anime fans but also as an entry point to discovering Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi (COVER: Utagokoro Rie)

Rie Kagokoro - Sonnet of the Clown (Official Music Video)

A cover version in which Rie Kagokoro sings, with deep emotion, the masterpiece Masashi Sada released to the world in 1980 as the theme song for the film “Tobe Ikarosu no Tsubasa” (Fly, the Wings of Icarus).

When she performed it on MBN Korea’s 2024 music program “Korea-Japan Song King Battle,” the video—under the Korean title “어릿광대의 소네트” (Sonnet of the Clown)—surpassed 9 million views, drawing reactions so strong it was said “the entire nation wept.” Officially released in April 2025 as the opening track of the album “SONGS,” it also came out in a sing-along version with Korean and romanized subtitles.

The poignant yet gentle tale of a protagonist who becomes a clown to make a loved one smile is deeply moving.

With a rich, powerful voice and delicate nuance, her singing conveys emotion even to those who don’t understand the lyrics.

catnapLeina

Leina “Utatane – Catnap” MV

Leina is a singer-songwriter from Machida who debuted in 2019.

With her superb sense of mood and approachable groove, she’s gained popularity on social media.

One of her trademarks—busking—also made waves when she performed on the streets in Korea.

Her signature track “Utatane,” released in 2023, thrilled crowds when she performed a Korean version during those street shows.

The song is also featured on the Korean YouTube music channel “dingo music.” With sensual lyrics reminiscent of Aimyon, it artfully plays on both the depths of romance and the pull of fandom.

Her first solo concert in Korea, set for early 2025, has already sold out, and expectations for her future success continue to rise!

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KEI

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Finale.eill

eill | Finale. (Official Music Video)

eill’s “Finale” is a song that once again reminds us of music’s power to connect hearts across borders.

Released in 2023 as the theme song for the feature-length anime The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, it’s a moving ballad that deepens the film’s world.

eill has headlined solo shows in South Korea and written songs for K-pop artists, and this track has even charted on YouTube Music in Korea.

Serving as a bridge between Japan and Korea, its deeply resonant melody lingers long after listening.

The beautiful, swelling tune and heartfelt vocals are sure to stay in listeners’ memories.

With her cinematic storytelling through music, eill is an artist we can’t take our eyes off.

Because I like you.Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

A bittersweet love song about mutual but unspoken feelings, based on an experience from the artist’s first year of high school.

Released by Yuika in 2021, it gained support among younger generations through social media.

It topped Spotify’s viral charts in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, and Thailand.

In 2025, it even appeared on South Korea’s YouTube charts, showing its enduring popularity beyond Japan.

The lyrics, which honestly express down-to-earth emotions, capture a page of youth that anyone can relate to.

Bye, see you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Goodbye, See You Again Sometime!

This piece was written specifically as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Tora ni Tsubasa.” It’s imbued with the kind of deep emotional expression characteristic of Kenshi Yonezu.

The song accompanies the story of the protagonist, Japan’s first female lawyer who later became a judge.

Centered on the flow of time and the changes it brings to life and human relationships, it portrays farewells and reunions, as well as growth amid life’s cycles.

Widely known in Japan for songs like “Lemon,” which became a household favorite, and his anime tie-in tracks, Yonezu is also extremely popular in South Korea.

This song, too, has become familiar through cover videos and other shared content.