A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
Japanese music is gaining attention among younger generations in Korea.
Of course anime plays a role, but in recent years the influence of social media has helped people enjoy music from all over the world, regardless of country.
Through things like dance collaborations between idols and programs such as the “Japan-Korea Top Ten Show,” we can feel the growing exchange between Japanese and Korean artists, as well as the spread of J-pop and Showa-era pop.
For a long time, sales of Japanese records were restricted in Korea, but now it’s great to see them becoming popular and spreading thanks to various influences.
Let’s all enjoy the J-pop that’s so popular in Korea!
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Popular J-POP Songs in Korea [With Korean Covers!] (11–20)
Only a single voicerokudenashi
A song by Rokudenashi, a music project born from the 2021 Vocaloid scene that has amassed over one million followers, mainly on TikTok.
It’s the third digital single from the duo of vocalist Ninjin and Vocaloid producer MIMI, and a wistful ballad that gained traction across Asia—hitting No.
1 on Hong Kong’s Spotify Viral Chart and staying on the chart for 23 consecutive days.
In Korea, it’s widely known under the title “그저 목소리 하나,” with numerous lyric-explanation blogs featuring Korean translations and Hangul readings; it’s also officially registered with karaoke services TJ Media and Kumyoung.
At their Seoul show, the audience broke into a venue-wide sing-along to this signature track, a scene that shows how the song is loved beyond language barriers.
Snow Flower (Neun-ui Kkot)Nakajima Mika (COVER: Paku Hyoshin)
Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana,” released in 2003, is a bittersweet love song that’s often featured every winter.
It’s no exaggeration to say almost everyone in Japan knows it, and it’s hugely popular in Korea as well.
It became a big hit there after Park Hyo-shin remade it as part of the OST for the drama “I’m Sorry, I Love You.” Among numerous requests from various artists, Mika Nakashima herself decided to offer the song to Park Hyo-shin.
His vocal prowess and the unique atmosphere that comes from a male vocalist make it just as beautiful as the original.
Given Korea’s excellence in ballads, the rich, emotional tone may resonate even more deeply.
In recent years, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has also covered it live, making it an immortal classic loved across generations.
dancerVaundy
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!
Dinner Songtuki.
tuki.’s “Bansanka” is a moving song that portrays the complexity of love.
Released in September 2023, it quickly captured listeners’ hearts and drew significant attention, even charting on Spotify’s Korean Viral chart.
The fragile piano melody, paired with deeply emotional lyrics, is truly stirring.
It’s a track that showcases tuki.’s talent, with an emotional depth that’s hard to believe came from a 15-year-old at the time, shaking listeners to their core.
The song not only conveys the appeal of J-pop across borders but also marks a striking debut for a new-generation vocalist.
catnapLeina
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!