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)
City DolphinHamada Kingo
A song from singer-songwriter Kingo Hamada—one of the defining figures of 1980s city pop—featured on his 1982 album “midnight cruisin’,” has surged in popularity in South Korea, recording an astonishing 127% week-over-week increase in streams in a Billboard report in November 2025.
Sparked by a sampling track from American producer Engelwood that led to a global reevaluation, the song has inspired numerous YouTube videos in Korea with Korean lyric translations and pronunciation guides, where it is affectionately known as “거리의 돌고래” (Street Dolphin).
With lyrics by Kohei Oikawa, the dolphin metaphor weaves together youthful reverie and adult nostalgia, portraying a longing for freedom lurking in the corners of the city.
Its mellow AOR sound and dreamy melodies have captured—and won’t let go of—the hearts of young Korean listeners who love city pop.
Finale.eill
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.
InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE
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)
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.
Because I like you.Yuika
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.