[2026] J-POP songs popular in South Korea [with Korean covers 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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[2026] J-POP Songs Popular in South Korea [With Korean Covers Too!] (21–30)
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.
Bye, see you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi
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.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko (COVER: Hani by NewJeans)
A cover of a classic Japanese song by Hanni from the hugely popular girl group NewJeans is creating a buzz.
Originally released by Seiko Matsuda in 1980, the song beautifully captures the freshness of summer and the bittersweetness of first love.
It was first performed at a fan meeting held at Tokyo Dome in June 2024, sparking a major reaction on social media.
Thanks to its impact, the original track shot to No.
1 among Japanese karaoke songs and climbed rapidly on major music charts! In Hanni’s cover, her clear, translucent vocals blend perfectly with the song’s atmosphere, capturing the hearts of people across generations.
It’s also perfect for making summer memories, so be sure to create some wonderful moments with this song!
I want to tell you how I feel (my love)aimyon
A highly memorable second single featuring a music video set entirely in the same location.
Aimyon’s masterful lyricism, laying bare the anxieties of being in love, is seriously cool.
Although it was released in 2017, it seems to have gained a lot of traction thanks to short videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
The fact that BTS’s SUGA mentioned it as a song he often listens to may have further boosted its popularity.
It has even charted on platforms like Apple Music and continues to enjoy a long-running hit status.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai (COVER: Kimu Junusu)
Ai Otsuka’s hit song “Sakuranbo,” released in 2003, is a cute and fun number that has long been beloved at karaoke.
It’s memorable that the comedy duo Nyanko Star incorporated it into their act, but the choreography really took off again when actor Lee Jong Suk mimicked it in a video that went viral on TikTok, and then JYJ’s Junsu (formerly of TVXQ) posted a live cover and a “sang it” video, spreading its popularity even further.
His exceptionally charming moves also became a hot topic, leading to new dance-driven trends like “Sakuranbo reactions” on AfreecaTV and the “#SakuranboChallenge” on TikTok.
It’s especially familiar to people in their 20s and 30s, and it’s a J-pop classic that everyone can enjoy together.
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.
KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi
Music subscription services have seen a rapid increase in users in recent years.
With unlimited listening for a flat fee, it’s likely people now have more opportunities to check out songs from overseas.
Amid this trend, Kenshi Yonezu’s “KICK BACK” has charted in major subscription services—Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music—in South Korea.
His one-of-a-kind musical style goes beyond the boundaries of J-pop and is garnering strong support in Korea as well!
