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 too!] (21–30)
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!
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!
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.
First LoveUtada Hikaru (COVER: Kim Chaewon by LE SSERAFIM)
You’ve heard Hikaru Utada’s “First Love,” right? It’s actually cherished in Korea as an enduring classic, too.
In 2022, it drew huge attention when Kim Chaewon of LE SSERAFIM covered it.
She’s been a fan of the song from the start and reportedly sang “First Love” even during her trainee days, so her performance is as polished as it gets.
She didn’t just do a straight cover, either—she added her own touches, like raising the key.
I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dizumu (COVER: Nayon by TWICE)
Known by the nickname Higedan, Official HIGE DANDism is a four-piece piano pop band whose meticulous arrangements and catchy melodies quickly put them at the center of the modern J-pop scene.
This is their fourth single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Love Lasts Forever,” its popularity is evident from surpassing 200 million total streams.
In South Korea, it gained attention when Nayeon from TWICE covered it, and a YouTube video posted by Classmate’s Sungjong also became popular.
It’s a track packed with Higedan’s charm—stylish, high-quality melodies with a modern vibe.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
A song by the four-piece rock band ONE OK ROCK, whose overwhelmingly powerful, non-typical-for-Japanese vocals and standard yet modern rock sound have earned them support both in Japan and abroad.
Featured on their 4th album, Niche Syndrome, this grand rock ballad has maintained enduring popularity despite never being released as a single.
It also drew attention when a team that won the vocal position battle on the hugely popular Korean audition program Produce 101 covered the song.
In addition, it was used as the ending theme for a Taiwanese TV drama, making it a classic beloved by fans around the world.
LemonYonezu Kenshi (COVER: B.I.G)
A singer-songwriter who can be considered one of the most important artists in today’s J-POP scene, Kenshi Yonezu’s 8th major-label single.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Unnatural,” this track is also known for propelling Yonezu—who had previously gained popularity as the Vocaloid producer Hachi—into nationwide recognition.
It drew further attention when BTS’s Jungkook performed it a cappella at a live show, and its popularity is evident from the fact that it topped the J-POP chart in Korean karaoke for three consecutive years.
It’s a masterpiece that will go down in J-POP history, beloved not only in Japan but also in Korea.