[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)
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.
[2026] J-POP Songs Popular in South Korea [Korean Covers Too!] (31–40)
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.
Overdosenatori
An addictive track that exploded in popularity starting from TikTok and went on to become an unusually long-running hit in South Korea.
After its release in September 2022, it continued to chart on Spotify’s daily rankings in Korea, achieving an exceptional level of staying power for a J-pop song.
Whispered vocals tell a story of a love you knew you shouldn’t pursue, expressing a crumbling relationship and uncontrollable emotions over an R&B-tinged sound.
That worldview resonated deeply with young listeners in Korea, inspiring numerous Korean-language cover videos.
It was also featured in a Nike campaign and included on the album “Gekijou.” Perfect for fans of city pop and alternative R&B, it’s a highly recommended track for night drives or when you want to sink into your feelings alone.
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.
I’d rather die.Fuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze delivered a stunning performance at the 2022 Kohaku Uta Gassen as well.
The piece was “Shinunoga E-Wa,” which broke out across countries around the world.
The music video includes subtitles in Indonesian, Thai, and six other languages, and its momentum hasn’t slowed down even into 2023.
Naturally, it also charted on Spotify in Korea.
Perhaps the weighty expression of love—“If breaking up with you is the only option, I’d rather choose death”—resonates with people in Korea and elsewhere in Asia.
Looking at the English translation of the lyrics, you’ll also find subtly different shades of affectionate expression, making it a track you can enjoy over and over.
Highly recommended!
I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei
A standout love song that began spreading on TikTok in the summer of 2023.
It’s creating a buzz not only in Japan but also climbing high on Korea’s viral charts! The track is included on ChoQMay’s first album, “Surudoi Sasakure,” from a band with a keen pop sensibility.
Its smooth yet sprightly jazz flavor feels stylish.
The lyrics capture the feelings of falling in love, resonating with the desire to “become lovers” and “be noticed.” Just listening draws you into its sweet-and-sour vibe, cute lyrics, and charming vocals.
It also has an atmosphere that feels in tune with Korean views on romance.
