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 South Korea [With Korean Covers Too!] (41–50)
SPECIALZKing Gnu
King Gnu’s “SPECIALZ” is an opening theme song written for the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.
It also charted on YouTube Music in South Korea, spreading its appeal worldwide.
The phrase that hints at October 31, 2023—Halloween—expresses deep respect for the work and engraves the story in the listener’s heart.
The “Z” in the title suggests the beginning of something special and may foreshadow a new facet of the track.
Heartfelt lyrics and passionate emotion intertwine, wrapping viewers in a sense of exhilaration.
As one of King Gnu’s signature songs, it’s sure to ignite excitement in South Korea as well.
Popular J-POP Songs in South Korea [Korean Covers Included!] (51–60)
more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku
Sheep Literature’s “more than words” is a hot topic not only for its strong popularity in Japan but also for charting on Spotify’s Viral 50 in South Korea.
Chosen as the ending theme for the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, its beautiful melody has captured the hearts of many fans.
Since its release, the song has encouraged and empowered countless listeners.
Even in moments of discouragement, its lyrics convey the importance of continuing to love yourself, resonating across borders and deeply touching young people in Korea as well.
With its warm melody and positive message, it’s a wonderful track that stays close to everyone who listens.
Shine in the cruel nightLiSA
As a bridge for Japan–Korea cultural exchange, J-pop is spreading in Korea along with anime culture.
Released in July 2025, LiSA’s 24th single was also released in Korea as the theme song for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Infinity Castle Arc, Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return, and has become widely known under its Korean title, “잔혹한 밤에 빛나라” (Shine in the Cruel Night).
Combining Yuki Kajiura’s grand orchestration with LiSA’s powerful vocals, the song shines even in darkness, delivering a moving number about upholding bonds and conviction.
In Korea, it’s praised as a track that merges seamlessly with the film’s world, with viewers saying, “I couldn’t stop crying during the ending.” It’s a song reaching a broad audience in Korea, far beyond just anime fans.
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka (COVER: POSITION)
A long-beloved love song and a masterpiece by Yutaka Ozaki, “I LOVE YOU.” In Korea, the cover by Position—a unit that debuted with producer Ahn Jung-hoon and vocalist Lim Jae-wook—won wide support.
Released in 2001, it sold over 700,000 copies and swept awards such as the Kayo Grand Prize and the Golden Disc Grand Prize.
While Yutaka Ozaki sings his feelings of the moment with passion, Position conveys a mood of gently looking back on feelings that have passed.
As Korean music is often associated with memorable love songs, ballads like this continue to be deeply cherished.
Good job, summer!HALCALI
A track from the 2003 album “HALCALI Bacon” has gone massively viral in Korea thanks to TikTok.
HALCALI is a Tokyo-born female duo known for their breezy pop-rap that blends J-pop and hip-hop.
This song is a summer anthem that captures the bittersweet feelings of a girl reluctant to let the season end, and it’s affectionately known in Korea as “수고했어, 여름” (“Good Job, Summer”).
Produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka of Fantastic Plastic Machine, the stylish track pairs lyrics steeped in tender crushes and nostalgia, creating a retro-cute vibe somewhere between city pop and J-hip-hop.
It even entered Spotify’s Viral Chart in Korea in 2025, accelerating its reappraisal alongside the Heisei retro boom.
It’s perfect for those moments when you want to say ‘well done’ to yourself at summer’s end.
Monitoring feat. Hatsune MikuDECO*27
A much-talked-about track by DECO*27.
Its addictive melody and lyrics are captivating.
Hatsune Miku’s translucent vocals accentuate the underlying sense of danger in the words.
Released in November 2024, the song delicately portrays dependency and the desire for control in romantic relationships.
It’s recommended not only for Vocaloid fans but also for anyone interested in the subtleties of human relationships.
Perfect for those who love an emotional atmosphere, it’s growing in popularity—ranking on YouTube’s charts in Korea, among others.
It’s a work that fully showcases DECO*27’s prowess, who has over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers.
TearsX JAPAN（COVER：M.C The Max）
It’s no exaggeration to say this was the first time a true metal sound rang out in living rooms across Japan: the ninth single by X JAPAN, the five-piece rock band Japan proudly presents to the world.
A beautiful ballad that highlights the band’s classical side, it’s also known as their biggest hit in terms of sales.
Its covers by Korean bands MC THE MAX and TRAX, and its use as an insert song in the Korean film “Windstruck,” suggest that it’s a beloved track not only in Japan but in Korea as well.
This gem lets you experience the band’s profound musicality that goes far beyond sheer intensity.
