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)
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.
It’s nothing.RADWIMPS（COVER：Raon Lee）
A four-member rock band, RADWIMPS, whose songs combine arrangements that fuse pop sensibilities with complexity and lyrics offering a distinctive perspective, has won listeners across a wide range of demographics.
This track, included on the soundtrack produced for the animated film Your Name, features a poignant melody built on the yo scale and lyrics that evoke scenes from the movie, making it a memorable number.
While Zenzenzense is the best-known song from Your Name in Japan, it’s interesting that Nandemonaiya is more popular in South Korea.
It’s also widely known for being covered by many K-pop idols and consistently ranks near the top of J-pop charts in Korean karaoke.
Glass Memories (The Springtime of My Life)TUBE（COVER：CAN）
This is the 15th single by TUBE, a four-member rock band whose name is among the first to come up when thinking of summer in the J-POP scene.
The song was used as the ending theme for the educational quiz show Hitachi Sekai Fushigi Hakken! Its lyrical intro, which moves from a classical opening into an emotional, tear-jerking guitar phrase, is undeniably catchy.
In Korea, it was covered in 2001 by the male duo CAN under the title “The Spring Days of My Life,” and gained attention as the theme song for the Korean drama Piano.
It’s an enduring classic that is still often heard in the Korean music scene, including live covers by SUPER JUNIOR’s Heechul.
ObsessedAyumu Imazu
It’s a love song by Ayumu Imazu that carries a sweet poison.
Released in January 2024, the song stands out for its lyrics that portray the mindset of a protagonist who falls in love easily.
The fixation on the other person and the self-questioning resonate with listeners.
It’s a track that showcases his talent for pioneering a new frontier in J-pop.
With a signature style that incorporates elements of dance music and R&B, its popularity grew after K-pop groups—starting with SEVENTEEN—danced to it.
Recommended for those who want to savor both the sweetness and bitterness of love.
It’s great for couples at karaoke, and it also lightens the mood as a happy, feel-good song.
silhouetteKANA-BOON
A four-piece rock band from Osaka, KANA-BOON released this song in 2014 as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.
With exhilarating guitar riffs and a powerful melody, the lyrics express how memories of the past and encounters with loved ones remain in the heart like indelible shadows.
The message of growing up while protecting what’s important overlaps with Naruto’s story and resonated with many fans.
In Korea, the song has maintained strong support among anime fans, with a cover by popular YouTuber Raon Lee surpassing 100 million views.
In 2025, KANA-BOON performed the song for the first time in Goyang, South Korea, and the local fans’ massive sing-along became a hot topic.