Summary of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Notable J-POP and artists
Many of you may have heard the news that J-pop is booming in South Korea.
Korean artists and idols have long drawn attention by covering Japanese songs, among other activities.
Triggered by various sparks—like old songs being rediscovered or buzz from music shows—many singers have become beloved through Japan–Korea exchanges.
In this article, we’ll feature Japanese singers who are gaining attention in South Korea.
It might also be fun to focus on how they differ from those in Japan.
Let’s dive right in!
- A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- [K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- [Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands
- Jay Park Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- A Classic of Korean City Pop [KOREAN CITY POP]
Summary of Japanese singers popular in South Korea: Notable J-pop and artists (1–10)
Leina
Singer-songwriter Leina, who is garnering attention for her innovative sound infused with Western pop influences, made her debut at 14 and has won fervent support from younger listeners with songs that delve deeply into human emotions.
In September 2022, she took first place on TV Asahi’s music audition program “Music Champ 2022,” propelling her into the spotlight.
Her strong affinity with the digital-native generation is another draw, with her tracks going viral on social media.
Influenced in part by Korea as well, she enjoys passionate support there too, with street performances and solo shows drawing huge crowds.
Inspired by artists like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, she self-produces her music with a distinctive expressive style, and her multifaceted talents extend to creating artwork and video pieces.
Combining delicate sensitivity with powerful expression, her music is highly recommended for those seeking songs that resonate with genuine, relatable feelings.
Yorushika
Wouldn’t they be the kind of artists who come to mind with the term “digital chart powerhouse” often seen in Korean music articles? In Japan, almost every song they release charts very high and stays on streaming platforms for a long time—Yorushika have delivered many hits since their major debut in 2019.
In Korea, one of their signature songs, “Just a Sunny Day for You,” has entered YouTube’s Daily MV Ranking.
In addition, “Haru,” used as the opening theme for the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, has appeared on Spotify’s Viral Chart, suggesting they enjoy strong, enduring support.
The delicate appeal woven by vocalist suis and composer n-buna—evoking Japan’s four seasons—may also be one reason for their popularity.
Utagokoro Rie
Rie Utagokoro has continued to share the allure of music across a wide range of genres.
She debuted in a duo with her older sister after the SOSY audition, expanding her activities from cool R&B and breezy pop to covering songs from Korean dramas.
Their song “200-Bai no Yume” (Two-Hundredfold Dream), which was also used in a Pocari Sweat commercial, drew attention for its vibrant harmonies.
In 2004, she performed as part of the unit September, arranged for piano and cello, presenting Japanese versions of songs featured in Korean dramas.
In 2024, she competed on the Japan–Korea Singing King Battle, broadcast on a Korean cable TV network, where her vocal prowess and stage performance were highly praised.
Rie Utagokoro’s voice, combining delicate emotional expression with powerful vocals, is sure to convey the full appeal of J-POP.
Roundup of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Notable J‑POP and artists (11–20)
Higuchi Ai
With her diverse musicality and emotionally rich performances, Ai Higuchi is attracting attention in South Korea as well.
Her captivating stage at the 2022 RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL became a hot topic, especially on social media! The live footage helped her fanbase expand into Korea.
In particular, the tracks from her major debut album “Hyakurokujū-do” (One Hundred and Sixty Degrees) are beloved across a wide range of communities, keeping listeners utterly engaged.
The world she paints with heartfelt words and melodies is, in itself, top-tier entertainment.
For quiet nights or moments when your heart seeks healing, Ai Higuchi’s music is highly recommended for everyone!
eill
Singer-songwriter eill, who draws not only from Black music but also has roots in K-pop, began performing under her current name in 2018 and made her major-label debut in 2021.
She has written songs for EXID and penned the Japanese lyrics for IVE’s “Take It,” making her an artist with strong ties to K-pop.
In Korea, where technical skill is often highly valued, her style—delivering high-quality, catchy music—feels especially compatible.
“Finale,” which served as the theme song for the film The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye, became a smash hit in Korea in 2023.
Her duet video with iKON’s Song is also wonderful—be sure to check it out.
She has held concerts in Korea as well, and it seems eill’s music will continue to spread even further!
Tomioka Ai
Ai Tomioka is a talented singer-songwriter who rose to prominence on TikTok in the summer of 2021.
Her music is defined by a delicate, warm voice that is sure to resonate with listeners.
In particular, her 2022 street performance in Seoul drew major attention, and her song “Goodbye Bye” broke into the top 10 on the Korean charts.
The reason for her popularity lies in her Korea-focused approach, including videos with Hangul subtitles and live performances in Korea, all driven by her own initiative.
Utada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada enjoys great popularity not only in Japan but also in South Korea.
In particular, her 1999 debut album, First Love, gained explosive support across Asia.
Her sweet, translucent voice and delicate, emotionally rich melodies captured the hearts of many listeners.
Her music incorporates a variety of genres, such as R&B and dance pop, and its innovative sound remains fresh to this day.
Paired with lyrics that carry meaningful messages, her songs have a universal appeal that makes them easy to recommend to anyone, in any situation!