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]
Roundup of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Noteworthy J-pop and artists (21–30)
HONEY WORKS
In 2023, HoneyWorks is drawing attention as a shining new star in Korea’s J-pop scene.
Their songs invite listeners into a world of storytelling, capturing hearts with narratives that depict the sweet and bittersweet memories of youth.
The “Kokuhaku Jikkō Iinkai” (Confession Executive Committee) series, in particular, boasts a distinctive worldview that has captivated many fans.
In February 2023, they trended on major Korean social media platforms, and their popularity—especially among young people—accelerated even further.
Collaborations with various media outlets have also amplified their appeal.
HoneyWorks’ tracks, which capture the glittering moments of adolescence, are highly recommended not only for those in love but for anyone who feels nostalgic for their youth.
Ayumu Imazu
Ayumu Imazu is a rising singer-songwriter born in 2000.
He made his major debut in 2021, and his high-quality songs have been gaining attention among music fans in Japan.
Having studied dance since childhood and drawing on his study-abroad experience in New York, he delivers globally appealing, easy-to-listen-to dance music.
In early 2024, he released “Obsessed,” a chill track with a K-R&B vibe.
Its popularity spread after idols like SEVENTEEN and ZEROBASEONE posted dance videos to the song.
He has also performed at Korean festivals such as the 2024 LOVESOME FESTIVAL, making him, like imase, an artist whose popularity is rising from Korea.
Yuika
Yuika is a rising young singer-songwriter on a roll.
She first gained attention through her activity on social media and made her major-label debut with Universal Music in 2024.
With songs that resonate with teenage emotions, she has won strong support from young people in Korea, especially on TikTok and YouTube.
While rooted in pop, her style—portraying down-to-earth love and youth—captures the hearts of the social media generation.
Centered around her signature song “Suki Dakara” (“Because I Like You”), she has earned high praise from Korean listeners as well.
She’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to connect with the wavering feelings of love and coming of age.
Sakanakushon
Sakanaction is an alternative rock band born in Hokkaido.
With an innovative approach that fuses electronic music and band sound, they’re bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.
They made their major debut in 2007 with the album “GO TO THE FUTURE,” steadily expanding their following.
Their self-titled album “sakanaction,” released in 2013, became their first to hit No.
1.
They have also engaged in diverse activities, including creating theme songs for films and TV dramas.
In 2025, boosted by the hit of “Kaiju,” their first anime theme song, they’ve been gaining attention in South Korea as well.
Their meticulously crafted works and music videos are must-sees.
From electronica to pop, their music effortlessly transcends genre boundaries, making them perfect for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.
Matsuzaki Shigeru
Shigeru Matsuzaki, a singer beloved across generations for his dark complexion—his trademark—and his overwhelming vocal prowess, made his solo debut in 1970 with “8,760 Times I Love You.” Since then, he has captivated audiences with numerous hit songs.
His 1977 release “Ai no Memory” was a massive success, selling over 640,000 copies and earning accolades including the Japan Record Awards’ Vocal Performance Award.
That same year, he made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
He has also received international recognition, such as the Best Vocalist Award at the Mallorca Music Festival.
His powerful voice and distinctive singing style are his hallmarks.
His performances on music programs like the Japan-Korea Top Ten Show have drawn attention, boosting his popularity in South Korea as well.
In 2015, September 6 was designated “Shigeru Matsuzaki Day,” and he launched the “Kuro Fes” music festival, continuing to charm many fans with his unique appeal.
He is an artist highly recommended for music lovers who cherish great singing.