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)
Yuuri
Yuuri, beloved in both Japan and South Korea, began his music career as the vocalist of the band THE BUGZY.
After the band disbanded in 2019, he solidified his position as a solo artist.
The 2020 release of Dry Flower catapulted his name into the spotlight, brilliantly combining buzz with musical depth.
JAY from the K-pop group ENHYPEN has publicly declared himself a huge fan, and a collaboration between them was realized—one of the factors that boosted Yuuri’s popularity in Korea.
His songs are filled with relatable themes, such as friendship and life’s challenges, exemplified by tracks like Infinity.
With accessible melodies and memorable lyrics, his music comes highly recommended to many listeners!
Ofisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism is a Japanese band with a diverse musical style that captivates listeners in South Korea.
In particular, their 2022 opening theme for the anime SPY×FAMILY, “Mixed Nuts,” became a major hit in Korea.
Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics have the power to resonate with people across borders.
Their songs are perfect for night drives or calm evenings, and they’re recommended for a wide range of ages—from young people to adults.
Yonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, a leading figure in the J-POP boom in South Korea.
In 2023, his song “Lemon” ranked among the Top Songs on YouTube in Korea, captivating many listeners with its bittersweet, heart-stirring melody.
His music offers a fresh experience to K-POP fans, and as his tracks are also chosen as anime theme songs, they serve as a cultural bridge between Japan and South Korea.
While he enjoys overwhelming support from young people, his rich melodies and profound lyrics are recommended for listeners of all generations!
Vaundy
Vaundy, whose sophisticated musicality has been gaining popularity in Japan, has been drawing attention from music fans and trend-conscious listeners since he began his activities in 2019.
“Kaiju no Hanauta,” which gained explosive support after his performance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen, is fantastic as well.
In Korea, one of his signature songs, “Odoriko,” is widely loved.
It gained traction after Minji from NewJeans, a fan of Vaundy, covered it during their Tokyo Dome concert in Japan.
The song has been charting steadily on subscription services like Apple Music.
If Hanni’s cover of “Aoi Sangosho” by the same group can be called a social phenomenon, then “Odoriko” seems to have a strong, well-rounded popularity as a song in its own right.
As J-pop continues to spread, it’s likely to grow in popularity alongside other classic tracks.
imase
Hailing from Gifu Prefecture, imase gained attention on TikTok in May 2021 and made his major debut that December.
His sweet, catchy voice and melodies have captivated many listeners.
In particular, his song “NIGHT DANCER” became a massive hit in South Korea, achieving the remarkable feat of ranking 18th on the Korean music streaming site Melon in 2021—the first time for a Japanese artist.
Spurred by this track, stars like Stray Kids and BTS’s Jungkook showcased dances to it, winning over K-pop listeners.
His playful, pop-driven music suits any situation, and his up-tempo tracks are especially perfect for parties!
Nakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima is known for her expressive vocal prowess and distinctive musicality.
A consummate singer, she effortlessly handles a wide range of genres—from pop and ballads to rock.
Since her debut in 2001, she has produced numerous hit songs and captivated many fans.
In 2003, she earned the Gold Prize at the 45th Japan Record Awards for “Yuki no Hana,” a timeless classic that continues to be beloved in Korea.
She has also garnered high acclaim as an actress, including her lead role in the film NANA.
From electropop to ballads, Nakashima’s wide expressive range makes her voice perfect for music fans seeking songs that truly resonate.
In 2025, she made her first appearance on Korean television on the show “Japan-Korea Singing Kings,” delivering her voice to viewers.
With her emotionally rich vocals and assured expressiveness, she continues to capture the hearts of many.
YOASOBI
YOASOBI operates with the unique concept of turning novels into music.
Released in March 2021, Yoru ni Kakeru drew an enthusiastic response not only in Japan but also in South Korea, rapidly boosting their name recognition.
Its flowing melodic lines, the striking sounds crafted by Ayase, and ikura’s clear vocals resonate with listeners.
Korean listeners familiar with Japanese culture are drawn to the depth of YOASOBI’s songs and their captivating storytelling.
Highly recommended for anyone exploring new forms of music!