K-pop and J-pop: A historical look at South Korean-Japanese music ties

The electrifying atmosphere at Tokyo Dome during NewJeans' fan meeting, where member Hanni captivated 45,000 fans by singing Seiko Matsuda's 1980s hit 'Blue Coral Reef' in Japanese, has become a focal point for discussions on South Korean-Japanese cultural exchange. This moment, which resonated deeply in both Japan and Korea, serves as a powerful illustration of the themes explored in Kim Seong-min's book, 'A History of Korean-Japanese Popular Music.'

Originally published in Japan in January 2024 and now released in Korea, the book meticulously charts the trajectory of popular music exchange between the two nations since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1965. It delves into how Korea and Japan have perceived each other through the lens of their music, expanding the analysis to encompass broader political and social contexts. The narrative moves from the early days of trot and enka's popularity, featuring the Japanese ventures of Korean stars like Lee Mi-ja and Cho Yong-pil, to a comparative analysis of J-pop and K-pop.

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Ah, my love rides the south wind / Ah, cut through the blue wind and run, to that island~

'A History of Korean-Japanese Popular Music' further contrasts the idol cultures of both countries, examining the amateurish approach often associated with Japanese idols versus the professional polish of their Korean counterparts. It also analyzes the significant shift in Japan's perspective following the global success of groups like BTS. The book utilizes a rich array of examples to illuminate the complex and evolving relationship between Korean and Japanese popular culture, offering insights into decades of accumulated experiences and memories.

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The 1980s, when this song was popular, was an era when Korean youth secretly sought out and listened to banned Japanese music, and the Japanese music market was full of stereotypes about Korea and Koreans. The fact that banned J-pop was evoked in the 'era of K-pop' and newly reminded people of the experiences and memories accumulated over decades in both Japan and Korea clearly reveals the theme of this book published in Japan in January of that year.