5 Korean Idols Who Have Successfully Pursued Careers in Japan, Female Idols Dominating!

Kapanlagi.com - Japan and Korea are countries that have similar idol cultures. Both Japan and Korea are known to have many idol groups with numerous fans from various parts of the world. Many Kpop and Jpop idols have become global sensations, such as the famous AKB48 group with its large number of members from Japan, and the South Korean boy group BTS, who frequently participate in various international events.

Korean idols are known for their excellent vocal abilities and energetic dancing. Korean idols are also known for their beautiful appearances, making them idols for many people. On the other hand, Japanese idols are known for their performances that can entertain their fans.

Despite having different concepts, it turns out that some Korean idols have also tried to pursue their careers in Japan. Here are some successful Kpop idols who have pursued their careers in Japan

1. BoA

www.instagram.com/boakwon

BoA is a female solo singer from the entertainment agency giant in South Korea, SM Entertainment. She made her debut in 2000 at the age of 14. Shortly after her debut, BoA held her first concert in Japan in 2001. In the same year, BoA's agency agreed to sign a contract with Avex Trax to start marketing BoA's music in Japan.

BoA made her Japanese debut on May 30, 2001 with the song "ID; Peace B", which is the Japanese translation of her previous song with the same title. She successfully reached number 17 on Oricon, the music chart in Japan, with her debut single.

BoA's name in Japan skyrocketed when she released her fourth single titled "Listen to My Heart" in 2002. The single was later released in album format with the same title and reached number one on the Oricon chart. In the same year, BoA also performed the ending song for the famous anime series Inuyasha titled "Every Heart -minna no kimochi-". In 2014, BoA was trusted again to perform the OST for the anime Fairy Tail titled "Masayume Chasing."

2. TVXQ

www.instagram.com/tvxq.official

As BoA's junior, TVXQ followed in her footsteps to pursue a career in the Land of Sakura. This boy group, originally consisting of five members, signed a contract with Avex Trax to make their debut in Japan. TVXQ debuted with a single titled "Stay with Me Tonight" in 2005. Their highly anticipated Japanese debut was considered to have fallen short of expectations, and they were required to return to Korea to prepare for their next comeback. TVXQ's success in Japan began to show when they released their 16th single, "Purple Line," in 2008. The single reached the top of the Oricon charts. Their third Japanese album, released a week later, sold over 52,000 copies. Delaying their comeback in Korea to focus on their career in Japan, TVXQ broke their own record with a Japanese version of their song titled "Mirotic." They also attended the famous year-end event in Japan called "Kōhaku Uta Gassen," making them the first Korean artists to perform at the prestigious event. TVXQ released their latest Japanese album, "XV," in 2019 after both members completed their mandatory military service.

3. Girls' Generation

www.instagram.com/hyoyeon_x_x

Who doesn't know Girls' Generation? The group that has been crowned as 'The Nation's Girl Group' in their home country certainly doesn't stop at the word 'Nation'. Girls' Generation, also known as So Nyeo Shi Dae or SNSD, has successfully captured the hearts of fans all over the world, including in Japan. Signing a contract with EMI Records Japan, formerly Nayutawave Records, Girls' Generation debuted in 2010 with the Japanese version of their song 'Genie'.

Girls' Generation made a comeback in the Japanese music scene with the title 'Mr.Taxi / Run Devil Run' in April 2011. This single reached second place on the Oricon Japan chart and also received a 'Million' certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. In the following month, Girls' Generation released the Japanese version of their hit song 'Gee' and became the first foreign girl group to enter the top three since 1980.

Girls' Generation regularly releases albums and singles for their Japanese comebacks. Their promotions are accompanied by a tour around Japan during the promotional period. In their third Japanese tour, they managed to attract 550,000 viewers, setting a record for a girl group. Unfortunately, in the same year, one member left the group. Girls' Generation continued their activities as normal until 2017, when three other members chose not to renew their contract with SM Entertainment. Girls' Generation went on hiatus, and the members still focus on their solo activities to this day.

4. KARA

www.instagram.com/gyuri_88

Kara is one of the popular South Korean girl groups in Japan during their active music career. Starting with their Japanese debut in 2010, Kara successfully achieved the title of Japan #1 Rookie Artist of 2010 from Oricon and Best Newcomer in the international category at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. The success they achieved since their debut has elevated Kara's name in the Japanese music industry.

In April of the following year, Kara topped the charts with their single titled 'Jet Coaster Love' in its first week of release. This made them the first non-Japanese girl group to reach the top in its first week. Furthermore, this achievement was the first in 30 years since the last time a foreign girl group topped the Oricon chart.

Kara continued their music career in Japan even after two members chose not to renew their contracts. Nicole decided to pursue a solo career, while their youngest member, Jiyoung, chose to pursue an acting career in Japan. Kara released several Japanese singles before disbanding in 2016.

5. Twice

www.instagram.com/twicetagram

Having three members from Japan, it's not surprising that Twice became very popular in Japan. They debuted in 2015 and quickly expanded their presence. They made their Japanese debut on June 28 by releasing their first Japanese album and holding a showcase on July 2, 2017. In less than a month, they sold 200,000 albums for their debut.

In the same year, Twice released a music video for their new single titled 'One More Time.' Twice attracted attention from the Japanese public by appearing on various shows, including 'Music Station.' Twice was also confirmed to attend the prestigious event '68th Kōhaku Uta Gassen' held at NHK Hall on December 31, 2017.

In 2018, Twice collaborated with the Japanese film 'Sensei Kunshu' where they provided the film's soundtrack. The soundtrack they performed was a remake of the classic song by The Jackson Five, 'I Want You Back.' Until now, Twice is still active in their musical activities in Japan and has just released their latest single titled 'Kura Kura' on May 12, 2021.

So, those are some K-pop idols who have succeeded in pursuing their music career in Japan. According to KLovers, do you think J-pop idols can be equally successful if they pursue their career in South Korea? Share your opinions below!

This article was written by: Salmaa Fadh

(kpl/mag)