NewJeans Hanni's Cover of Matsuda Seiko's Blue Coral Reef Bridges Generations

NewJeans member Hanni's cover of "Aoi Sangosho" (Blue Coral Reef) has generated significant buzz in Korea and Japan. This performance, delivered during NewJeans' Tokyo Dome fan meeting, is notable for reviving a classic Japanese idol song from the 1980s, bridging generational gaps and cultural eras. The cover resonated deeply by evoking nostalgia for an iconic period in Japanese pop culture.

"Aoi Sangosho," originally released on July 1, 1980, is the second single by Matsuda Seiko, a pivotal work that propelled her to top idol status. Hanni's rendition at the June 2024 Tokyo Dome fan meeting paid homage to Matsuda Seiko's original styling, including a bob haircut and striped t-shirt. This performance was followed by AKMU Suhyun's official Korean remake in 2026, further highlighting the song's enduring appeal and cultural significance.

Local bloggers emphasize that Hanni's performance was more than a simple cover; it was a cultural event. For older Japanese audiences, it brought back memories of their youth during Japan's economic golden age, while younger generations appreciated the trendy retro sensibility. The choice of such a symbolically rich song by a leading K-Pop idol created a unique intersection of different eras and musical traditions.