NewJeans Hanni's Japanese Song Cover Ignites Nostalgia and Cross-Cultural Buzz

NewJeans member Hanni recently performed a Japanese hit song at the Tokyo Dome, generating significant buzz across both Korea and Japan. This event is particularly noteworthy given the historical context where Japanese popular music faced strong restrictions in Korea during the 1980s. This performance is seen as a symbolic example of how Korean-Japanese cultural relations have transformed over the past four decades.

At the NewJeans fan meeting in Tokyo Dome in June 2024, Hanni showcased a solo stage covering Matsuda Seiko's 1980 classic, 'Aoi Sangoshō' (푸른 산호초). Her rendition, complete with a white and blue outfit reminiscent of 1980s Japanese idols, garnered a strong reaction from local audiences. The song, originally released on July 1, 1980, was a legendary hit that propelled Matsuda Seiko to stardom. Following Hanni's cover, 'Aoi Sangoshō' re-entered Korean music charts in 2024, even climbing to high ranks on Melon's J-Pop weekly chart. Additionally, NewJeans' track 'Supernatural,' released on June 21, 2024, incorporates Korean, English, and Japanese lyrics, further demonstrating a global musical approach.

Local bloggers noted that Hanni's performance evoked nostalgia for Japanese middle-aged audiences who grew up with the song, while younger generations in both countries discovered it as a fresh retro track. Korean bloggers expressed being deeply captivated by Hanni's clear voice and the song's unique nostalgic and emotional atmosphere. The multi-language composition of 'Supernatural' was also praised for its sophisticated expression and global appeal, resonating with listeners who appreciate its mysterious and special love theme.