NewJeans Hanni's Iconic Cover of Matsuda Seiko's "Aoi Sangoshō" at Tokyo Dome

NewJeans Hanni's cover of Matsuda Seiko's classic "Aoi Sangoshō" at the June 2024 Tokyo Dome fan meeting has generated significant buzz across Korea and Japan. This performance, alongside AKMU Lee Suhyun's 2026 official remake, has brought renewed attention to the iconic Japanese song, largely due to its deep cultural symbolism and Hanni's respectful homage to the original era.

"Aoi Sangoshō," released by Matsuda Seiko on July 1, 1980, was a defining hit that propelled her to top idol status, reaching Oricon Weekly Chart #2 and earning a New Artist Award. The song embodies the fresh, clear sentiment of Japan's 1980s economic boom. Hanni's Tokyo Dome stage notably featured her in a short bob and striped t-shirt, directly referencing Seiko's iconic styling, while Lee Suhyun's 2026 remake is a formal Korean-translated version released as part of a J-pop remake project.

Local bloggers highlight that Hanni's performance resonated deeply with Japanese audiences, evoking nostalgia for older generations and introducing a trendy retro sensibility to younger fans. The choice of "Aoi Sangoshō" was particularly impactful due to its profound symbolic meaning as a representation of 1980s Japanese idol culture. This unique moment, where a 1980s Japanese icon's song was performed by a 2020s K-pop idol on the Tokyo Dome stage, created a powerful intergenerational and intercultural connection, further amplified by Lee Suhyun's distinctive vocal interpretation.