Korean Gen Z’s Obsession with Taeko Onuki, Japanese City Pop and J-Rock

For years, Korean music fans have been deeply immersed in K-pop, but a new trend is capturing the attention of Gen Z: Japanese city pop, J-rock, and the nostalgic sounds of 1980s Japan. At the center of this movement is Taeko Onuki, a 70-year-old Japanese singer whose music has found a surprising new audience across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This resurgence highlights a growing fascination with retro Japanese music and its influence on modern Korean youth.

The Rise of Japanese Music in South Korea

While K-pop dominates South Korea’s music landscape, a quieter revolution is unfolding among younger listeners. According to a 2023 report by BBC Culture, Japanese music has seen a 30% increase in streaming on platforms like Spotify and YouTube in South Korea over the past year. This surge is driven by Gen Z’s appetite for nostalgia, global streaming accessibility, and the viral nature of social media.

“Japanese city pop isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural bridge,” says Dr. Hwang Ji-hoon, a music historian at Seoul National University. “Young Koreans are discovering this music through TikTok and YouTube, where clips of 1980s Japanese tracks are being remixed, and reimagined.”

Who Is Taeko Onuki?

Taeko Onuki, a Japanese singer and composer, rose to fame in the 1980s with her smooth, jazz-infused pop. Despite her age, her music has recently gained traction in South Korea, particularly after a 2022 TikTok trend featuring her 1985 hit “Tsubomi no Koe” (Voice of a Bud). The song, which blends city pop with gentle instrumentation, became a viral sensation, amassing over 20 million views on the platform.

“Onuki’s music feels timeless,” says 19-year-old Seoul resident Min-jun, a self-proclaimed “city pop enthusiast.” “It’s like a warm hug from the past, but it’s also fresh and modern.”

The City Pop Revival

Japanese city pop, a genre that emerged in the 1970s–1980s, is characterized by its upbeat tempo, synth-driven sound, and laid-back vibe. While it declined in Japan by the 1990s, it has experienced a global renaissance, particularly in South Korea. A 2023 survey by Korea Biz Wire found that 68% of South Korean Gen Z respondents had listened to city pop in the past six months.

This revival is fueled by streaming platforms and social media. YouTube channels like “City Pop Japan” and “J-Rock Revival” have amassed millions of followers, while TikTok trends often feature city pop tracks remixed with modern beats. “It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation,” says music critic Lee Sang-min.

J-Rock’s Influence on Korean Youth

Alongside city pop, J-rock (Japanese rock) is also gaining traction. Bands like Southern All Stars and B’z, which dominated Japan’s music scene in the 1990s, are now being discovered by younger Korean fans. According to SBS News, J-rock playlists on Melon, South Korea’s leading music streaming service, have seen a 40% increase in listeners since 2022.

“J-rock’s storytelling and emotional depth resonate with Korean youth,” says Park Soo-jin, a 22-year-old music student. “It’s not just about the music—it’s about the culture and the history behind it.”

What’s Driving This Trend?

Several factors contribute to the popularity of Japanese music in South Korea:

• Streaming Accessibility: Services like Spotify and YouTube have made it easier than ever to access Japanese music, breaking down language and geographical barriers.
• Social Media: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have turned city pop and J-rock into viral sensations, with users creating content that blends old and new sounds.
• Cultural Curiosity: South Korean Gen Z is increasingly interested in exploring global cultures, and Japanese music offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

The Future of Japanese Music in South Korea

As this trend continues, experts predict that Japanese music will play an even bigger role in South Korea’s cultural landscape. “This isn’t just a passing fad,” says Dr. Hwang. “It’s a sign of how interconnected our world has become, and how younger generations are redefining what music means to them.”

With Taeko Onuki’s music and the broader city pop revival capturing the imagination of Korean Gen Z, the line between East Asian music scenes is blurring. Whether this trend will lead to a new wave of cross-cultural collaborations remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Japanese music is no longer just a relic of the past. It’s a living, breathing force shaping the future of global pop culture.