Accusations that the Korean Wave is waning seemed on shaky ground inTokyo on Friday, when a fleet of Korean pop stars hit the stage.More than 5,000 fans gathered at Tokyo International Forum hall in Chiyoda ward, the heart of Tokyo, for the “K-pop Night in Japan” concert.
The show, organized by Korea Creative Content Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, included a star-studded line of performances, including girl bands 4Minute, Sistar and a boy groups T-Max, ZE:A and Teen Top.
The concert also featured female solo artist Baek Ji-young, G.Na and former member of boy band GOD Son Ho-young, aiming to win the hearts of Japanese fans.
It was promised to be an exciting night as the 5,000 tickets were sold out in just 30 minutes, according to the organization.
First off was ZE:A. The nine-member boy band, who debuted on the Oricon chart at No. 3 with their first album “Nativity” earlier this year, warmed up the fully-packed Tokyo International Forum.
Canadian-born K-pop singer G.NA and the six-member boy band Teen Top, who are both backed by the KCCA as rising stars, continued the excitement, eliciting huge applause.
Four-member boy band T-Max took the stage to sing “Paradise” a song produced for a popular TV drama series “Boys Over Flowers,” to the warm appreciation of the Japanese fans. Local pop diva Back Ji-young also received applause with her single title for KBS drama “Iris.”
The highlight of the night came when 4Minute took the stage. The five-member girl band wrapped up Friday night’s concert with their three singles “Muzik,” “I My Me Mine,” and “First” receiving a standing ovation.
Pundits say Friday night’s concert was clear evidence of a second Korean wave, evolving in a new form, through a younger generation. In the early 2000s, when hallyu started to draw attention from the Japanese media, most fans were middle-aged women. But, now more young Japanese follow Korean pop artists thanks to the recent success of Korean girl groups in Japan.
This year, several Korean girl groups debuted there, including Girls’ Generation and Kara.
It was promised to be an exciting night as the 5,000 tickets were sold out in just 30 minutes, according to the organization.
First off was ZE:A. The nine-member boy band, who debuted on the Oricon chart at No. 3 with their first album “Nativity” earlier this year, warmed up the fully-packed Tokyo International Forum.
Canadian-born K-pop singer G.NA and the six-member boy band Teen Top, who are both backed by the KCCA as rising stars, continued the excitement, eliciting huge applause.
Four-member boy band T-Max took the stage to sing “Paradise” a song produced for a popular TV drama series “Boys Over Flowers,” to the warm appreciation of the Japanese fans. Local pop diva Back Ji-young also received applause with her single title for KBS drama “Iris.”
The highlight of the night came when 4Minute took the stage. The five-member girl band wrapped up Friday night’s concert with their three singles “Muzik,” “I My Me Mine,” and “First” receiving a standing ovation.
Pundits say Friday night’s concert was clear evidence of a second Korean wave, evolving in a new form, through a younger generation. In the early 2000s, when hallyu started to draw attention from the Japanese media, most fans were middle-aged women. But, now more young Japanese follow Korean pop artists thanks to the recent success of Korean girl groups in Japan.
This year, several Korean girl groups debuted there, including Girls’ Generation and Kara.
Credit : Korea Herald
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