By Wonsuh Song
Last weekend, numerous locations throughout Japan were swept up in a fervor that could aptly be called “Korea Days.” In Tokyo, G-DRAGON—leader of the popular K-pop group BIGBANG—held a solo concert, while SEVENTEEN hosted a fan meeting at Saitama Super Arena, just outside the city. The two-day G-DRAGON and SEVENTEEN event drew 100,000 and 60,000 fans, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Yet the biggest spotlight shone on “KCON JAPAN 2025,” held in Chiba Prefecture. Since its inception in 2012, KCON has toured 14 countries worldwide, welcoming almost two million attendees in total. This latest installment in Japan continued that remarkable legacy.
KCON JAPAN was nothing short of a full-scale celebration of Korean culture. From cosmetics and food to fashion and accessories, Korean brands spanning every facet of daily life were on display. Visitors eagerly gathered samples and free goodies, while live performances by K-pop idols and emerging artists injected a festive energy into the venue. Music echoed through the halls from morning till night, creating an atmosphere that was, in the truest sense, a “cultural festival.”
G-DRAGON’s concert in Tokyo also proved to be a major success. Fans imitated the artist’s signature style—some donned scarves around their heads, others matched G-DRAGON’s stage outfits—demonstrating his widespread appeal across genders. Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s fan meeting once again attracted a large contingent of Japanese fans, following their previous triumph at Tokyo Dome last year.
Such large-scale enthusiasm testifies to the deep-rooted influence Korean pop culture has on Japanese society. In particular, KCON’s achievement of two million cumulative visitors underscores the ongoing dynamism of the Korean Wave.
Intriguingly, the passion flows both ways. In 2024, around 8.82 million Koreans visited Japan—making them the top nationality among all inbound travelers. This figure even surpassed arrivals from China, a nation whose population is over 28 times that of South Korea. Clearly, cultural and tourism exchanges between Korea and Japan have reached unprecedented levels, suggesting a mutually driven interest rather than a one-sided trend.
While political and diplomatic issues may cause friction at times, grassroots cultural exchanges appear stronger than ever. As more people in Japan discover Korean TV dramas, music, and fashion, they naturally become curious about the language and culture behind them. By the same token, Korean visitors to Japan immerse themselves in local food, scenery, and customs, thereby gaining deeper insight into the country.
A willingness to genuinely appreciate each other’s charms and maintain lively exchanges will undoubtedly enrich relations between these two nations. The more cultural events take place, and the more people actively participate and share their interests, the deeper and more mature the ties between Japan and Korea will become. The Korean Wave’s resounding success across Japan last weekend stands as a testament to this immense potential. Going forward, one hopes that both countries continue to broaden their cultural common ground, further cementing their bond and mutual understanding.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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