By Wonsuh Song
This year marks the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, and throughout Japan a wide variety of Korea-related events have been held. Among them, the “Nippon-Kankoku (Japan–Korea) Music Show” in Yokohama was a particularly special occasion. Numerous artists from both countries gathered on one stage, with the surprise appearance of singer Lee Seung-chul delighting the audience. For someone like me, who is not familiar with recent songs, many of the pieces performed by Lee Seung-chul or Hong Jin-young felt unfamiliar, yet that unfamiliarity did not lessen the emotional impact of the concert.
What impressed me most was the performance by THE ONE, widely known for Korean drama soundtracks, and Shima Yuki, a rising Japanese vocalist. Despite still being a high school student, Shima delivered a remarkably mature stage presence. He had already proven his talent by winning the Korean audition program Mr. Trot Japan. His duet with THE ONE went beyond mere music, becoming a powerful moment of cross-border exchange that moved the audience deeply.
The event also featured many well-known artists from both Korea and Japan, with several hours of diverse performances. For the audience, it was more than an opportunity to enjoy music—it became a meaningful time to reflect once again on the relationship between the two countries.
Watching this concert, I was reminded once more of how naturally music can bridge Korea and Japan. Unlike political rhetoric or diplomatic negotiations, songs and performances touch people’s emotions directly and create empathy. This music show demonstrated that very power, opening a new chapter in cultural exchange between the two nations.
I hope that such exchanges will not remain limited to commemorative events but will continue in everyday life. When joyful occasions allow us to cheer for one another and draw closer together, that is the true path to building warmer relations between Korea and Japan.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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