[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] The collaboration between classic J-pop songs and K-pop artists is drawing attention. Following Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon’s “Banquet Song” taking the major music charts by storm, singer-songwriter Han Roro’s reinterpretation of “The Thesis of the Cruel Angel” has also become a hot topic, raising questions about whether a J-pop remake craze will sweep through the K-pop industry once again.

◇The “J-Pop Remake” Project Led by Gangnam
“Banquet Song,” performed by Taeyeon, ranked 8th on Melon’s daily chart as of the 2nd. Released on June 29, the song climbed two spots from the previous day, demonstrating its enduring popularity even more than a month after its release.
“Banquet Song” is a Korean-language remake of the song of the same name released in 2023 by Japanese singer-songwriter tuki. The song, which poignantly depicts the story of a couple who have decided to part ways sharing a final dinner together, has enjoyed steady popularity not only in Japan but also in Korea. The original music video has surpassed 170 million views on YouTube. Tuki. also sold out her two-day solo concert in Incheon at the Inspire Arena last April.
The remake was released as the first track from the “J-Pop Remake” project, conceived by Gangnam—a Japanese-born singer and TV personality who naturalized as a South Korean citizen after marrying “Queen of Speed Skating” Lee Sang-hwa. Through his YouTube channel, Gangnam has consistently promoted the appeal of music from both countries by covering J-pop hits himself and producing various content with K-pop artists. He explained, “I planned this project because I wanted to serve as a cultural ambassador connecting the two countries through music.”
Taeyeon, who kicked off the project, added a fresh charm to “Banquet Song” with her signature delicate expression and deeply emotive voice. The fact that the lyrics were rewritten in Korean is also cited as a key factor in its positive reception. The Korean lyrics were penned by lyricist Lee Sran, who has previously collaborated with BTS, aespa, and Ailette.

On the 30th of last month, “The Thesis of the Cruel Angel,” performed by Han Roro, was released as the second track in the “J-Pop Remake” project. “The Thesis of the Cruel Angel” is a song released in 1995 by Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi, characterized by its intense rock sound and lyrics depicting a boy’s growth and awakening. It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and has long been beloved in Korea as well.
Han Roro, who has emerged as a rising star in the music scene with hits such as “I’ll Fall in Love” and “0+0” (Forever), has reinterpreted the original song by infusing it with her own unique vocal style and emotional depth. The lyrics have been rewritten in Korean, and since the track’s release, her live performance videos have been generating buzz online.
◇High J-Pop Fandom Loyalty Provides an Edge for Early Success
A representative from SH Gold Networks, the production company behind the “J-Pop Remake” project, told Edaily on the 3rd, “We don’t just stop at re-singing famous J-Pop songs in Korean; our goal is to ensure that good music transcends language and time to naturally resonate with a new generation.” The representative added, “We hope this will create an opportunity for listeners in both Korea and Japan to enjoy the music together and connect with it.”
Regarding the decision to adapt the lyrics into Korean, the representative explained, “We viewed this as a crucial process to help domestic listeners more naturally connect with and enjoy the emotions and messages conveyed by the original songs.” They added, “We plan to focus on presenting new content that incorporates current music trends and the artists’ individuality while respecting the unique emotional essence of each song.”
As this collaboration between proven J-pop hits and Korean singers with strong fan bases yields positive results, the industry is watching closely to see if the J-pop remake craze that swept the Korean music scene in the early to mid-2000s will reignite. Notable success stories from that era include Park Hyo-shin’s “Snow Flower,” a cover of Mika Nakashima’s song; CAN’s “Spring Days in My Life,” a reinterpretation of a classic by Tube; and Position’s “I Love You,” a remake of a song by Yutaka Ozaki.
A music industry insider noted, “The domestic J-pop fanbase is characterized by a high level of loyalty to both artists and songs,” adding, “Remaking a well-known song is advantageous for securing initial buzz and commercial momentum based on the interest of existing fans.” They continued, “However, just as with remakes of domestic hits, the longer a song has been beloved, the higher the expectations of fans of the original,” adding, “It’s important to approach such projects carefully to avoid compromising the emotional essence of the original.”