[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] South Korea and Japan became friends through music as they sang each other’s songs. Japanese singer Ado performed a song by a South Korean artist, while Yoonha performed her hit song in both Korean and Japanese. The inaugural “XMF 2026” (Xnterstellar Music Festival 2026) went beyond simply bringing artists from both countries together; it created a space for exchange where they listened to and enjoyed each other’s music.
Held on the 3rd and 4th at Paradise City Culture Park in Incheon, the festival featured 22 acts from South Korea and Japan. According to organizers, 42,000 spectators attended over the two days. With a diverse lineup ranging from hard rock to ballads, the event became a gathering where music fans from both countries could share their musical tastes.

◇Greetings Exchanged Through Each Other’s Songs
On the first day, the Japanese band Coldrain heated up the atmosphere with songs like “EX-HUMANITY” and “BLOODY POWER FAME.” The audience responded by jumping and bumping into each other in a mosh pit. Nobelbright shifted the mood by alternating between powerful band performances and lyrical songs.
The connection between the two countries was evident in the specially curated setlist. Yoon Ha performed the Japanese song “Hakuna Kutsuyoku” live for the first time. For “Comet,” she sang the first verse in Korean and the second verse in Japanese—a performance that encapsulated her career spanning both Korea and Japan on a single stage.
Adore, the headliner on the first day, covered LE SSERAFIM’s “Blue Flame” and HEIZE’s “And July.” With Japanese artists performing Korean songs and Korean artists singing in Japanese at the same festival, the audience was able to directly hear and experience this musical exchange.

On the second day, X-Dinary Heroes, Uberworld, YB, One Oak Rock, and Day6 took the stage. With YB—a band representing the long history of Korean rock—performing alongside bands that have expanded their fan base both domestically and internationally, the lineup showcased a wide range of generations and musical styles.
YB performed their signature songs, such as “The Cigarette Shop Girl” and “I Am a Butterfly,” and premiered their unreleased track “Buoyancy.” During “The White-Bearded Whale,” the audience lit up their cell phone flashlights and sang along. By connecting with the crowd through familiar songs while also showcasing new music, they demonstrated that they are a band that continues to evolve.
◇From One Stage to Tokyo and Incheon
Double headliner One Oak Rock led the audience in a chorus with songs like “Wherever You Are.” Following this, “YAO”—a project group formed by One Oak Rock, A-Witch, Chico Calito, and Pale Dusk—made a surprise appearance.

In their first overseas performance, YAO performed “777,” “C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y.,” and “Arihureta Sekai no Hateni.” The stage, which combined a band with hip-hop artists, expanded the boundaries of genre within a festival that emphasized Korea-Japan exchange.
DAY6 took the stage for the finale. Starting with “Welcome to the Show,” they performed songs such as “Let’s Be a Page” and “You Were Beautiful.” Amid the rain, members and the audience sang together, bringing the two-day festival to a close.
This festival was significant in that it transformed Korea-Japan musical exchange into an in-person experience. While waiting for their favorite groups to take the stage, fans were exposed to music from different countries and genres. For the artists, it provided an opportunity to connect with audiences beyond their existing fan base, while for the audience, it served as a chance to discover new music.
Audience members also gave positive reviews of the festival’s distinct concept and viewing environment. Han So-young, a woman in her 30s who enjoyed the two-day performances, said, “I liked that the concept of a festival centered on Korean and Japanese artists was clear,” adding, “I’m satisfied that I could fully enjoy the music of my favorite artists in such a spacious venue.”
Yori, a woman in her 20s who flew in from Osaka, Japan, said, “It was great to see performances by artists popular in both countries together,” adding, “The facilities and guidance for international attendees were well-prepared, so I had no trouble enjoying the festival.” She continued, “Since I heard it will be held in Incheon again next year, I’ll definitely come back.”

The festival will continue next year. The organizers plan to hold the event in Tokyo, Japan, on July 3–4, 2027, and in Incheon in October. If this alternating format between the two cities takes root, it could lead to ongoing exchanges between artists and fans, moving beyond one-time performances.
This year’s performances will air in December on Mnet in Korea and TBS Channel 1 in Japan. By sharing the on-site experience with viewers in both countries, the festival aims to broaden the foundation for future gatherings.
Meanwhile, “XMF 2026” was co-hosted by the XMF Organizing Committee and the NPO Japan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association, with support from the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), the Federation of Music Producers of Japan (FMPJ), Incheon Metropolitan City, and the Incheon Tourism Organization.