“Wait… Japanese pop artists are performing in Korea now?”
Yup. You read that right.
While K-Pop has long been the global giant, 2025 is the year J-Pop steps out of the shadows and takes center stage — right in South Korea. And honestly? It’s about time.
With international borders reopening post-pandemic and cultural exchange at an all-time high, more Japanese artists are including Korea in their Asian tours, and fans? They’re thriving.
If you’re a J-Pop stan (or even just J-curious), here are the can’t-miss concerts heading to Korea this year — plus a few hidden gems you’ll thank us for later.
1. YOASOBI – Seoul Storytelling Live
- Venue: Jamsil Indoor Stadium, Seoul
- Date: August 3, 2025
- Tickets: Selling out FAST on Interpark & YES24
YOASOBI, the duo that brought us emotional bangers like “Yoru ni Kakeru” and “Idol” (yes, that one from the Oshi no Ko anime), is finally making their South Korean debut with a one-night-only storytelling concert. Expect cinematic visuals, layered vocals, and fans singing every lyric — in Japanese, Korean, and probably three more languages.
Fan Tip: They’re rumored to be performing an unreleased Korean-Japanese track. Bring tissues.
2. King & Prince – Asia Encore: Seoul
- Venue: KSPO Dome (Olympic Park)
- Date: September 14–15, 2025
- VIP Packages: Available (includes soundcheck access & signed merch)
These Johnny’s heartthrobs are finally crossing the East Sea. Known for their synchronized dance, sparkling visuals, and songs that feel like anime intros IRL, King & Prince’s Seoul stop is part of their first major Asia tour.
Expect glitter. Fan chants. And emotional ballads that punch you in the heart.
Must-hear live: “Namae Oshiete” — the crowd reaction in Tokyo was wild.
3. LiSA – Crossblade Live Tour
- Venue: Busan Cinema Center Outdoor Stage
- Date: October 5, 2025
- General Admission: Still available (for now)
Anime OP queen LiSA is coming back to Korea for a special outdoor performance in Busan — and yes, “Gurenge” WILL shake the city.
This tour includes a live orchestra segment, acoustic throwbacks, and full-band energy for her iconic Demon Slayer, SAO, and Fate/Zero tracks.
Fan Challenge: Cosplay-friendly event. Come as your fave anime character and you might end up on stage.
4. Official HIGE DANDism – Love & Peace in Seoul
- Venue: Blue Square Mastercard Hall
- Date: August 22, 2025
- Sold out — but resale tickets are floating around
The kings of J-Pop jazz-rock fusion are bringing their genre-bending, soul-stirring energy to Seoul. “Pretender” will 100% make the crowd cry in four languages.
Known for smooth vocals and incredible live instrumentation, HIGE DAN shows are intimate but explosive. If you manage to snag a ticket, don’t let go.
Setlist Highlight: “Mixed Nuts” live with sax solos = chills. Every time.
5. Aimer – Eclipse Seoul Concert
- Venue: Seoul Arts Center
- Date: November 9, 2025
- VIP Soundcheck: Includes printed setlist + signed poster
If you like your music moody, ethereal, and filled with goosebumps — Aimer’s your girl. This concert promises a mix of anime OSTs (Demon Slayer, Fate series) and lesser-known gems.
Strings section? Check. Candlelit stage design? You bet. Emotional damage in the best way? Absolutely.
Dress code suggestion: Black, glitter, and maybe a tear-proof eyeliner.
6. BE:FIRST – BEYOND TOUR: SEOUL STOP
- Venue: YES24 Live Hall
- Date: September 28, 2025
- Available on Melon Ticket
This rising J-Pop boy group is all about slick choreography, English-Japanese hooks, and pushing the genre’s edge. Think EXO meets Travis Scott — with a J-pop twist.
They’re bringing full-stage LED visuals, next-gen fashion, and a Korean-language medley just for Seoul. Don’t sleep on this one.
Fan Tip: Their leader, Sota, speaks solid Korean. Expect fan banter.
7. Perfume – Future Pop: Asia Reboot Tour
- Venue: DDP Design Plaza (Special Outdoor Dome)
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Limited seats – futuristic stage layout means EVERY view is good
Perfume’s shows are events, not concerts. Holograms. Laser walls. AI-driven visuals synced to choreography. It’s like stepping into a sci-fi dance movie.
Their Seoul stop is getting a custom AR-enhanced stage. Bring your phone — it’ll interact with the lights in real time.
Fan Bonus: Interactive QR codes on your seat for surprise content.
Bonus: Emerging J-Pop Artists to Watch in Korea
These acts haven’t announced full concerts yet — but they’re popping up at Korean festivals and collab stages:
- Vaundy – Rumored to appear at a fall indie festival in Hongdae.
- YOORI – Half-Japanese, half-Korean pop R&B queen. Expect collabs soon.
- millennium parade – Confirmed for Mnet Asian Music Festival (collab stage with Korean hip-hop artists incoming).
Where to Buy Tickets in Korea:
- Interpark Ticket
- YES24
- Melon Ticket
- Kakao Concert
- Global sites: Ticketmaster Korea, KKTIX (for English interface)
Tip: Sign up in advance, verify your phone, and use Korean card/billing info if possible. Tickets go fast. Like, Taylor Swift-in-Tokyo fast.
Coming from Japan? Here’s the Good News:
A lot of these shows are drawing Japanese fans to Seoul — so expect Japanese-language support, merch booths with Yen payment options, and even IDOL café pop-ups around concert venues.
Pro tip: Hongdae and Myeongdong are hosting temporary J-Pop merch zones all summer long.
Final Thought: It’s a Cultural Bridge, Not a Competition
K-Pop and J-Pop have been neighbors for years — but now, they’re starting to truly share the stage. The fanbases are overlapping. The sounds are mixing. The artists are learning each other’s languages.
And for fans?
It means more music, more shows, more joy.
Whether you stan Hikaru Utada or NewJeans — or both — this new chapter is for everyone.