K-pop groups are once again set to captivate audiences at Japan’s iconic year-end music show, NHK’s ‘Kōhaku Uta Gassen’. This year, the lineup includes notable acts such as Tomorrow X Together (TXT), TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, and ILY:1, promising a spectacular display of talent and performance.
NHK announced on the 19th that TXT, TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, and ILY:1 would be part of this year’s lineup. For TWICE, this marks their fifth appearance, while LE SSERAFIM will perform for the third time. Meanwhile, ILY:1 and TXT will be making their debut at the festival, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Celebrating its 75th edition, ‘Kōhaku Uta Gassen’ is a time-honored tradition occurring every December 31st, where artists are divided into female (Red Team) and male (White Team) groups to compete in a singing battle. Participation in this event is a testament to an artist’s popularity and recognition in Japan.
Last year’s show featured performances from Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, NiziU, and TWICE’s unit group MISAMO, showcasing the global reach and appeal of K-pop.
On November 21st, ILY:1 held a showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul to celebrate the release of their second mini-album, ‘I’LL LIKE YOU’. The title track, ‘Cherish’, highlights the group’s honest and bold charm, with a catchy chorus and the members’ clear vocals shining in this dance-pop genre.
For ILY:1 and TXT, this year’s ‘Kōhaku Uta Gassen’ is an exciting first. Both groups expressed their enthusiasm during a press conference held at NHK Broadcasting Center in Tokyo. TXT shared, “It is an honor to be part of ‘Kōhaku Uta Gassen’. Performing on this stage has been a dream, and we are thrilled to present a memorable performance that fits the spirit of the last day of 2024.” ILY:1 echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We are honored to perform on such a grand stage in our debut year. We look forward to delivering an energetic performance that fans can enjoy.”
Additionally, the 11-member group JO1, formed through the joint Japan-South Korea audition program ‘Produce 101 Japan’ and managed by LAPONE Entertainment, is scheduled to perform for the third time. The 11-member girl group ME:1, also from LAPONE, will take the stage for the first time. ME:1’s Momona expressed her excitement, saying, “Performing at ‘Kōhaku Uta Gassen’ just a year after our debut is incredibly significant, and we feel that something truly remarkable is happening.”
As anticipation builds for this prestigious event, fans are eager to see how these K-pop groups will captivate the audience with their unique styles and powerful performances. The festival not only spotlights the immense talent within the K-pop industry but also continues to strengthen cultural ties between Japan and Korea. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of K-pop as the year comes to a close.
This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.