What is JK-POP? Explanation of meanings and definitions | Introducing the differences between J-POP and K-POP and representative groups

JK-POPとは?意味・定義を解説|J-POP・K-POPとの違いや代表グループも紹介

Have you ever wondered, "Is this group J-POP or K-POP?"

In recent years, the number of idol groups based in Japan but also active in Korea, such as JO1, INI, NiziU, and ME:I, has increased, and the term "JK-POP" has also started to attract attention.

On the other hand, even if many people have heard of the term "JK-POP," many may not know exactly what genre it refers to.👀

So this time,Meaning and definition of JK-POP, featured JK-POP groupsWe will introduce you to📚

Also, weBirthdayJAPAN is Oshi Advertising® (Birthday/ Support advertising) is an advertising agency that specializes in📢

In the second half of the article,JK-POP group's favorite advertisement® (Birthday/Support Advertisement) Also introduces case studiesSo please check it out.

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What is JK-POP? Easy-to-understand explanation of meanings and definitions

 

In recent years, the term "JK-POP" has been appearing on SNS and the media.

From here on,About the meaning and definition of the word "JK-POP" and the difference between J-POP and K-POPI will introduce it in an easy-to-understand manner.✨

JK-POP is a word that combines "J-POP" and "K-POP"

“JK-POP” isA coined word that combines "J-POP" to represent Japanese popular music and "K-POP" to represent Korean popular music.It is.

However,The meaning of the term JK-POP is not clearly defined at this time.

Generally, "JK-POP" isA term used to refer to idol groups that incorporate the charms of J-POP and K-POP.It seems that it is often used as

Although this does not apply to all groups, the following trends can be seen in the group called "JK-POP"👇

  • ✅The group is mainly composed of Japanese members, and while its main base of activities is Japan, it also conducts activities in South Korea.
  • ✅Constantly releasing Korean songs
  • ✅They made their debut through a Korean-style audition program and training system.
  • ✅Has ties to Korean entertainment agencies and production systems with Korean roots.

The appeal of the idol group called JK-POP is that they value songs in Japanese and Japanese fan culture, while also incorporating "K-POP characteristics."It is.

Isn't it one of the best parts of supporting JK-POP groups that you can enjoy the differences in facial expressions, performances, and styling between Japanese and Korean groups?💐

When did JK-POP start being used?

It is unclear exactly when the term "JK-POP" began to be used.

However,In 2018, the term "JK-POP" was already being used in the media.。

(*Source: Modern Business ““PRODUCE 48” may become the birthplace of “JK-POP”」)

The article featured ``PRODUCE 48,'' a Japan-Korea joint audition program that aired in the same year.

From "PRODUCE 48", the Japanese-Korean 12-member girl group IZ*ONE was born.Fusion of Japanese and Korean idol culturehas attracted a lot of attention.

After that,“JO1” was born from the audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN” broadcast in 2019.I will.

At that time, JO1 was sometimes described as ``like a hybrid of J-POP and K-POP'' on social media., the expression "JK-POP" has started to be seen among fans.

After that, the word "JK-POP" gradually spread from around 2020 as the number of groups that have both Japanese and Korean charms increased.-A new genre that combines POP and K-POPIt is thought that it came to be used as

Compare the differences between JK-POP and J-POP/K-POP

For those who are wondering, "What is the difference between JK-POP and J-POP/K-POP?", let's briefly compare the characteristics of each.👀

hereTake as an example a tendency often seen in the group called JK-POP., organizes the differences between J-POP and K-POP📚

Formation/development Activity base
J-POP Formed and nurtured in Japan Mainly activities within Japan
K-POP Formed and trained in Korea Based in Korea, active both domestically and internationally
JK-POP ・Often formed in Japan with mainly Japanese members
・There are cases where they are involved with Korean entertainment agencies, agencies with Korean roots, and production systems, and incorporate Korean-style training systems and Korean language lessons.
Based in Japan, actively working overseas including South Korea

Even though they are a Japanese group, JK-POP's distinctive feature is that Korean know-how is strongly reflected in their training system and performance style.

In fact, some groups have released Korean versions of their songs and appeared on Korean music programs, and the spread of their activities beyond Japan is a unique appeal of JK-POP.♪

Introducing 7 JK-POP groups that are attracting attention!

From here, we will introduce 7 groups that are attracting attention, who have both the charm of J-POP and K-POP!

In addition, in this article, based on the characteristics summarized in the previous chapter,

A group whose main activity base is Japan, but which incorporates K-POP's unique musicality, training, production, and performance methods, and has a track record of activities in South Korea.

has been selected as a "JK-POP group"✨

JO1

  • Agency: LAPONE Entertainment
  • Debut date: March 4, 2020

JO1 isBorn from "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN," which was broadcast as the Japanese version of the popular Korean audition program series "PRODUCE 101."It's a boy group.

It belongs to LAPONE Entertainment, which was jointly established by Japan's Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co., Ltd. and South Korea's CJ ENM Co., Ltd.

JO1, which debuted in 2020 and has paved the way as a global boy group from Japan, is an indispensable presence when talking about JK-POP.🎶

JO1 appeared on a Korean music program for the first time in September 2023, and has continued to perform in Korea frequently since then.

In April 2025, they appeared on a Korean music program with the title song "BE CLASSIC" from their best album "BE CLASSIC" and showed their presence on the Korean stage.

In September 2026, it has been decided that the performance “JO1DER SHOW 2026 ‘EIEN’ LIMITED EDITION IN SEOUL” will be held in Seoul, South Korea.

NiziU

 

  • Agency: JYP Entertainment
  • Debut date: December 2, 2020

NiziU is a girl group that debuted through the Japan-Korea joint audition "Nizi Project" held by Japan's Sony Music and South Korea's JYP Entertainment.

In October 2023, NiziU released his first Korean single album “Press Play” and made his debut in Korea.🎉

They won first place on the music program "SHOW CHAMPION" just 9 days after their Korean debut, creating a huge buzz.

Furthermore, in March 2025, she will release her second Korean single album "LOVE LINE", making her comeback in Korea for the first time in about 1 year and 5 months!

In April of the same year, they won 1st place for the second time in "SHOW CHAMPION".

INI

  • Agency: LAPONE Entertainment
  • Debut date: November 3, 2021

INI is a boy group that was born from "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2", the second installment of the "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN" series.

Like JO1, they belong to LAPONE Entertainment.

INI appeared on “Inkigayo” in October 2023, marking their first appearance on a Korean terrestrial TV program.

In the 8th single "PULSE" released in April 2026, the Korean version of the title song "All 4 U" was also performed,

He has appeared on several Korean music programs such as ``M COUNTDOWN,'' ``Music Bank,'' and ``SHOW CHAMPION.''

&TEAM

  • Agency: YX LABELS
  • Debut date: December 7, 2022

&TEAM is the first project by HYBE, to which BTS belongs, as a global group originating from Japan.

While based in Japan, we are developing activities across Japan and Korea, such as appearing on programs in Korea and distributing Korean content.

Since their debut, they have appeared on popular Korean YouTube content and have been active in their Korean activities.

In October 2025, he will release his first Korean mini album “Back to Life” and officially make his debut in Korea!

In addition, they have been engaged in activities aimed at Korean fans, such as releasing a Korean version of the song in conjunction with the release of the song in Japan and performing it on a Korean music program.

In addition, they are scheduled to release their second Korean mini album "Mark on Me" in September 2026, and to hold a concert at the KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Stadium) in Seoul, South Korea in October.

DXTEEN

  • Agency: LAPONE Entertainment
  • Debut date: May 10, 2023

DXTEEN is the third boy group under LAPONE Entertainment and the first to debut in two years since INI.

All members are Japanese.

There is also an episode that before her debut, she stayed in Korea for about a year and took singing and dancing lessons.🌱

In August 2023, he appeared on "M COUNTDOWN", making his first appearance on a Korean music program just three months after his debut.

Furthermore, in May 2025, he will appear on 6 popular Korean music programs with his 5th single “Tick-Tack”.✨

With their consecutive appearances, which is unusual for a Japanese group, they also appealed to local fans.

ME:I

 

  • Agency: LAPONE GIRLS
  • Debut date: April 17, 2024

ME:I is a girl group that was born through "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS," which was broadcast in 2023 as the first female version of the "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN" series.

LAPONE Entertainment, which has produced JO1 and INI, has newly established a company specializing in the development of girl groups.The first artist of LAPONE GIRLSI am active as🌷

In April 2024, just before his debut, he appeared on "M COUNTDOWN" and performed the Korean version of his debut song "Click".📺

In April 2025, we carried out promotions in Korea with the help of our 3rd single “MUSE”.✨

IS:SUE

 

  • Agency: LAPONE GIRLS
  • Debut date: June 19, 2024

IS:SUE is a girl group formed by the four finalists of "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS".

They belong to LAPONE GIRLS, the same as ME:I, and are also the first derivative group from "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS".💎

In June 2024, he made his first appearance on the Korean music program "M COUNTDOWN" and performed the lead song "CONNECT (Korean Ver.)" from his debut single "1st IS:SUE".

In addition, they have been active in Korea and overseas since shortly after their debut, such as appearing on "KCON JAPAN" and "KCON LA."

In January 2026, “Phase (Korean Ver.)” was distributed, and the same song appeared on a Korean music program.🎶

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He is a familiar figure to JK-POP fans and fans of audition programs.💡

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JK-POP group's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

BirthdayJAPAN has so far promoted many JK-POP groups' advertisements (Birthday/Support Advertisement) We have supported posting🎉

Here,The recommended advertisement of the JK-POP group introduced this time (Birthday/support advertisement) exampleWe will introduce and pick up the following.💌

JO1's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

Aoi Kinjo [2026]

Shoya Kimata [2024]

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NiziU's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

AYAKA [2026]

MAYA [2026]

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INI's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

Seiya Kimura [2025]

Yudai Sano [2024]

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&TEAM's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

NICHOLAS [2026]

&TEAM [2025]

&TEAM's recommended advertisement (BirthdayAdvertisement/Support Advertisement) Examples
&TEAM's recommended advertisement (BirthdayAdvertisement/Support Advertisement) Examples

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DXTEEN's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

Haru Okubo [2026]

DTEEN Haru Okubo

(*Photo provided by the project owner)

DXTEEN [2024]

DXTEEN's recommended advertising example

(*Photo provided by the project owner)

Other examples are also published in the summary article below.🔍

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ME:I's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

AYANE [2026]

TSUZUMI [2026]

ME:I TSUZUMI's recommended advertisement (BirthdayAdvertisement/Support Advertisement) Examples
ME:I TSUZUMI's recommended advertisement (BirthdayAdvertisement/Support Advertisement) Examples

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IS:SUE's recommended advertisement (Birthday/support advertisement) example

NANO・RINO [2024]

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Frequently asked questions about JK-POP

What exactly does the word JK-POP mean?
JK-POP is a coined word that combines Japanese "J-POP" and Korean "K-POP". The term is sometimes used to refer to Japanese-based idol groups that incorporate elements of K-POP. Although there is no clear definition, it is widely used as a name that combines the musical and cultural elements of both countries.
What is the difference between JK-POP, J-POP, and K-POP?
While many J-POP groups are formed and nurtured in Japan and mainly perform their activities within Japan, K-POP groups are generally formed and cultivated within South Korea and are based in South Korea, where they conduct their activities both domestically and internationally. Although JK-POP was formed in Japan, it is characterized by its involvement with Korean entertainment agencies and production systems, and in some cases incorporating Korean-style training systems and performance methods. Another feature is that there are many groups based in Japan but active overseas, including South Korea.
What kind of JK-POP groups are currently attracting attention?
JK-POP groups that are currently attracting attention include JO1, NiziU, INI, &TEAM, DXTEEN, ME:I, and IS:SUE. These groups are enlivening the JK-POP scene in a variety of ways, such as being born from K-POP-style audition shows, performing Korean versions of their songs, and working between Japan and Korea.

Summary

This time, we introduced the meaning and definition of "JK-POP", the difference between J-POP and K-POP, and 7 JK-POP groups that are attracting attention.💌

The term "JK-POP" does not have a clear definition.

However, in recent years, an increasing number of Japanese groups are attracting fans both domestically and internationally with their music and performances that incorporate K-Pop elements.✨

Fans will be happy to see not only their activities in Japan, but also the fact that they perform songs in Korean, appear in Korean content, and see styling that is a little different from Japan.🎶

Please use this article as an opportunity to find a JK-POP group that interests you or a new “favorite group”.💖

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