South Koreans show their love for once-taboo Japan pop culture

Concerts, weddings highlight acceptance among older generations as bilateral ties evolve Former SMAP member Takuya Kimura held his first-ever South Korean concert in September. (Photo by Nami Matsuura)

The Details

November 14, 2026 07:29 JST

SEOUL -- At Japanese singer Takuya Kimura's first-ever concert in South Korea this year, he was greeted by shouts of " saranghaeyo " -- "I love you" in Korean.

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