NCT's Yuta reveals K-pop's plan to shine beyond borders

Japan's music industry tries to catch up in developing global talent

The globalization of K-pop is no longer aimed at solely promoting South Korean artists. © Seitaro Tanaka Office

MARIKO HIRANO, Nikkei staff writer

January 4, 2022 02:12 JST

TOKYO -- In 2012, Yuta Nakamoto flew from Osaka to Seoul with a one-way ticket and a determination to plunge into K-pop music, which was gaining popularity around the world. The 16-year-old passed an audition held by SM Entertainment, a top South Korean entertainment company representing internationally known pop music artists such as BoA and TVXQ.