Wisevoter
World

VIBY Releases Korean Versions of Popular Hits

The Japanese group re-recorded HANAMARU and Gotcha to connect with their South Korean fan base.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Pop

Graphic editorial illustration showing two stylized microphones and floating geometric shapes in chrome and purple, evoking international pop music production.
Japanese pop group VIBY has released Korean-language versions of their popular hits HANAMARU and Gotcha, aiming to grow their international fan base. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer listening to international artists in their original language or a translated version?

Japanese pop group VIBY has released Korean-language versions of their hit songs HANAMARU and Gotcha. The move aims to allow the five-member group to approach domestic Korean fans more intimately.

Why it matters

By expanding into the Korean market with re-recorded tracks, the group is capitalizing on their rapid regional success to build a broader international following. This strategy marks a pivot toward direct engagement with a new audience segment following their significant breakthrough in Japan.

VIBY members Io, Renki, Akito, Ryo-ha, and Kotaro rose to prominence after HANAMARU hit number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in May 2026. Their first physical single also reached 5th on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

The players

VIBY

A five-member Japanese pop group that set a record for the shortest period between debut and a performance at the Tokyo Budokan.

Tokyo Budokan

A legendary arena in Japan with approximately 10,000 seats that hosts major concerts and cultural events.

The details

The group re-recorded their existing tracks into the Korean language and distributed them across various music platforms. This release follows a meteoric rise that saw their debut music video surpass 10 million YouTube views.

Timeline

  1. March 2026: VIBY released their first digital single.

  2. May 2026: HANAMARU topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart.

  3. June 2026: VIBY released their first physical single.

  4. August 31, 2026: VIBY held their debut showcase at Tokyo Budokan.

  5. October 26, 2026: VIBY released Korean versions of HANAMARU and Gotcha.

Industry Dynamics

VIBY holds the record for the shortest period for a Japanese artist to perform at the Budokan, underscoring their aggressive ascent within the entertainment industry. Their move into the Korean market reflects a broader trend of Japanese acts seeking to bridge gaps in the regional streaming wars.

Fans in South Korea and abroad can now stream the Korean-language versions of both tracks on major music platforms. This release increases accessibility to the group's discography for non-Japanese speaking listeners.

The takeaway

VIBY continues to leverage their viral momentum to target new geographic markets. Artists looking to replicate this success should prioritize rapid-fire release schedules and multi-language versions of their most popular hits.

Further reading

Explore the latest trends in global Pop to see how artists are expanding their reach.

Live Poll

Do you prefer listening to international artists in their original language or a translated version?