The Journey of K-pop Performance ③ Japan…Back to 1998 with first-generation idols S.E.S. - 스포츠경향

In its August 23, 2026 column for Sports Kyunghyang, Leo Kang’s 'The Journey of K-pop Performance' focuses on first-generation girl group S.E.S.’s entry into Japan in 1998. The piece cites a 2021 Asahi Shimbun interview with member Bada to note she regarded the Japan activities as a ‘second debut’ and that S.E.S. experienced greater involvement in production (instrumentation and chorus) there compared with Korea; the column also summarizes how Korean and Japanese idol production and performance systems have influenced each other.