Korean trot group K4 is gearing up for the release of its third Japanese single on December 11, according to their agency, Forest Network, on November 12. This new single arrives just four months after their last release in Korea and eight months since their previous Japanese single, underscoring the group’s steady growth in the Japanese music scene.
The title track, “Love,” features a bossa nova rhythm infused with Latin pop elements, highlighting K4’s unique approach to blending genres. Esteemed Korean music director Oh Joon Sung produced and arranged the song, with lyrics crafted by Lee Kun Woo and guitar contributions from renowned guitarist Park Joo Won. This collaboration has generated excitement for a track that promises to deliver fresh energy to fans of both K4 and the trot genre.
To mark the release, K4 will engage with Japanese fans through a series of planned concerts and fan meetings, allowing them to build on the momentum they achieved earlier this year. Their February release, “Snow Flower,” captured the top spot on Japan’s largest cable broadcasting chart, USEN, for three consecutive weeks, establishing their popularity among Japanese listeners.
Formed by producer Oh Joon Sung, K4’s name combines “Knight” and the number four, symbolizing the four members—Oh Ju Ju, Kim Hyun Min, Cho Joon, and Ryu Phillip—as musical warriors. Since their debut in September 2022, the group has gained attention for their innovative take on trot, one of Korea’s traditional pop music genres, and for their cross-cultural appeal.
Following their debut, K4 quickly expanded their reach, releasing multiple albums in both Korea and Japan, which included songs that successfully fused traditional trot with modern musical styles. The group recently held their first solo concert in Tokyo’s Chiyoda district at Tokyo FM Hall on November 13, where they played to a full house for two consecutive shows, demonstrating their increasing demand among Japanese fans.
With their latest single and upcoming concerts, K4 aims to deepen their connection with international audiences. Their agency has hinted at a setlist that combines their biggest hits with fresh tracks, promising fans a memorable live experience that bridges Korean trot with global sounds.
As Trot continues to evolve with younger audiences, K4’s international success represents a broader trend of traditional Korean genres finding new life and reaching diverse listeners. Forest Network shared that the group is committed to exploring unique sounds and engaging with fans both in Korea and abroad, aiming to become a “global ambassador” for the modern trot.
The group’s latest single, “Love,” will be available for streaming and purchase on December 11, with plans for an extended concert tour in Japan that could see the group visiting multiple cities throughout 2024.
Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com
