K-pop groups singing songs for anime is a smart move. It helps K-pop get even more popular in Japan and around the world. Japan has one of the biggest music markets globally. Longtime K-pop stars like BoA and TVXQ and newer groups like Stray Kids and TXT have made anime songs that fans love.
Lately, more Korean webcomics and graphic novels have been turned into anime. This shows the anime and K-Pop worlds connecting more. Since both are big entertainment exports for Korea and Japan, it makes sense for them to team up. Fans get super excited when their favorite K-pop singer does a song for a hot new anime.
This crossover between Korean artists and anime soundtracks has opened up new ways for singers to be a part of anime. So let’s check out some Popular anime openings by kpop groups.
Anime Openings by Kpop Groups
1. BoA – Every Heart (Inuyasha)
BoA is widely recognized as a trailblazer who played a significant role in bringing K-Pop to its current level of excitement. With her remarkable success in the Japanese music market, she made history as the first Korean artist to dominate the Japanese music charts.
Adding to her impressive repertoire, BoA’s soulful ballad song, produced by SM Entertainment, beautifully graces the ending of the beloved anime series Inuyasha. The emotional and captivating melody perfectly complements the heartfelt moments of the show, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
2. Younha – Houkiboshi (Bleach)
Following in the footsteps of BoA, another talented solo singer who has achieved great success in Japan is Younha. With her captivating music and unique style, she has carved a successful music career in the Japanese industry.
One of Younha’s notable contributions is her song “Houkiboshi,” which beautifully serves as the ending theme for the popular shounen anime series Bleach.
3. Younha – Hakanaku Tsuyoku (Kiba)
Younha, the talented singer, has once again graced the anime world with her captivating voice. This time, she lent her vocal talents to the second opening theme song of the anime “Kiba.”
4. TVXQ – Share the World (One Piece)
The collaboration between One Piece and TVXQ has proven to be a brilliant decision by TOEI Animation. One Piece, an exciting adventure and fantasy anime, follows the epic journey of Monkey D. Luffy as he aspires to become the Pirate King.
In this remarkable partnership, TVXQ not only provided a captivating remix of the iconic first One Piece opening theme, “We Are!” but also wowed fans with their powerful performance of the eleventh opening theme, “Share The World!” from their 27th Japanese single album of the same name.
5. TVXQ – Asu Wa Kuru Kara (One Piece)
In addition to their outstanding contributions to the opening themes, TVXQ made their mark on One Piece by lending their talent to the 17th-ending song.
6. J-Min – Change (Hanasakeru Seishounen)
In 2009, the talented soloist J-Min made a mark in the anime world with her single “Change,” which became the opening theme for the anime series “Hanasakeru Seishounen.” The anime follows the story of a wealthy businessman’s daughter tasked with choosing her future husband from three candidates handpicked by her father.
Although J-Min is originally from Korea, she first debuted in Japan in 2007 before eventually releasing music in her home country a few years later. Besides her successful music career, she also contributed her melodious voice to several Korean drama soundtracks, showcasing her versatile talent in the music and entertainment.
7. MBLAQ – Baby U! (Beelzebub)
MBLAQ began its journey as a promising five-member group under the guidance of J. Tune Camp, which was established by the renowned Korean artist Rain.
In 2011, MBLAQ made its mark in the anime world with its second Japanese single, “Baby U!,” which became the fourth opening theme for “Beelzebub.”
The anime revolves around Tatsumi Oga, a mischievous junior high school student who stumbles upon a peculiar green-haired baby with mysterious connections to a powerful demon lord. The story takes us on a thrilling, humorous adventure filled with supernatural elements and comedic twists.
8. CNBlue – In My Head (Supernatural: The Animation)
CNBlue stands out as a rock band rather than a traditional boy band, even though they are sometimes categorized as K-Pop idols due to their Korean music industry roots.
Led by the talented Jung Yong-hwa, CNBlue made their mark in the anime world by performing the ending song for “Supernatural: The Animation,” an anime adaptation of the famous American series centered around the adventures of the Winchester brothers.
The anime takes viewers on thrilling supernatural journeys, exploring themes of mystery, action, and brotherly bonds. With CNBlue’s musical contribution, the ending song perfectly complements the gripping storyline of the anime.
9. 2PM – Take Off (Blue Exorcist)
A talented boy band from the renowned JYP agency had the exciting opportunity to perform the ending song for the anime “Blue Exorcist.”
This famous anime follows the story of Rin Okumura, a young boy who discovers he is the son of Satan and must navigate between his demonic heritage and his desire to become an exorcist. The boy band’s captivating performance added a special touch to the anime’s conclusion, immersing fans in the world of “Blue Exorcist.”
10. FT Island – Neverland (OZMA)
“OZMA” is an anime set in a fascinating post-apocalyptic world where Earth has transformed into a vast and arid desert.
In 2012, FT Island, a trailblazing idol band with a distinct rock band style infused with K-Pop visual elements, provided the captivating opening theme for “OZMA.” Their seventh Japanese single, titled “Neverland,” perfectly complemented the anime’s intriguing storyline, capturing music and anime enthusiasts’ attention.
11. TRAX – Blaze Away (Eyeshield 21)
Like CNBlue and FT Island, TRAX is another remarkable Korean rock band that has made its mark in the anime world by lending its talent to the popular sports anime, “Eyeshield 21.” TRAX had the honor of providing the ending songs for this thrilling anime series, adding their unique musical flair to the exciting adventures of the football team.
Their powerful and captivating music resonated with fans of both anime and rock alike, making their contributions to “Eyeshield 21” all the more memorable.
12. Secret – Twinkle Twinkle
This song became the spin-off’s first ending, Naruto Shippuden: Rock Lee Go.
13. Boyfriend – Hitomi no Melody (Detective Conan)
Boyfriend, a talented boy band under Starship Entertainment, captured hearts when they debuted in 2011. What makes them truly unique is that they are the first boy band ever to have twin members, setting them apart in the K-Pop industry.
Anime fans got to experience the magic of Boyfriend’s music when they lent their voices to the ending theme song for the beloved anime series “Detective Conan.” Their melodic and soulful rendition added charm to the anime’s captivating storyline, making it a delightful treat for both Boyfriend’s fans and Detective Conan enthusiasts.
14. BoA – Masayume Chasing (Fairy Tail)
For over a decade and with an impressive three hundred episodes, Fairy Tail has become one of the most beloved fantasy anime of the past twenty years. Adding to its charm, the anime features the incredible vocal talent of BoA, often hailed as the queen of K-Pop, who lent her enchanting voice to the fifteenth opening theme song “Masayume Chasing.”
BoA’s influence in the Japanese music scene is unparalleled, as she is considered a trailblazer for K-Pop artists breaking into the Japanese market.
Her journey in the music industry began at the tender age of thirteen in the year 2000, and she has since become an icon, leaving a lasting impact with over twenty albums released in Korean, Japanese, and English. BoA remains one of South Korea’s most revered and iconic pop stars, leaving a lasting legacy that resonates with fans worldwide.
15. Apink – Brand New Days (Rilu Rilu Fairilu)
Rilu Rilu Fairilu is a delightful fantasy anime brought to life through the collaboration of Sanrio and Sega. The enchanting series revolves around a charming group of fairies called Fairilus, who embark on thrilling adventures in the human world.
Adding to the show’s captivating vibe, the opening theme for the first season is “Brand New Days,” a lively track performed by Apink. This six-member girl group is celebrated for their infectious bubblegum pop and synth-pop style, making them a perfect fit for the whimsical atmosphere of Rilu Rilu Fairilu.
16. OH MY GIRL – Eternalism (Kekkai Sensen)
Kekkai Sensen is a supernatural comedy action anime created by creator Trigun and adapted by female anime director Rie Matsumoto.
The song OH MY GIRL appears as an insert song in one of the episodes Kekkai Sensen.
17. Treasure – Beautiful (Black Clover)
Treasure is a South Korean boy group formed by YG Entertainment through the survival program “YG Treasure Box.” With 12 members, this boy group will debut in 2020.
Treasure is believed to perform the anime’s 13th ending song, Black Clover.
18. Dreamcatcher – Eclipse (King’s Raid: Successors of the Will)
King’s Raid: Successors of the Will is an anime adaptation of a mobile RPG video game developed by South Korean indie game developer Vespa Interactive.
Dreamcatcher, which debuted in 2014, is providing the song for the anime.
19. Kim Jaejoon – Breaking Down (Noblesse)
Initially a Korean webtoon, Noblesse tells the story of Raizel, a long-lived nobleman who must learn to adapt to the modern world after a long sleep.
Former TVXQ member Kim Jaejoong performed “Breaking Dawn,” the opening theme for the show’s only season. Jaejoong is known for his contributions to OSTs for Korean and Japanese dramas and films and has dabbled in acting several times.
20. TXT – Everlasting Shine (Black Clover)
Coming from the same agency that produced K-Pop giant BTS, TXT has proven worthy of a new generation of K-Pop.
After their successful Japanese debut, TXT was selected as the performer for “Everlasting Shine”, the twelfth opening theme of Black Clover.
This anime follows Asta and Yuno, two orphans growing up in the magical Clover Kingdom who wish to compete for the title of Wizard King.
21. TXT – FORCE (World Trigger)
World Triggers is a sci-fi action anime about an invasion of mysterious creatures from another world.
TXT performed the opening song for the second season of World Triggers with the single titled “Force.”
22. Stray Kids – Top (Tower of God)
Tower of God follows Bam, a boy with only one friend named Rachel, who went missing after entering a mysterious tower. The anime adaptation of the webtoon premiered in early 2020.
The anime’s opening theme song, “Top,” is performed by Stray Kids. This eight-member boy band makes waves as one of K-Pop’s most prominent fourth-generation artist groups.
23. Stray Kids – Slump (Tower of God)
Apart from the opening earlier, Stray Kids performed the closing song Tower of God.
24. Enhypen – Forget me not (Re-Main)
Re-Play is a thrilling sports anime centered around the intense world of water polo, and it follows the journey of a gifted young athlete named Minato Kiyomizu.
Adding to the excitement of the anime is the opening theme, beautifully performed by ENHYPEN. The talented boy band was brought together through the captivating survival show “I-Land” on Mnet in 2020 under the guidance of BELIFT LAB.
25. Cix – Win (God of High School)
The God of High School is an exciting anime based on a Korean web manhwa, filled with supernatural action and martial arts. The story revolves around the skilled martial artist Jin Mo-Ri, entangled in a thrilling cross-country tournament.
Adding to the anime’s charm is the ending theme, beautifully brought to life by the talented boy group CIX. Formerly known as C9BOYZ, CIX debuted in 2019 and is signed under the C9 Entertainment agency.
26. ATEEZ – Dreamers (Digimon Adventure)
