Snow Man Hits Korea: Passion Meets Global Ambition
Japan’s powerhouse J-pop group Snow Man is no longer staying in one snowy lane. With their vibrant energy and synchronized flair, the nine-member boy band is stepping onto international stages—and Korea was a meaningful stop on that journey.
A Triple Threat: Music, Variety, Acting
Snow Man is already a chart-dominating force in Japan, with all their full albums hitting million-seller status and sold-out dome tours under their belts. But while each member shines on stage, they’re also showing off their individual talents—from variety shows to blockbuster dramas.
“We’ve had so many experiences in Japan that gave us the confidence to go global,” Meguro Ren shared in a sit-down interview during their Korea visit.
First Encounters and K-Culture Moments
For some members, it was their first real taste of Korea. “It’s actually my first time here,” confessed Fukasawa Tatsuya with a laugh. “Honestly, I came to eat as much han-shik (Korean food) as possible. Any restaurant recs?”
Raul, on the other hand, is practically a local by now. “This is already my fourth visit this year! From shopping to riding a cruise for our YouTube content, I feel like I’m slowly discovering more sides of Korea.”
M Countdown & the ‘KarismaX’ Buzz
The highlight? Appearing on Mnet’s M Countdown, where they performed their punchy single “KarismaX.” The reaction was electric—fans sang along to the hook, and the group soaked in the K-pop-level production values.
“It was our first time on an overseas music show,” said Fukasawa. “Hearing the crowd sing along in Korean? Unreal.”
Raul noted the stark difference: “Japanese shows focus on raw emotion in the moment, but Korean shows perfect the visual vibe—which revealed a new side of us, even to ourselves.”
Why ‘KarismaX’ Sticks
The song itself draws from Japan’s early 2000s ‘para para’ club dance craze—think synchronized hand gestures and infectious beats. “The chorus dance is super simple,” Fukasawa added. “It’s one of those moves anyone can groove to. Watch once and you’ll be doing it too.”
What to Watch: Snow Man’s Must-See Content
If you’re wondering where to dive in, start with their concert recorded at Japan’s National Stadium, now streaming on Netflix. “It’s basically Snow Man’s self-introduction movie,” Meguro said.
For laughs and behind-the-scenes chaos, head to their YouTube channel. “It really shows who we are. Plus, hearing Korean fans say they’ve seen my dramas? That made my day,” he added.
What Makes Snow Man, Snow Man?
It’s the bond, say the members. “We genuinely like each other. Sure, debates can get intense, but that’s because we all care,” said Fukasawa.
Raul chimed in: “We’re balanced by being unbalanced, in the best way. Our members bring wildly different vibes—even during the same song. One goes full charismatic, another flops into cute mode.”
Meguro pointed to their genre versatility: “We do cool, we do quirky, we do it all. That flexibility is our biggest strength.”
Style, Soul, and the Road Ahead
Fukasawa’s current obsession? Vintage fashion. “It’s about the story behind the clothes—like finding paint on a pair of jeans and imagining who wore them last.”
Raul, hailed for his stage presence, credits his evolution to tireless practice. “Freedom on stage only comes from discipline. I’ve trained for the freedom I want.”
He’s also a budding visual artist. “I’m really into photography. No mood board—just raw ideas I trust my photographers to help bring to life.”
As for Meguro, his acting roles are becoming another bridge to fans. “Being recognized for my dramas in Korea blew me away. Acting’s another way to let people know who I am—not just as an artist, but as a person.”
To Their Global Fandom: Say It With Gratitude
As their international pop-up stores launch in Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Osaka, and Tokyo, Snow Man is eager to connect with their worldwide fanbase.
Raul summed it up best: “Fans outside Japan didn’t just stumble onto us—they found us. That means everything.”
Fukasawa, meanwhile, left fans with his favorite new Korean phrase: “Jeongmal baegopayo—I’m so hungry!”
If the group’s journey is a meal, they’re only at the appetizer. Korean fans are eating it up—and the rest of the world might be next on the menu.
