Min Hee Jin reveals she knew that Hanni's "Blue Coral Reef" performance at the Tokyo Dome would go viral

AKP STAFF

n.news.naver.com

On June 26 and 27, NewJeans member Hanni created a sensation with her solo performance at their first Tokyo Dome concert, going viral in Japan and Korea.

Hanni's flawless rendition of the legendary Japanese Showa-era (1926-1989) singer Seiko Matsuda's classic hit "Blue Coral Reef" (1980) instantly went viral.

Hanni's performance of "Blue Coral Reef" was so loved by Japanese fans because she beautifully captured the song's nostalgic and soothing melody, evoking the timeless charm and emotional connection that have made the original a classic since its release in 1977. By paying homage to Saori Minami's beloved hit, Hanni bridged generations, resonating with both longtime admirers of the original and new listeners

This concert marked the shortest time in K-pop history for a group to have a concert at the Tokyo Dome. Each NewJeans member covered hit songs by Japanese artists in their solo stages, including Minji's rendition of Vaundy's "Odoriko" and Hyein's cover of Mariya Takeuchi's "Plastic Love," which were met with enthusiastic responses. These song selections and performances were personally curated and directed by Min Hee Jin, the head of ADOR and NewJeans' dedicated producer.

On July 2, Min Hee Jin commented, "I had anticipated such a reaction. However, I was really surprised that the crowd used the cheer for Seiko Matsuda." Typically, the head of a music agency does not personally direct solo concerts or fan meetings nor select specific setlists. However, Min Hee Jin explained, "I oversaw and planned the entire production for this Tokyo Dome concert. My concept for the fan meeting was to create content that would genuinely satisfy the fans. I aimed to make the whole event feel like a festival that people of all ages could enjoy, harmonizing DJ sets by producer 250 and live band arrangements."

Min Hee Jin attributed the popularity of Hanni's "Blue Coral Reef" stage to the "unexpected catharsis (sense of emotional fulfillment and nostalgia)" experienced by the audience. She believed that the solo stages were designed to showcase the members' unique charms distinct from their usual performances. She explained "Given that this was our first showcase-like fan meeting in Japan, I felt a strong impression was necessary. I love surprise events and thought it would be fun to create an atmosphere not seen in contemporary groups. 'Blue Coral Reef' by Seiko Matsuda came to mind immediately in that regard. I anticipated that the catharsis of encountering an unexpected song on such a grand stage as Tokyo Dome would be immense."

Min Hee Jin also noted, "More importantly, I thought Hanni's image would blend perfectly with 'Blue Coral Reef.' I believed it would also strike a balance with the solo songs chosen by the other members, appealing to both the old and new generations in Japan."

Indeed, during the Tokyo Dome concert, many in the audience commented on how perfectly Hanni's image matched "Blue Coral Reef." Hanni's recreation of Seiko Matsuda's iconic stage style, complete with a bob wig, A-line skirt, and striped T-shirt reminiscent of a seaside outfit, received rave reviews. However, Min Hee Jin emphasized, "The focus wasn't simply on exact replication but on reflecting Seiko Matsuda's symbolic features while reinterpreting them in a style that suited Hanni."

Min Hee Jin further praised Hanni's exceptional talent stating, "The overwhelming response was due to Hanni's ability to fully embody and deliver the song." "Blue Coral Reef" is notoriously challenging to cover, requiring a delicate balance to maintain Seiko Matsuda's refreshing tone and the song's bright, lively summer atmosphere. Many Japanese idols have attempted and failed to meet these demands, often receiving harsh criticism. Hanni's Tokyo Dome performance, shared widely on social media, garnered comments such as "the best Seiko Matsuda cover I've ever seen" and "a very difficult song, but she nailed it," reflecting the high praise from Japanese fans.

Min Hee Jin concluded, "I believe the enthusiastic response was possible because Hanni completely internalized and understood the song. On the first day, she had to run due to the stage layout while singing, and I was impressed by her attention to detail. She's a naturally gifted artist. In fact, all the NewJeans members are incredibly talented and smart. I'm thrilled as a producer to have had the opportunity to showcase their unique talents in front of an audience of 91,000. I want to extend endless praise and encouragement to our members for their performance on such a large stage."

Min Hee Jin and the NewJeans members are preparing for a world tour next year, aiming to expand their concert reach beyond Korea and Japan to other countries. Min Hee Jin shared, "I wanted to bring a sense of freshness to those who couldn't attend the concert by respecting the cultural aspects of each country we perform in, and I'm glad it's becoming a reality. For the upcoming world tour planned for next year, we're designing special stages that match the unique characteristics of each country and city, so we ask for your continued interest and support."