“Japan is totally swept! The local reaction in Japan has exploded!”
MBN announced on the 15th that they will officially release the digital single of ‘Tears’ sung by Solji to meet the passionate demands of fans. This decision comes after Solji’s performance of ‘Tears’ received rave reviews, with the stage video, shorts, and reels collectively surpassing 3 million views.
Additionally, Lee Su-yeon’s ‘Mangbuseok’ (who led ‘Into the New World’ to over 5 million views) and Azuma Aki’s ‘There is No Other Person Like That’ (which earned high praise from MC Shin Dong-yup) are also confirmed for digital release.
In Japan, the show achieved a feat by ranking 1st in the variety category on TVer, the largest streaming platform, for three consecutive weeks, taking the top spot among approximately 400 programs.
‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Match’ is the world’s only music competition between Korea and Japan, where the TOP7 from Korea’s ‘Active Singer 3’ and the TOP7 from ‘Active Singer-Gahee (Japan Edition)’ produced by Crea Studio face off, representing their respective nations’ pride.
‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Match’ has maintained its position as the absolute leader, ranking 1st among all Tuesday variety programs across terrestrial, general service, and cable channels for five consecutive episodes. Furthermore, in the 5th episode aired on the 12th, Japan staged a thrilling revenge after recording losses for two consecutive years, leaving viewers with goosebumps.
Solji’s ‘Tears,’ performed against Japanese singer Hon Inoue in the 3rd round of the finals, is receiving an explosive response, with combined views for the stage video, shorts, and reels exceeding 3 million. Solji successfully achieved a thrilling revenge by taking down the undefeated Hon Inoue with her irreplaceable high-note performance, hitting consecutive ultra-high notes. This led to the official decision to release the song thanks to the overwhelming support from fans.
Interest is also growing as Azuma Aki’s ‘There is No Other Person Like That,’ praised by MC Shin Dong-yup, and Lee Su-yeon’s ‘Mangbuseok,’ which sparked Korea’s momentum in the 1st round of the finals, are confirmed for release. Azuma Aki impressed everyone by delivering ‘There is No Other Person Like That’ with delicate, deep emotion and perfect Korean. Lee Su-yeon, who garnered over 5 million views for ‘Into the New World’ (including shorts), dominated the atmosphere with a fusion gugak stage featuring a janggu performance for ‘Mangbuseok.’
‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Match’ is showing its power by rewriting the history of Korea-Japan music variety shows, receiving hot responses in both Korea and Japan. It recorded 1st place in the variety category on Japan’s largest streaming platform, TVer, for three consecutive weeks.
The show achieved a phenomenal record by sweeping 1st place among about 400 programs streaming on TVer, proving the intense interest within Japan.
The production team stated, “The songs by Solji, Azuma Aki, and Lee Su-yeon, who led the atmosphere of the 3rd round of the finals with their soul-stirring performances, will be released thanks to the fans’ support. It will be an opportunity to feel that emotion once again.”
The MBN ‘2026 Korea-Japan Singer Match Gala Show,’ featuring the active TOP7 from both Korea and Japan, will air on the 19th.
