Hanni’s encore performance of “Blue Coral Reef” transcended cultural barriers, earning widespread praise for her talent and respect for Japanese culture. Her performance paid homage to the 1980s era, emulating the style of Seiko Matsuda while infusing her own youthful charm. Hanni’s performance served as a counterpoint to unfounded accusations, highlighting the importance of informed cultural exchange and fostering positive dialogue.
Hanni’s Encore Performance of “Blue Coral Reef” at “THE Summer! THE Live!”
On July 6th, 2024, Hanni, a member of the rising K-pop group NewJeans, captivated audiences with a refreshing and upbeat solo performance of the iconic Japanese song “Blue Coral Reef” on Nippon TV’s “THE Summer! THE Live!”. This performance marked a reprise of her mesmerizing rendition from NewJeans’ “Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome” concert, which had garnered widespread acclaim for its nostalgic charm and Hanni’s captivating stage presence.
Evoking 1980s Nostalgia and Seiko Matsuda’s Legacy
Hanni’s rendition of “Blue Coral Reef” transported the audience back to the vibrant era of the 1980s, reminiscent of Japan’s “bubble economy” period. With her adorable short hair, flared skirt, and retro dance moves, Hanni embodied the essence of Seiko Matsuda, the original singer of “Blue Coral Reef”. Her youthful energy and refreshing vocals perfectly captured the song’s carefree spirit, leaving a lasting impression on the Japanese audience.
Paying Homage to 1980s Performance Styles
Hanni’s dedication to honoring the original performance of “Blue Coral Reef” was evident in her meticulous attention to detail. She reportedly studied the stage mannerisms of 1980s Japanese idols, incorporating elements like the pre-performance bow and the post-performance wave into her own act. This tribute to the era’s performance style further enhanced the nostalgic charm of her rendition.
Emulating Seiko Matsuda’s Signature Moves
Hanni’s admiration for Seiko Matsuda extended beyond her overall stage presence. She even incorporated Matsuda’s signature hair flip move into her performance, demonstrating her deep respect for the original singer and her iconic style. This attention to detail further solidified Hanni’s position as a true interpreter of “Blue Coral Reef”.
Countering Misconceptions and Promoting Positive Discourse
Hanni’s performance of “Blue Coral Reef” on “THE Summer! THE Live!” served as a powerful counterpoint to the recent unfounded accusations of pro-Japanese sentiment leveled against her. Her refreshing performance and genuine appreciation for Japanese culture effectively silenced the critics and highlighted the importance of informed and respectful cultural exchange.
Significant Praise from the Korean Community, theqoo
The positive reception on the Korean community site theqoo holds significant meaning. Just a few days ago, Hanni was attacked on theqoo for being a pro-Japanese collaborator. The reasons for these accusations were twofold: first, Seiko Matsuda had sung the Japanese national anthem, “Kimigayo,” at one point; second, the collaboration between NewJeans and Takashi Murakami, who has been perceived as right-wing due to his emphasis on the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. On the platform In the pann, it was already clarified in another post that these accusations against Hanni were baseless.
Addressing Misconceptions and Emphasizing Cultural Appreciation
It is crucial to note that Hanni’s performance of “Blue Coral Reef” was not merely an imitation; it was a heartfelt tribute to a beloved song and its cultural significance. Her dedication to understanding the background of the song and the era it represents is a testament to her respect for Japanese culture.
The Decline of Anti-Hanni Sentiment
However, just a few days later, those who incited the pro-Japanese accusations against Hanni on theqoo have quieted down. One reason is that the anti-Japanese members on theqoo were overwhelmed by NewJeans’ fan club, Bunnies. This demonstrates that even a community like theqoo, which has been swayed countless times by emotional agitation, possesses a self-regulating capability. In the pann has repeatedly emphasized that Korean K-pop fans should think rationally and not be swayed by emotions. The temporary disappearance of the controversy surrounding Hanni being a pro-Japanese sympathizer on theqoo shows a glimmer of hope.
Here’s a link to theqoo.I appreciate you taking the time to read this post. Please share your thoughts in the comments!
OMG, this is insane! A Vietnamese singer debuting as a K-pop idol and singing a Seiko Matsuda song in Japan… Hanni is truly one of a kind!