Masahiko Kondo’s Iconic Song Becomes a Massive Hit in South Korea

Why “Masahiko Kondo” is doing well even though he was not selected for Kohaku

On November 19, the list of performers for the “75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” to be broadcast on New Year’s Eve was announced. Regarding this year’s “Kohaku,” some media outlets had reported that Masahiko Kondo’s “participation in Kohaku is highly likely” (as quoted), but his name was not on the list of performers.

Recently, his representative song “Gingira Gin ni Sarigenaku” (released in 1981) has become popular in South Korea, and his interactions with juniors on terrestrial television have been well-received, boosting his momentum. However, his reputation on social media doesn’t seem to be as favorable.

The November 12 issue of “Josei Jishin” reported that there were expectations for the legendary singer Akina Nakamori’s participation in “Kohaku.” Furthermore, it was also reported that Kondo, who has deep ties with Nakamori, was considered a likely participant.

“In July 1989, Nakamori attempted suicide at Kondo’s apartment, where they had been dating, and the two went through the infamous ‘golden folding screen press conference’ before breaking up. Later, Kondo married a non-celebrity woman in 1994. The magazine pointed out that Nakamori still carries the ‘trauma of 35 years ago.’

If the two were to appear on ‘Kohaku,’ it would naturally become a topic of discussion. An NHK insider commented within the article that Nakamori might refuse to share the stage with Kondo” (entertainment writer).

Kondo left the former Johnny’s agency at the end of April 2021. The previous November, he had been reported by “Weekly Bunshun” for a five-year extramarital affair with a woman 25 years his junior, leading him to voluntarily suspend his entertainment activities.

However, even after leaving the agency, Kondo continued to hold regular concerts and is supported by a strong fanbase. On his 60th birthday, July 19, this year, he held a commemorative live concert, “Thank you very Match 60th Anniversary 2024.7.19,” at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan. When his national tour started in September, he expressed his desire to appear at this year’s “Kohaku,” saying, “I’ve kept my schedule open” and showing eagerness for his first appearance in nine years.

“Currently, Kondo’s song ‘Gingira Gin ni Sarigenaku’ is reportedly a huge hit in South Korea, and on November 11, he appeared on the music program ‘Korean-Japan Top Ten Show’ broadcast by the South Korean cable network MBN. It was his first appearance on a Korean program since his debut, where he performed this song along with ‘Kejime Nasai’ (released in 1984), energizing the studio” (previously mentioned source).

Also, on July 15, he appeared on the Fuji TV program “Pokapoka,” engaging in a talk with Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda and others, and on the October 10 broadcast of “Downtown DX” on Nippon TV, he appeared with his juniors, such as Toshiya Miyata of Kis-My-Ft2 and Ken Kojima of Ae! group. It seems that Kondo has energetically resumed his activities, as if the scandal over the affair has been forgiven.

Criticisms of Kondo’s past infidelity scandal are being dredged up.

 

However, it seems that the image of the past infidelity scandal is difficult to shake off. Some netizens continue to express critical opinions about Kondo, as it is true that negative feedback has been directed at him for some time. In response to the previously mentioned report by Josei Jishin, several negative comments emerged:

“Sorry to the fans, but has Kondo really been active in a way that makes him deserving of appearing on ‘Kohaku’?”

“Even after five years of infidelity, NHK is still okay with him appearing? Sorry, but I don’t want to see Masahiko Kondo on ‘Kohaku.’ I want to hear Akina-chan’s song.”

“It seems like he hasn’t really reflected on the infidelity issue. I don’t want Match to appear on ‘Kohaku.'”

“He left the agency after the affair, right? I really hope they don’t let him appear on ‘Kohaku.'”

These critical reactions were widespread.

However, when the list of performers for “Kohaku” was revealed on the 19th, Kondo’s name was not on the list, leaving him with a backlash for nothing. This year, veterans such as THE ALFEE, Ko Seto, and Iruka will perform. According to a web article by Nikkan Sports on the same day, NHK’s Nobuhiro Otsuka commented, “The selection criteria have not changed. We selected artists who had significant anniversary and live activities, and whose achievements were prominent.”

Since Kohaku sometimes announces special projects later, it remains unclear whether Kondo or Nakamori will participate until the actual event.

On the other hand, this year, no artists from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT were selected, but the first-time appearance of Number_i, consisting of former King & Prince members Sho Hirano, Yuta Kishi, and Yuta Jinguji (who belong to TOBE led by Hideaki Takizawa), has been confirmed.

The juniors, who have expanded their activities since graduating from the agency, are continuing to make their mark. It is hoped that they will continue their efforts and not be outdone.