NCT127 is gaining popularity not only in Korea but also in Japan.So what is it about Yuta that makes him so appealing and different from other Hallyu idols? According to the PR who is familiar with the K-POP scene,   “I think the biggest reason for Yuta’s breakthrough is his character. K-POP male idols are attractive because they are manly, even though they are idols. Yuta is manly, but he is Japanese. Unlike Korean men, who are easily recognizable as macho and dependable, Yuta is not a man who talks much, but is more considerate of his friends and quietly protects everyone. For example, he always gives a gift on a member’s birthday, or offers a helping hand at a moment’s notice. In Korea, there are “sasaengs,” or stalker-like fans, and Yuta attracted attention because he was unusually quick to snap at them. He probably wanted to protect the members. On the other hand, Yuta is also funny and cute as only an Osaka native can be. This gap between the two is cute, and he is said to be the most popular member among the members. However, he is stubbornly serious and does not show such a silly side on stage. In this way, Yuta’s charm is not something that can be seen at first glance, and it takes some time. He opened his Instagram page just as his charms were slowly becoming known, so he may have caught fire all at once.”   Another positive aspect of being a Japanese member seems to have been a factor. “Yuta, too, has been a member of the group for several years since its debut. Yuta was a common Korean idol, with a strong K-POP flavor, cute but with cool dance moves. However, at some point, he started to rapidly become like Kyosuke Himuro. His dance was a bit like a rock band, but with a more orthodox dance style. But the dance was orthodox K-POP dance. Such a gap is the reason why other K-POP idols, and it seems to be fresh. His rock view of the world is on full display on his Instagram as well. Yuta is, so to speak, the first Japanese male to make a full-fledged debut in Korea, where anti-Japanese sentiment is strong. It was natural for the agency to be cautious, and it was difficult for him to put forth his Japanese individuality. I believe this has blossomed with the acquisition of a solo stage in Instagram. At the recent Tokyo Dome concert, Yuta was the only one whose solo cut was not shown, and fans complained about it, so there may be more difficulties to come. But judging from the current momentum of his Instagram, Yuta’s popularity will only increase, and will not wane. (An editor of a music magazine) “Looking back, Tomohisa Yamashita and Kento Yamazaki, who are in second and third place in terms of followers, also have a lot of followers on Netflix and Hulu. It is encouraging to see young people who have overcome various disadvantages and are active on a global scale.”