CUTIE STREET Expands Global Fanbase Through South Korean Performances

Photo: ASOBISYSTEM

Japanese idol group CUTIE STREET went on South Korean music shows to promote their songs “Can’t we just be cute? -Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka-” in March and “Pri Kyu Kyu” in June, respectively. The eight-member act, which debuted in Japan in November 2024, used these appearances to expand their reach in the country. Since then, they have officially released Korean versions of those two songs and have completed multiple performances in South Korea, including at their two Korean concerts and at the Weverse Con Festival 2026. Though these performances happened for the South Korean market, these opportunities have also allowed CUTIE STREET to generate interest outside of East Asia. 

Intro to CUTIE STREET 

Consisting of Furusawa Risa, Sano Aika, Itakura Kana, Masuda Ayano, Kawamoto Emiru, Umeda Miyu, Manabe Nagisa, and Sakuraba Haruka, CUTIE STREET debuted on November 13, 2024, as the fourth girl group under Kawaii Lab.. Kawaii Lab. functions as an idol project  created by ASOBISYSTEM, a production company dedicated to Harajuku culture, a fashion style marked by expressive looks that include the French-inspired, doll-like aesthetics of Lolita and vibrant, cute kawaii outfits. 

Prior to the official release of their debut single, “Can’t we just be cute? -Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka-,” CUTIE STREET sold out their first solo concert in October 2024. CUTIE STREET’s bubbly attitude paired with the song’s overwhelmingly cute, poppy sound makes the song catchy and memorable. By that December, the song garnered over 2.9 billion views on TikTok, a platform that would prove integral to their global exposure. ASOBISYSTEM founder Nakagawa Yusuke told Billboard JAPAN in August 2026 that he credits social media for helping CUTIE STREET reach South Korean audiences. 

CUTIE STREET’s Growing Appeal  

It’s usual to see K-Pop artists make Japanese versions of their songs to promote in Japan, but it’s still a rarity to see J-Pop artists adopt the same localization strategies. The increasing consumption of Japanese media in South Korea likely inspired CUTIE STREET to try this approach. According to a report by Genie Music, J-Pop streams grew “30 percent in the first half of [2026] from the same period a year earlier.” Since April, CUTIE STREET has released Korean versions of three of their songs: “Can’t we just be cute? -Kawaii Dakejya Damedesuka-,” “Pri Kyu Kyu,” and “Song of CUTIE STREET.” 

Prior to these official versions, the group performed on M!COUNTDOWN and held its first Korean solo concert in March. CUTIE STREET’s first appearance on Mnet’s M!COUNTDOWN drew more interest further beyond South Korea. The performance’s YouTube upload has earned over 14 million views as of September. According to Nakagawa, that broadcast performance led to increased exposure to unexpected markets in India and North America. 

Prior to CUTIE STREET’s participation in Weverse Con Festival 2026, the group returned to M!COUNTDOWN and also made its first Music Bank appearance for “Pri Kyu Kyu (Korean ver.).” Since the group’s initial time in South Korea, Nakagawa noted that CUTIE STREET's Korean fanbase grew to four times its size in the span between the group’s two Korean concerts, held in March and July, respectively. CUTIE STREET’s unconventional promotional style has seemed to pay off in South Korea, and who knows how far it will go. All that’s certain is that they have accomplished a new feat for J-Pop girl groups.