Marriages between Korean men and Japanese women have risen sharply, drawing interest from researchers. The trend shows how pop culture, economics and social attitudes can shape personal choices across borders.

According to Seoul Economic Daily, the number of these marriages grew from 615 in 2022 to 848 in 2023 and reached 1,188 in 2024. Their proportion of all multicultural marriages doubled, moving from 3.5 % to 7 % over the same period.

A Data Ministry official said the popularity of Korean entertainment in Japan, especially on streaming platforms, is believed to be a major factor behind the rise. K‑dramas and K‑pop have created more favorable attitudes toward Korea.

The Bank of Korea reported that South Korea’s per‑capita gross national income overtook Japan’s in 2023 and 2024, at $36,963 compared with Japan’s low $38,000s, before slipping back below Japan in 2025. This narrowing gap is also cited as a driver.

Tokyo Shimbun reported that female membership at Moa Love, a Tokyo matchmaking agency linking Japanese women with Korean men, doubled in a year. About 40 % of its Korean male members use translation apps to deal with language barriers.

Observers also point to gender tensions in South Korea, including the spread of derogatory terms aimed at both men and women, as another element influencing the choice to marry abroad. Together, cultural appeal, economic balance and social factors explain the growing number of Korean‑Japanese marriages.