Korean-Japanese trot duo Atlantis Kitsune spread their 'vibes' with debut single 'Oh My!'

Korean-Japanese trot duo Atlantis Kitsune released its debut single, “Oh My!” on Friday, marking the start of a rare Korean and Japanese music collaboration.

Trot music duo Atlantis Kitsune members Kim So-hee, left, and Miyu Kanou [NCH ENTERTAINMENT]

Korean-Japanese trot duo Atlantis Kitsune released its debut single, “Oh My!” on Friday, marking the start of a rare Korean and Japanese music collaboration.

Former Korean girl group Nature member Kim So-hee and Japanese music show "Trot Girls Japan" (2023) contestant Miyu Kanou came together to form Atlantis Kitsune under n.CH Entertaiment.

“My fans and family told me that we had similar vibes,” said Kanou in an interview on Tuesday at n.CH Entertainment headquarters in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. “I think they were right, and we are a good pair.”

The two singers first met each other as contestants on the same show.

“We didn’t know we would become a duo at first. It was our company that suggested it to us,” said Kim. “I was already aware of Kanou when we were on 'Trot Girls Japan.' I was eyeing her thinking that I want to get on stage with her sometime.”

Trot music duo Atlantis Kitsune [NCH ENTERTAINMENT]

The two singers complemented each other throughout the interview, showcasing the similar chemistry they showed on the new single. The singers are not fluent in each other’s languages, but the two seemed to have no problem reading each other's body language.

“I feel like we get along quite well,” said Kim.

“It is true that we are not completely fluent in each other's languages,” said Kanou. “But the vibes are enough. When we were livestreaming on social media, the fans pointed out that we look good together. They said that it looks like we respect each other. I think that the synergy we have comes out on stage as well.”

Trot music duo Atlantis Kitsune [N.CH ENTERTAINMENT]

The duo’s debut single “Oh My!” is a remake of the famous 2004 Korean trot song “Eomeona!” by singer Jang Yoon-jung. Kim said that she knew it wouldn’t be an easy task, recreating such a well-known song.

“This is a megahit song,” said Kim. “I was really worried at first. But we thought that if we flipped the song with our colors, we could get a good reaction. We tried to show our energetic side by making the tempo faster, giving the song a K-pop element. There is also a dance break in the middle as well.”

Unlike Kim, this was the first time Kanou had heard the song. “I was initially worried since it was 100 percent trot,” said the singer, recollecting the process of working on “Oh My!”

Trot music duo Atlantis Kitsune [N.CH ENTERTAINMENT]

“But when the new arrangement came through, it was good,” said Kanou. “There is a dance-pop feeling to it as well. I think of it as an updated, 2024 version of ‘Eomeona!’”

“There are not many instances of Korean and Japanese duos coming together,” said Kanou. “Korean culture is very popular in Japan. I think it is a great time to start a Korean and Japanese duo.”

“A lot of people will cheer us on, but some might not like it,” said Kim. “But we want to open up a new world, putting forth a good image. We want to try different genres and things too, such as showing up on Korean and Japanese entertainment TV shows.”

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]