AKMU's Lee Suhyun to release J-pop remake of 'Blue Coral Reef,' following Taeyeon and Han Roro

Lee Suhyun of AKMU is set to put her own spin on "Blue Coral Reef," a classic hit by Matsuda Seiko, Japan's original national idol.

According to SH Gold Networks, Lee will participate as the third artist in the J-Pop Remake project, releasing "Blue Coral Reef" at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18.

Originally released in 1980, "Blue Coral Reef" is one of the defining works of Japanese pop, beloved for its breezy melody and lyrics capturing the flutter of young love. The song drew renewed attention in both South Korea and Japan after NewJeans member Hanni performed it at the group's fan meeting "Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome" at Tokyo Dome in 2024.

The production company said Lee would bring her own sensibility to the original's refreshing sound through her distinctive vocal color and nuanced expressiveness.

The J-Pop Remake project was conceived by singer and broadcaster Gangnam as a music initiative reimagining celebrated Japanese songs through the lens of Korean artists.

Earlier in the project, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon reinterpreted tuki.'s "Bansan-ka" and singer-songwriter Han Roro put her own stamp on "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," the theme song from "Neon Genesis Evangelion," both to critical acclaim. Taeyeon's music video for "Bansan-ka" also drew attention for featuring Won and Minami of the popular group RESCENE.