HANRORO makes overseas festival debut at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo

Singer-songwriter HANRORO performed a 30-minute set at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo, marking her first overseas festival appearance. During the performance, she expressed gratitude to Korean fans who traveled to Japan and reflected on performing songs she wrote in a cafe a year ago.

Singer-songwriter HANRORO met local fans in Tokyo, Japan, as she took the stage for her first overseas festival, SUMMER SONIC 2026. In a behind-the-scenes video released ahead of the performance, HANRORO shared her feelings regarding her first overseas festival appearance and reflected on how much she has changed compared to one year ago.

"Songs written in a cafe a year ago are now on stage"… A 30-minute set returning to roots

Ahead of the SUMMER SONIC 2026 stage, HANRORO expressed her excitement, stating, "It feels good because it is my first festival." She specifically recalled spending time a year ago in a neighborhood cafe in Tokyo while writing the book Grapefruit Apricot Club. Reflecting on the fact that the songs she worked on in that cafe are now echoing on a major Japanese festival stage a year later, she said, "It is deeply moving."

The performance consisted of a setlist lasting approximately 30 minutes. "At first, a 30-minute set felt like a lot, but this time the timing and composition are similar, so it feels like I am returning to my roots," HANRORO said. On stage, she performed several of her most famous songs along with tracks designed for the audience to enjoy.

"Thank you to the Korean fans who traveled so far"… Sincerity shared despite nerves

While her stage presence appeared calm as usual, HANRORO spoke candidly about her inner thoughts. Explaining her psychological state on stage, she said, "I get very nervous," but added, "Today, it doesn't seem like the nervousness is lasting long." She also admitted to worrying in advance about how she would perform songs that have received great responses in Korea on a Japanese stage.

In particular, HANRORO did not forget to express gratitude to the Korean fans who attended the venue. "So many Korean fans came all the way to Japan," she said. "Almost all of my personal comments were directed toward the Korean fans. I told them thank you for coming so far and that they are the best." However, she also expressed embarrassment regarding how she kept blinking her eyes and was unable to make eye contact with each person due to being overly nervous.

Surviving Tokyo: From pet stones to leaving work

After finishing her performance, HANRORO shared small daily plans under the theme of "Surviving in Tokyo." Her various ideas for filling her time in Tokyo included playing with a pet stone, going on a picnic in a park, finding good places to cry in Tokyo, playing gacha, and finally, leaving work. She showed interest in activities such as "finding the best dessert" and "visiting record shops," appearing to enjoy her time in Tokyo.

Source: original video (YouTube)