A promotional poster for singer-songwriter Hanroro’s Korean-language remake of "A Cruel Angel’s Thesis." Courtesy of KG Company
Nearly three decades after its release, "A Cruel Angel’s Thesis" — the iconic theme song to the legendary anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion" — is getting a fresh, modern rock revival. Korean singer-songwriter Hanroro has been tapped as the second artist for the ongoing "J-POP REMAKE" initiative, with her Korean-language reimagining of the 1995 classic set to drop on July 30 at 6 p.m. Korean time.
The choice of artist feels deliberate.
Hanroro, who clinched Artist of the Year at the 2026 Korean Music Awards, has carved out a distinct niche in the domestic music scene through her poetic songwriting, delicate vocals, and atmospheric modern rock arrangements.
Expectations for the official release are particularly high following a viral live performance at WONDERLIVET 2024, where Hanroro first covered the track. Her ability to retain the grand, explosive energy of Yoko Takahashi’s original while infusing it with her own vulnerable, narrative-driven vocal style sparked an immediate wave of fan requests for a studio version.
