Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo reunite for “Winter Sonata” anime

Top Hallyu stars Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo will be reuniting as co-stars in the final scene for Japanese animation “Winter Sonata~ Another Story~”, according to a press release by Bae’s agency KEYEAST.

KEYEAST explained that the two actors -- who provided voice-overs for their famous fictional characters in “Another Story~”-- are set to make an actual appearance in the ending scene for the animated version of their hit TV series “Winter Sonata”.

“More Japanese viewers are becoming interested in the animation with every episode,” an executive at the animation production company was quoted as saying. “So the producers and actors agreed to shoot an actual [non-animation] ending scene to repay the viewers for their support of the series.”

“Another Story~” was created with a newly-structured story with many of the cast members from the original TV show lending their voices for the anime characters.

The promotional event for the series made headlines last September when some 50,000 fans showed up at Tokyo Dome to see Bae, Choi and other supporting cast members.

Korean actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo became household names throughout Asia with the success of “Winter Sonata”. Bae, in particular, gained a huge following in Japan and earned the nickname “Yonsama”

“Another Story” currently airs in Japan every Saturday on three channels -- Ch.750 (DATV), Ch. 190 and Ch. 800 (SKY PerfecTV!). The final episode is schedule to air on April 24.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr