Excitement Builds Among Fans as Winter Sonata Movie Release Approaches

Realized in response to calls for a film adaptation

The drama Winter Sonata, starring Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon (52), known as “Yon-sama,” first aired on NHK BS in Japan in 2003 and sparked a massive boom when it was rebroadcast on terrestrial television in 2004. It has now been reported by South Korean media that a theatrical version of the series will be released in Japan.

According to the article, the decision to produce the film was made due to the 20th anniversary of its first broadcast in Japan in 2023 and the numerous requests from Japanese distribution companies and fans for a film adaptation. Editing is currently underway, with a target release date set for the fall of 2025. Director Yoon Seok-ho, who helmed the original drama, is involved in the entire film production process. The film will be remastered in high-definition 4K, and the original soundtrack (OST) will be rearranged and re-recorded with orchestral versions.

“It’s important to condense it into a film that lasts no more than two and a half hours, so it will likely be a compilation of the entire 20 episodes. While the drama has been rebroadcast numerous times in Japan and fans know the story inside and out, most fans still want to experience the emotions of the story on the big screen. Anticipation for its success is already high before its release,” said a film industry insider.

Choi Ji-woo (49), who played the heroine in the series, appeared in the TBS drama Black Pean Season 2 starring Kazunari Ninomiya (41) in July. She also participated in a stage greeting event for her starring Korean film New Normal on its opening day in Tokyo in August, marking her first visit to Japan in 18 years for movie promotions.

“It’s likely that Ji-woo will participate in related events if the theatrical version of Winter Sonata is released. While fans will be thrilled to see her, what they really want is to see Yon-sama,” the insider added.