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.

 

Police were dispatched to his first visit to Japan

In April 2004, while Winter Sonata was being rebroadcast on NHK’s terrestrial television, Bae Yong-joon, known as “Yon-sama,” made his first visit to Japan, arriving at Haneda Airport for a promotional event for his upcoming film Scandal. Due to the public announcement of his arrival date and location, around 5,000 fans gathered at the airport, causing a panic that required police intervention and resulted in some injuries.

During his second visit to Japan in November of the same year for a photo exhibition and press conference, it was reported that approximately 3,500 fans gathered at Narita Airport. Since his first visit, Bae Yong-joon’s open appearances at events have been referred to as official visits, with his family, as he affectionately calls his fans, welcoming him at the airport with cheers each time.

His popularity in Japan is reflected in his earnings. In 2005, at the peak of his popularity, his annual income converted to Japanese yen was approximately 4.3 billion yen, with 90% of that coming from Japan, which is astonishing. However, he did not squander this wealth; in 2006, he invested 1 billion won to establish a talent agency called KEYEAST in Korea.

Since then, he has focused on his activities as an investor, with his last acting role being in the 2011 Korean drama Dream High. His last official visit to Japan was in October 2013. By 2015, his assets had surpassed 15.2 billion yen, solidifying his status as a businessman, but he sold KEYEAST to the major Korean entertainment agency SM Entertainment (SME) in 2018, reportedly making a substantial profit from the sale. In August 2016, he attended an SME event at Tokyo Dome, suggesting that he was already in negotiations for the sale.

In his private life, he married Park Soo-jin (38), a former member of the idol group Sugar and actress, in July 2015. They have one son and one daughter and are reported to be living comfortably in Hawaii.

“The event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Korean Wave in 2013, which was his last official visit to Japan, was made possible by overwhelming fan votes and the efforts of those involved. Similarly, the production of this theatrical version has come about due to the strong desires of the family in Japan, raising expectations that he will give back to his fans on this significant occasion. Although the 2016 Tokyo Dome event was not an official visit, he was seated in a VIP area and waved back to the audience when introduced. Once the release of the theatrical version is officially confirmed, negotiations will likely begin for his return, so it’s reasonable to be hopeful,” said a television network representative.

The family eagerly awaits the day they can once again see Yon-sama’s smile.

“FRIDAY Digital” welcomes your information and tip-offs. Please send your information to the following information form or to the official X.

Information Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips

Official X: https://twitter.com/FRIDAY_twit