Asia's heartthrob Bae Yong-joon visited Japan last month to promote his latest TV drama "The Legend" ( "Taewangsashingi" - "The Four Guardian Gods of the King"). Since the premiere of the movie "April Snow" three years ago, it was his first official visit to the country where he is affectionately known as "Yonsama".
Bae and other co-stars participated in the premium event held in Osaka on June 1, attracting more than 35,000 people and keen interest from the Japanese media.
The epic blockbuster drama, aired by Japanese public broadcaster NHK, is about the life of the King Gwanggyeto of the Goguryeo Dynasty (37 B.C.-A.D. 68). While King Gwanggyeto is considered the most charismatic conqueror controlling neighboring territories in Korean history, Bae played the king with a soft side.
Bae made an opening remark in Japanese, saying "It's good to see you Japanese, who are like a family to me. It's been a long time. I'm here to introduce my new drama to you. You've always been sincere supporters".
The three-hour event opened with actors appearing on the stage dressed in the clothes they wore in the drama. Several martial actors performed fighting scenes and Hisaishi Jo, a legendary Japanese composer who directed the music of the drama, led the Osaka Century Orchestra, performing four original songs.
On the next day, over 300 journalists from around the world attended the official press conference at NHK Media Center in Tokyo, exemplifying Bae's star power in Japan and other Asian countries.
"I think the drama is about sincerity of people and their love. I played a character who has a power but can communicate with anyone and become a friend. I think this kind of leadership is what we require today", Bae said.
"Because of injuries during the shooting, Bae couldn't even walk before the completion of the drama. We once considered giving up the ending scene, but he didn't. I have the greatest respect for him", said Kim Jong-hak, the director.
"I learned a lot of things from the character, who has a great personality, and I improved myself during the two years of shooting", Bae said.
After several television successes, he co-starred in the KBS drama "Winter Sonata" with actress Choi Ji-woo in 2002. After it aired in Japan, the drama became explosively popular and it was the true start of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, a reference to describe the Korean pop culture spreading throughout Asia.
Despite the success as a Hallyu icon, his previous attempts as a movie actor faltered and some said Bae and the Korean Wave were over.
Even when the production of the drama "Taewangsashingi", which was armed with the nation's top actors and shooting staff, was first announced, many doubted its success because the fantasy genre is difficult to appeal to Korean viewers.
But with a tight storyline and fantastic imagery, the drama was a huge hit in Korea and Bae won the best actor prize last year.
Source: Korea Policy Review, July 2008
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