Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo Reunite for Winter Sonata after 7 years

Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, who played Joon-sang and Yu-jin in the 2002 KBS drama Winter Sonata, will reunite to play the same roles after a break of seven years.

The two stars have provided voice-overs as Joon-sang and Yu-jin for the Japanese animation Winter Sonata, which aired for 15 episodes on SKY PerfecTV. They will make actual appearances in the final scene of the final episode.

The animation is a joint Korea-Japan production of the KBS drama Winter Sonata, which has played a major part in spreading Hallyu, or the Korean wave, in Asia and other parts of the world. The “Animation Winter Sonata, Another Story” event held at Tokyo Dome attracted some 50,000 fans in last September to celebrate its airing.

A member of the production crew said, “An increasing number of Japanese viewers are interested in the animation Winter Sonata with each episode. The producers and actors decided to shoot a live action ending scene to show our gratitude for the viewers’ support.”

Meanwhile, the final episode of the animation Winter Sonata is scheduled to air on April 24.

KOCCA

Bae Yong-joon back to hospital for treatment

Korea top star Bae Yong-joon will visit the hospital on Monday to receive treatment for overexhaustion, a representative for the actor said.

Bae's latest trip to the hospital comes in less than three weeks since September 19 when he collapsed from early stage sepsis believed to be caused by overwork and stress.

The 37-year-old actor had been advised to rest but left the hospital five days later to hold promotional events for his new book and the animation version of hit TV series "Winter Sonata" in South Korea and Japan.

An official at BOF Entertainment reassured that Bae is "not experiencing any symptoms different from the first time" and may have overstrained himself again attending the recent promotional events."He will concentrate on recovering his health now while undergoing tests and treatment," the official told Asia Economic Daily over the phone.

His agency had said earlier that doctors had told the actor was in need of absolute rest, citing his sharply low levels of blood-sugar and blood pressure.

Bae held an event to promote his photo essay "Discovering the Beauty of Korea" on September 22 in Seoul and then a week later in Tokyo. The previous day, he met with fans in Japan again at the Tokyo Dome with actress Choi Ji-woo to promote "Winter Story~ Another Story~" set to air on October 17.

He was set to stay in Japan till Sunday for additional photo shoots and meetings but cut short his visit and returned to Korea on Friday.

asiae

Bae Yong Joon hospitalised from food poisoning

Yes, thats right. Bae Yong Joon was hospitalised on Thursday 17th from food poisoning, his agency BOF Entertainment has confirmed.

"Bae received medical treatment as his blood sugar level and blood pressure suddenly dropped. According to medical examinations, he is in the early stage of food poisoning, and his immunity system has weakened due to stress and overwork. He is currently resting after treatment,'' the agency said.

The actor was said to have lost 10 kgs in the past months while working on his latest project , a book called "The beauty of Korea".

Although Bae Yong Joon is recovering from his illness, his agency has confirmed that he is still going ahead with his plan to visit Japan on the 29th & 30th September to promote his book and the animated version of his hit drama "Winter Sonata".

BYJ is such a professional actor and businessman, despite his poor health he's still not letting his Japanese fans down. Wish him all the best and that he recover soon.

Bae Yong-joon Named Honorary Curator of Japanese Museum

Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon has been named honorary curator of Iwayama Lacquer Art Museum in Japan. The museum is operated by Korean lacquer artist Jun Yong-bok, who has gained worldwide recognition, and is the largest of its kind in the world.

Bae's agency, BOF, says the actor is currently writing a book on Korean culture and that he visited Japan secretly in February to learn lacquer art from Master Jun. "Bae Yong-joon learned the entire lacquer painting process firsthand, and as the honorary curator of the museum is determined to publicize lacquer art and hone his skills as well as bring lacquer art closer to the public", said the agency.

Bae is currently voice-acting in the animated version of the TV drama Winter Sonato along with actress Choi Ji-woo, and will publish a book later this year.

Source: KBS

Bae Yong Joon in Amaldo Bassini Summer 2009 collection

New image of Bae Yong Joon, in 4 / 2009.

Bae Yong Joon in the Summer 2009 collection of fashion brand Arnaldo Bassini.