Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) released the 4th book of Hallyu series, “Hallyu Forever: Japan.” KOFICE has been publishing Hallyu series every year since 2008. The most recent publication focuses on the epicenter of the New Hallyu boom, Japan.

The book looks at the past and present of Hallyu in Japan; Hallyu content exports; Hallyu in Japanese lifestyle; success of Hallyu in Japan; characteristics and status of Japanese cultural industries; and Hallyu awareness of Japanese people. It also offers a business manual as a supplement to help Korean entertainment companies targeting the Japanese market. Readers can also check the Korean Wave Index and economic effects of Hallyu, and get a better understanding of Hallyu in Asia.

According to the book, the most popular TV drama in Japan is still Yonsama’s “Winter Sonata” that started the whole Hallyu fever in 2004. The survey was conducted against 2,000 residents of Tokyo and Osaka, aged fifteen and above. “Winter Sonata” also had a direct influence on the question, “Which Korean actor or actress comes to mind first?” Bae Yong-jun and Choi Ji-woo ranked first and second respectively.