The drama 'Winter Sonata', known as the origin and legend of the Korean Wave, is resurrecting on the screen after 20 years. On the 6th, 'Winter Sonata', reborn as a movie, is set to meet audiences across Japan.
According to reports from the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and other foreign media on the 28th, this work is directed by Yoon Seok-ho, who originally directed the series, and he personally oversaw the re-editing. The extensive 20-episode series, which totaled 1,400 minutes, has been condensed into a 2-hour film to maximize cinematic immersion. This work, released under the title 'Winter Sonata Japanese Special Edition', features 4K quality visuals and focuses entirely on the protagonists' poignant melodrama.
When 'Winter Sonata' aired on Japan's NHK in 2003, it was more than just a drama; it became a social phenomenon. The lead actor Bae Yong-joon rose to fame as 'Yon-sama', becoming an idol for middle-aged women, and the filming locations became essential pilgrimage sites for Japanese tourists. The release of this film is expected to be a special gift for fans who remember the intense syndrome of that time.
Director Yoon Seok-ho meticulously reviewed the footage from over 20 years ago from start to finish for this project. He expressed his deep affection and confidence in the original work, stating, "I reaffirmed that the script, acting, music, and direction perfectly interlocked to create a significant synergy."
In particular, Director Yoon emphasized the significance of this work in today's society dominated by social media (SNS). He added, "In these times when direct emotional exchanges have decreased, I hope this serves as an opportunity to awaken pure and rich analog emotions in the audience once again." It remains to be seen whether the story of Jun-sang and Yoo-jin's first love, revived in high definition, will once again touch the hearts of the Japanese archipelago.
