Some of it has to do with Korean internet culture, which is the most developed in the world. Regular awards shows hand out prizes reflecting the Netizen community, and KBS will shape their future programming and casting around Netizen opinion. And this also spreads into Asian American culture too — I think there’s more pop culture blog sites covering K-pop than there are for C-pop and J-pop [I]combined[/I] Koreans have taken enormous pride in spreading their pop culture all over Asia. It’s the equivalent of Scotland suddenly become the cultural center of the UK.

I still like watching J-dramas, but even in Japan, their popularity has significantly declined due to the over, over-emphasis on idol actors/actresses. If you’re an actress of over 25, you’re over the median age for a female lead in a J-drama. If you’re an actor of over 32, you’re over the median age. That said, the popularity of J-drama have increased significantly among the Netizen community, and it’s kinda moved KBS to program in a more original original direction.

Since you are all Korean drama fans, I was wondering if you also like watching Japanese dramas.
I think Korean productions are more giving to their audience and fans since their websites are filled with information (sometimes there’s even an English version), with lots of official photos and wallpapers available for free download.
It’s not the same with Japanese (and Taiwanese) dramas and I find that somewhat frustrating.

@Alodia,
Yeah, Seven Days (which BTW has been optioned to be remade as a Hollywood flick) ended up going to Lost’s Kim Yun Jin, and it did well at the box office. And to be fair, that’s probably a better choice since Shiri kinda molded Yun Jin’s image as the tough chic you don’t mess wit. I also felt the same with DaeMul, and IMO it was probably a honor just to be associated with the ultra A-list tagged to that project. (Though, yes, a rom-com with Sun Ah and Kwon Sang Woo basically writes itself. Guaranteed hit if you can afford the bill.)

Thing about Sun Ah is her whole career has been a struggle. Coming back from Yesterday. Coming back from MNIKSS. And in fact, her comedic style was partially molded from her struggles acting and talking like other Koreans. Those experiences also give her a different philosophy from other actors. Other actors (like Song Hye Kyo) want to prove they can do different roles and challenging films. For her, the biggest joy is doing something she’s loved for and making crowd pleasing films.

@rika,
Kang Ji Hwan is kind of the Hugh Jackman of K-drama. He was a successful musical theatre actor (Grease) before he crossed over to TV, where the money was better. As a result, he’s a bit older than other actors with comparable TV experience. He can act really broad; he act really small, straight from the eyes; he can sing; he can dance. He can’t keep Jang Geun Suk from confusing wounded gravity with tedious self-absorption, but that’s another rant . . ..

belleza,
i feel so sorry for him.. i just saw the news articles and their family photo.. it’s horrifying.. i can’t believe something this terrible happened to him.. it’s such a tragic loss..

first time in an open thread…hehe
just have to share my thoughts about Kang Ji Hwan..i first saw him in the series “Be strong Goem..” something..i forget the title..didn’t watch it coz it’s too long…anyway, i love his smile, and he just looks good…but i didn’t follow any of his drama though..until Hong Gil Dong..and while waiting for subs, I’m currently watching Capital Scandal…he’s acting is great here…he can pull of a dramatic and funny scene..the dancing too and the flirting haha..of course in Hong Gil Dong the action!

Speaking of Shibuya-kei – anyone familiar with “Orange Pekoe?” I LOVE this group! A bit jazzier than some Shibuya-kei groups. Highly recommend their Organic Plastic Music CD – which was their breakthrough album. (Wikipedia describes them as jazz – not as Shibuya-kei – but I have seen them described as such in Japan.)

I imagine this past year has been truly a nightmare for LDG. Also I wonder how this affects Han Ji Hye, and whether there is any kind of friendship between them left so that she can help him through this.

I mean, this is the very nightmare scenario every parent fears when their children go abroad.