http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200503/200503230016.html
In Japan, it’s Bae Yong-joon; in Taiwan, it’s Lee Young-ae; in China Jeon Ji-hyeon, and in Hong Kong Choi Ji-woo - wherever the Korean wave has washed ashore, fans have a different favorite among the country's stars.
In a survey of 372 Asian tourists conducted by a Korean entertainment marketing firm from Feb. 21 to March 18 at Incheon International Airport and the Korean National Tourism Organization, respondents chose different Korean stars depending where they came from.
Of 227 Japanese tourists, 82 chose Bae Yong-joon of “Winter Sonata,” while 36 out of 71 Taiwanese tourists chose MBC TV drama “Daejanggeum” star Lee Young-ae. Some 23 of 52 mainland Chinese tourists chose “My Sassy Girl” actress Jeon Ji-hyeon, while six of 15 Hong Kong tourists chose Bae's “Winter Sonata” costar Choi Ji-woo.
Since the four countries have been exposed to many of the same work and stars, results suggest that national characteristics influence the preference of viewers.
People in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong - all, of course, Chinese - tended to prefer one particular entertainer, while the Japanese tended to like a wider range of Korean entertainers besides Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, such as Lee Byeong-hun, Won Bin, Song Seung-heon and BoA.
That contrasts with the concentrated adulation given to “Winter Sonata” couple Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo in Japan until last year, suggesting that the fan base of Korean stars in Japan has been growing. The implication is that the Korean wave in Japan is likely to last for some time.
Some 268 of the respondents -- 72 percent -- said they came to Korea to meet a Korean Wave star or visit a film set. Another 305 respondents -- 82 percent -- said they bought or expected to buy products related to their favorite Korean stars, dramas or films.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
Something that I'd like to share. I personally don't think this survey was so reliable because only 372 tourists were interviewed but I'm happy with the result. The Japanese still accounts for the majority of the tourists as I expect.
BYJ's popularity is no doubt still overwhelming in Japan. He still has two commercials on air, Lotte and Pizza-la. I've just joined a local tour to make a brief visit to Nami Seom and Chunchon. The visitors were mostly Japanese ajuma fans. Some of them hired a professional photographer to take pictures for them. I couldn't believe that! I thought Chunchon became a mini Yon-sama town. But I'm glad to see some Malaysian and Taiwanese fans there too with no Hongkongese.
I hope Won Bin can catch up since he has a younger, more decent fan base.
Regarding Jiwoo being chosen as their most favorite Korean star by Hong Kong tourists, it's really a very surprising result. It could be because of the aggressive promotion of CD's products. Out of 372, 15 were from Hong Kong. Seoul doesn't seem to be a popular travelling spot for the Hongkongese.