Hyun Bin's Spiraling Popularity in Japan Causes Possible Another "Yon-Sama" Syndrome

Over the centuries, Japan and Korea have had conflicts that stemmed from the unresolved war in 1910. But despite disputes, Korean dramas didn't fail to entertain the citizens of the neighboring country, such as the popularity of "Winter Sonata" that caused Yon-sama syndrome. 

And now, "Crash Landing On You" leading man Hyun Bin has most probably resurrected this syndrome.

Proof of the popularity of the hit Netflix and tvN drama is that the Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi admitted that he had watched all the episodes of the series "Crash Landing On You"! This was featured in one of Japan's newspaper Mainichi by special editor Takao Yamada on August 10. Currently, Mr. Yamada already watched Episode 3 of the series.

In addition, the editor stated on his column how he admired the drama, "As the drama showed the romantic comedy side between a North Korean soldier and a South Korean businesswoman is brand new. The drama depicts the existence of life in North Korea."

It was reported by Netflix Japan, the show running on the top overall ranking list is Kim Soo Hyun's "It's Okay To Not Be Okay," while "Crash Landing On You" ranked second. Another drama on the top watch list is "Itaewon Class," starring Park Seo Joon. As of this writing, "Crash Landing On You" remains in the second spot.

As the drama "Crash Landing On You" hits the small screen, the lead actor Hyun Bin is one of the most talked-about actors in Japan, making him popular on many of their news and social media platforms. 

Hyun Bin is featured in a weekly magazine in Japan named Aera, which wrote articles detailing Hyun Bin's previous dramas "Secret Garden and "Hyde Jekyll, Me." Another publication featured Hyun Bin for the June edition of the Shukanasahi Magazine.

The Korean Cultural Center Director, Mr. Hwang Sung Woon, commented, "The plot and storyline of the drama 'Crash Landing On You' occurring in North Korea is new in Japan. Japanese people admired the unchanging love that transcends across borders. The male protagonist in character is similar to how great their love is just like in "Goblin" and "Winter Sonata," which also received good reviews by the Japanese viewers."

Hwang shared, "In the drama's character, Hyun Bin showed how strong-willed he is yet showed kindness towards women and melted the hearts of the viewers. Though the drama at times dropped on the list but his popularity still continues."

Actor Bae Yong Joon starred in the hit 2003 drama "Winter Sonata," which led the Korean wave, and created the "Yon-sama" syndrome. His character in the drama carrying unchanging love was a hit to Japanese women. This now emerges to be happening in Hyun Bin's case as his popularity skyrocketed.