Hallyu Star Park Yong Ha Honored By Japanese Fans

Although he died three years ago, Japanese fans have not forgotten Park Yong Ha, the actor who starred in "Winter Sonata," the drama many credit with starting the Hallyu or Korean Wave.

His fans are so dedicated that this year they will hold a five-city tour in Japan in his memory. The 2013 Park Yong Ha Memories Tour begins in Tokyo on April 13, then continue on to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo, ending on April 28.
As part of the tour, Park Yong Ha's One Love Charity will be launched. The charity will continue efforts begun by the actor and aid the African Yona School, which he set up and helped build in Chad. Kim Jae Hyun, CEO of Yona Entertainment, said that Park, his brother-in-law, "always thought of others first and didn't turn a blind eye to others in need."

The donations made by the actor and his Japanese fans helped to make the future brighter for the children of the impoverished country. Park both helped to chaise money and took part in the actual construction of the school.

"He always thought of them as family, and cared for them," said Kim.

A documentary was made about Park's efforts to help the children of Chad.

Park began his acting career when he was only 17, debuting in the MBC drama, "Theme Theater." He starred in "Winter Sonata" in 2002, along with Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo. It was wildly popular in Japan, inspiring Japanese tourism to Korea.

Park also sang the hit song, "Just for Yesterday, which was the theme of the SBS drama, "All In."

He then released albums in Japan and held concerts in Japan and Korea. His album, "Behind Love, ranled as the third top album on Japan's Oricon chart. His full-length album, "Love" also ranked highly on that chart.

In 2008, he starred in the drama "On Air" and visited Japan to promote the series.

Fans were shocked when the singer was found dead in June of 2010. His death was ruled a suicide. Career pressure and family problems were blamed.

"Though he is no longer with us now, he will remain in our hearts as our shining star, and the event will remind everyone of his purpose," said Kim.