im going to japan soon and i would like to know a little bit more about the culture.

The band SS501, comprising Kim Hyun-jung, Heo Young-saeng, Kim Kyu-jung, Park Jung-min and Kim Hyung-jun, gave its first concert in Osaka, Japan on September 16 as the first step toward establishing its presence in the Japanese market.

Performing in front of an audience of some 2,700 people, the band sang 15 songs over two hours, including its hit songs “Fighter” and “Fashion” and Westlife’s “My Love.” The band changed costumes five times in line with the theme of its concert, “Step Up,” showing off exquisite fashion styles along with staging a mature performance. The members of the band also staged a dance battle for their Japanese fans and sang two songs in Japanese, captivating their fans’ hearts.

Hallyu Star Shin Hyeon Joon is going to star in 'Gamun eui Buhwal (Marrying the Mafia III)' which opens in Korea, and 'Gamunui Wigi (Marrying the Mafia II)' in Japan.

Shin Hyeon Joon left for Japan on the 13th at 4:40pm for a three day trip during which he will conduct interviews with Japanese press, appear as a guest on television shows as well as attend a special premiere for the promotion of 'Gamunui Wigi (Marrying the Mafia II).'

Cho Deok Hyeon of Shin Hyeon Joon's agency Olive9 commented, "300 people were invited to the special premiere of 'Gamunui Wigi (Marrying the Mafia II)' but more than 3,000 people had inquired to attend, once again surprising us with Shin Hyeon Joon's popularity."

Four Korean actors who are considered the originators of the Korean Wave, or Korean pop culture craze, have been found to still be the favorites among Japanese fans.

In its internet edition on Monday, the Japanese entertainment magazine Oricon Style announced the results of its survey of Japanese people between their teens and 40s that asked, “Who is your favorite Korean actor and actress?” The announcement came in the wake of the news that the recent Korean movie “The Host” is drawing global attention.

Bae Yong-joon, who stole the hearts of Japanese women with his role in “Winter Sonata,” was chosen as the most popular Korean male star. He was praised for his sincere and caring attitude toward his fans and his "killer" smile. Following Bae were Jang Dong-kun, whose tough image was cited as his charm, Lee Byung-hyun and Won Bin.

Thousands of Japanese fans of actor Song Seung-heon are expected to visit Korea to see their favorite hallyu star, who will be discharged from military service November 15. Reservations for Korea-bound flights from Japan are almost filled up for the given period.

Song will hold a fan meeting at the Olympic Park in Seoul on November 18 and 19. Some 9,000 foriegn fans of the actor who were lucky to obtain tickets to the meetings--winning a competition with odds of one in ten--will arrive in Korea at least a day early to see Song as soon as possible.

The majority of Song's fans are from Japan.