The Korean pop culture boom called 'hallyu' has now become an established genre in Japan thanks to the overwhelming popularity of the Korean drama 'Winter Sonata,' especially among middle aged Japanese women.

Actress Kim Hee-seon has begun a promotion tour in Japan with support from her close celebrity friends.

Lee Byeong-heon, Ryu Si-won, Kwon Sang-woo and Jackie Chan sent video messages to her official news conference at a Tokyo hotel on July 22 that gathered 150 teams of reporters.