#Japan #Tokyo #Winter Sonata #Bae Yong-joon #Choi Ji-woo

FOD Exclusively Presents 'Winter Sonata: Special Edition'

On May 6, 2025, starting at midnight, FOD, the video streaming service operated by Fuji Television, will exclusively offer a special edition of the iconic Korean drama 'Winter Sonata'. This unique reimagining condenses the original 20-episode drama, which aired in South Korea in 2002 and reached Japanese audiences via NHK in 2004, into a two-hour cinematic format.

The original love story, featuring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, had a profound impact on Japanese audiences, becoming a cultural sensation that left fans in tears. Its theme song, 'From the Beginning Until Now', is instantly recognizable, and the snowy landscapes depicted in the series symbolize eternal promises. Two decades on from its initial airing, the story, music, and iconic scenes of 'Winter Sonata' continue to resonate deeply within the hearts of its loyal fans.

A Unique Cinematic Experience

This special edition of 'Winter Sonata' has been meticulously remastered in 4K and edited to focus solely on the pure love story between Tsukasa (played by Bae Yong-joon) and Yujin (played by Choi Ji-woo). With a significant amount of the original material cut, this film encapsulates the essence of their love while enhancing the soundtrack to create a richer auditory experience. It is a carefully crafted version specifically tailored for Japanese viewers, offering what can be described as 'the ultimate Winter Sonata.'

The story unfolds as Tsukasa and Yujin, who were high school sweethearts, are tragically separated when Tsukasa dies in an accident. Ten years later, Yujin, now running an interior design company, encounters a man named Min-young, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased first love. This shocking reunion reignites the feelings that Yujin had locked away for so long, allowing her frozen heart to begin beating again.

In this special edition, pivotal scenes from the series are included, ensuring that viewers experience the emotional highs connected to first love, poignant separations, and breathtaking reunions without losing the film's pacing or immersive qualities. The film encapsulates the tumultuous feelings of two people drawn together by fate, showcasing their powerful bond despite the trials they face.

A Journey of Nostalgia and New Emotion

For those who enjoyed the original drama, this film offers an opportunity to relive those heartfelt moments and rekindle the emotions tied to this beloved classic. Newcomers to 'Winter Sonata' will find that they can engage with the narrative deeply without feeling the burden of the lengthy original series, enabling them to connect with the timeless essence of the love story.

FOD invites you to come and experience these cherished emotions and more, as this film aims to bring a wholly new yet nostalgic sensation to its audience.

Film Details

• - Title: 'Winter Sonata: Special Edition'
• - Streaming: Exclusively available on FOD from May 6, 2025
• - Cast: Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo, Park Yong-ha, Park Sol-mi, and more
• - Director: Yoon Seok-ho
• - Music: Lee Ji-soo
• - More Information: View on FOD

About FOD

FOD is Fuji Television's official video and e-book distribution service, offering over 100,000 dramas and films along with more than 200 magazine subscriptions for a monthly fee of 1,320 yen (tax included). Users can also enjoy over 700,000 e-books. Additionally, FOD provides a special Friday deal where viewers can watch movies at Toho Cinemas for a discounted price of 1,200 yen (tax included).