Anti-Korean Wave in Japan turns political

Anti-Korean Wave in Japan turns political

Hundreds rally in front of Fuji TV to protest Korean dramas. Is this the turning of the tide?
Girls Generation
Girls Generation at the MTV Video Music Aid Japan. The K-Pop group recently held two concerts at the Tokyo Dome in Japan for 45,000 fans.

Despite Bae Yong-joon’s continued demigod status in Japan and K-Pop's domination on the Oricon charts these days, it seems that some Japanese have had enough of weepy Korean soap operas and Korean idols. 

Although the exact numbers vary according to media outlets, Chosun Ilbo reported that 500 demonstrators gathered outside Fuji TV headquarters on Sunday August 7, ostensibly to protest the broadcaster’s perpetuation of the Korean Wave. 

Popular Japanese actor Sousuke Takaoka (29) of Battle Royale fame first sparked controversy when he Tweeted anti-Hallyu sentiments last month. “I’ll never watch Channel 8 (Fuji TV) again,” he said. “I often think it’s Korean TV. Japanese people want traditional Japanese programs.” 

When Takaoka was reportedly dropped from his agency following his Tweets, critics of Korean pop culture and right-wing nationalists organized the rally via the Internet. 

Twitter spread word of the anti-Hallyu charge, which took on a political slant as some protesters whipped out Japanese flags and chanted “Long live the emperor” while others belted out the Japanese national anthem. 

The protesters declared that they will be rallying again on August 21. Now that Korean and Japanese outlets have all picked up the story, stay tuned for the media circus that is sure to follow.

More on CNNGo: K-Pop taking over the world? Don't make me laugh 

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