Choi Ji-woo returns to Japan after 8 years

Original Hallyu (known as the “Korean Wave,” refers to the global popularity and cultural influence of South Korean entertainment) star Choi Ji-woo has made her first official appearance in Japan in eight years. On July 2, Japanese media, including Sponichi Annex, reported that Choi Ji-woo surprised fans by attending the stage greeting for TBS’s Sunday drama “Black Pean” Season 2. The drama, which first aired in 2018, is returning after six years, and Choi’s special appearance has been highly anticipated.

Expressing her honor at returning to Japanese drama after 13 years, Choi Ji-woo said, “I am truly honored.” Her co-stars also expressed their admiration. Leading actor Ryoma Takeuchi described his first impression of her as “cute” and noted that her presence changed the atmosphere on set. Kazunari Ninomiya added, “I feel blessed to be on this set.”

Sponichi Annex highlighted Choi Ji-woo’s significant impact on the Hallyu wave in Japan, particularly through her role in the classic drama “Winter Sonata.”

In “Black Pean” Season 2, Choi Ji-woo plays Park So-hyun, a versatile character who is a doctor, hospital manager, and restaurant owner. Her character’s storyline involves interactions with her son Min-jae (played by Kim Mu-jun) and Amagi (played by Ninomiya Kazunari), a money-focused doctor, creating a pivotal plot point in the first episode.

Additionally, Choi Ji-woo has been active in both film and television, having recently confirmed her role in the movie “Sugar” and serving as an MC on KBS 2TV’s “The Return of Superman.” Viewers are eagerly awaiting her special appearance in “Black Pean” Season 2, which premieres on July 6 at 9 PM on TBS.