[Korean Film News] Rift Widens Between Japan, Korea

An article published in the online version of The Hankyoreh reports that the 'Korean Wave' in Japan is on a downward spiral, with anti-Korean feeling at its highest level in 20 years. A public opinion survey conducted by the Cabinet Office of Japan reveals that well over half of those polled consider relations with South Korea as "not good." According to the article, "the results signal the worst ever relations between the two countries since the history of the survey, which began in 1986." If co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and hallyu were partially responsible for greater co-operation and cultural exchanges between the two nations, South Korea's outspoken criticism of former Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and the territorial dispute concerning the Dokdo islands has only served to worsen relations. Meanwhile, half as many South Korean films were released in Japan as compared with last year, blockbusters "The Host" and "Welcome to Dongmakgol" earning only US $2.6 million, a far cry from last year when just two Korean films alone accounted for earnings of US $25.6 million.

[Source: The Hankyoreh]