Animax offered a sneak peek of its newest title — the highly anticipated animated version of “Winter Sonata” (Fuyu no Sonata, 「冬のソナター」), to media friends last 15th September 2011 at the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines. The Animax airing of the animated Winter Sonata coincides with 10th anniversary of the original Korean drama.

The main event of the launch was an advanced screening of the first two episodes of Winter Sonata, which feature the voices of the original actors Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo. Bae Yong Joon — also referred to as “Yon-sama” by his adoring Japanese fans, was one of the forerunners of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) movement in Japan. The event was capped by a piano performance of the Winter Sonata image song by Animax Animate Alodia.

Aside from the voices, the animated FuyuSona (as Japanese fans have called the original series) also features character designs based on the actual appearances of the actors in the original drama. The anime will conclude with a special live-action epilogue; this segment starring Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo was not aired in the original drama series.

Winter Sonata begins 20th September 2011 in a double-episode premiere at 6:50 PM, with succeeding episodes airing weeknights 7:30PM only on Animax (SkyCable Ch46). All episodes will air with Korean dialogue and English subtitles.

Thanks to Animax and GMC for the invitation.