Kim Hyun Joong's overwhelming popularity in Japan

This is the reason why he deserves to be called as a 'Hallyu star'. ^^ His popularity is not only acknowledged in Korea, but also in other parts of the world. I am happy that he is making it to the top, because I know for sure that he had worked hard for it. ^^ 

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2012 is Kim Hyun Joong′s for the Taking

We didn’t think Kim Hyun Joong could get any more popular in Japan, but apparently, it’s possible.

As Kim already had a strong fanbase supporting him after his group activities and his dramas Boys over Flowers and Playful Kiss made it into the country, his official Japan debut is being pushed on with full support, adding to his snowballing popularity.

One example is the sales numbers for his debut single album Kiss Kiss/Lucky Guy, which was released on January 25. The album sold over 100,000 copies in its first week, and placed at no. 2 of that week’s Oricon Singles Weekly Chart.

At this, local officials are voicing their surprise at how the debut single album of a Korean solo singer made it into the top 3 ranks of the Oricon Charts, and how it was the overseas album that sold the most copies on the day of its release, continuing on to sell more than 100,000 copies in its first week.

The television programs that Kim is appearing in are also proving that Japan seems to be very interested in Kim Hyun Joong.

A rep from Kim’s agency, Key East, said on January 1, “Although it’s usually not easy to appear on the music show of a main channel, we’re receiving an endless wave of offers from prominent music shows in NHK, TV Asahi and Fuji TV, thanks to the big wave of popularity. The reactions from local fans go beyond imagination.”

Kim recently performed his debut single on NHK’s Music Japan, Fuji TV’s Sakigake Ongaku Banzuke Eight and TV Asahi’s Music Station, and made yet more issues on the shows with his fluent Japanese.

He was also interviewed by a TBS news program that centers on issue-making figures, proving that he’s not only big in J-Pop, but also in the general Japanese pop culture sphere.

A rep from Universal, the label overseeing Kim’s promotions in Japan, told enews through Key East, “The interest of Japanese fans is proving to be hotter than any other time. His album sales and the reviews about the artist himself are all extraordinary. His next single cut will be revealed on January 6. As he’s being received so favorably, we’re expecting him to continue on his rise by selling even more albums.”

Kim has been promoting his debut single album since its release on January 25, and he plans to continue his success by meeting 20,000 fans in a Premium Live 2012 concert to be held at the Yokohama Arena on February 5.

credits: enewsworld.com + http://www.enews24.net/news/10/2256160_1601.html