Winter just got warmer as Animax launches Winter Sonata- the anime.

Making its debut in South East Asia, Animax recently launched the anime version of Winter Sonata, the drama that triggered the Korean wave not just in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

In an event held at the Korean Cultural Center in Bonifacio Global City, the leading animation channel celebrated the arrival of this much-awaited series by holding a piano recital featuring Animax’s very own Ani-mate, Alodia Gosengfiao, playing the show’s iconic theme, “From Beginning ‘Til End”. Another part of the event allowed members of the press and anime bloggers to catch the first two episodes of the animation series.

Ms. Maria Ong, Marketing Manager of Animax Asia, graced the event that also included a mini-contest and late-luncheon. Ms. Ong who flew all the way from Singapore expressed her delight and excitement over the showing of the animation and was even gracious enough to allow an interview after the event.

The animated series

The much-anticipated animated adaptation of Winter Sonata brings back 23 of the original cast members, headed by Bae Yong Jun as Kang Joon-sang and Choi Ji Woo as Jung Yu-jin, to play the same characters they did on the K-drama.

Trying hard not to offend loyal fans of the Korean series, the anime version draws much of its visuals from the original drama including memorable episodes and looks of the characters. True enough, a lot of the scenes in the anime are very reminiscent of scenes from the original version.

In addition to reliving the tears, laughter and memories of Winter Sonata, fans can also look forward to the conclusion of the anime series that will feature a new live-action drama epilogue not aired during the original drama series.

A winter love story

Based on the 2002 original Korean drama that captured the hearts of millions worldwide, the anime version of this epic romance tells the tragic love story of Jung Yu-Jin and Kang Joon-sang. Both met and became friends while in high school. Drawn together by a series of events both happy and sad, it didn’t take long for the two to fall in love with each other.

Tragedy strikes and in an event that tested the faith of both characters, one accident left Yu-Jin believing that Joon-sang was dead while the later had his memory erased. How will things play out for this couple who were torn apart during a cold winter’s night?

Winter Sonata premiered on September 20, 2011 at 6:50 PM. Regular showing is during weekdays at 7:00 PM only on Animax.