BEWARE! A storm from South Korea is blowing towards Hong Kong. After many years of Japanese trends dominating popular culture, Hong Kong should now brace itself for a new Asian onslaught as South Korea shows it has a lot more to offer than just kimchi and ginseng. Film The Hong Kong Arts Centre has been a pioneer in introducing Korean films to local audiences. About two years ago, it first showed Christmas In August which starred Han Suk-kyu and Shim Eun-ha. The touching love story was well-received and was screened over 100 times to almost full houses. Because of the film's success, Broadway Cinematheque decided to follow suit and show it as well. It was the beginning of a trend which paved the way for other Korean films such as Shiri, Tell Me Something, The Foul King and Happy End. This summer, Broadway Cinematheque organised a special film series called New Korean Cine-force. Most of the 36 screenings had about an 80 per cent attendance rate. Broadway Cinematheque associate director Gary Mak Sing-hei said: 'Korean films bring a new excitement to local audiences. The response to the series exceeded our expectations. 'With the support of its own Government and big corporations, Korean filmmakers produce very high-quality and creative films. 'While Hong Kong audiences are beginning to get bored with local themes, Korean producers are keen to explore ideas to surprise cinema-goers.' Electronic products Many Korean gadgets are already available on the local market. Brands such as Samsung have a reputation for producing high-quality products including computers, MP3 players and mobile phones. The quality goods at reasonable prices are highly sought-after by both youngsters and professionals. In addition, the trendy designs of MP3 players such as Yepp, Baby Yepp and the latest model Lighter Yepp (claiming to be the world's smallest and the same size as a lighter) make them hot items. Music Korea's influence on the local pop scene is easy to see. Just walk around places like the Sino Centre in Mongkok and you will find they are full of CDs by top Korean stars such as Lee Jung-hyun, Park Ji-yoon, Kim Hyun-jung and Ahn Jae-wook. In addition, some cover versions of Korean songs by Canto-pop stars have become big hits in Hong Kong: Finale and Exclusive Tryout by Sammi Cheng Sau-man and Wish You The Best by Julian Cheung Chi-lam. Theme tracks and songs from Korean TV dramas are also hot items. Lilian Goh is a Young Post student reporter. Peony Sze was a summer intern on Young Post. She is a student at the Hong Kong Shue Yan College.
