The South Korean soap opera mania that hit Hong Kong and other East Asian countries over the past year has moved on to Islamic countries and, hopefully, will serve a diplomatic purpose.
Love story Winter Sonata and A Tale of Autumn have been shown in Africa and the Middle East, including Iraq, where Korean troops are stationed. The dramas have become instant hits and the second series of A Tale of Autumn will be shown there soon.
'The programme is expected to enhance peaceful images of the Korean troops there as well as Korea itself among the locals,' said Korean Overseas Information Service official Shin Dong-hak. South Koreans no doubt also hope the shows will reduce the chances of their countrymen in Iraq being targeted by militants.
What a wonderful way to go about forging diplomatic ties!
