In Japanese, it is known as Hana Yori Dango, in Taiwanese, it is Meteor Garden, and finally in Korean, it is known as Boys Over Flowers. No matter what the name is, it is a proven fact that this drama has been an extremely successful launching pad for unknown actors, actresses, and last but not least boy bands.
Members of F4 from left to right: Ken Zhu, Vic Zhou, Jerry Jan, and Vanness Wu
The first adaptation, Meteor Garden, produced in 2001, created one of the most popular boys bands in Taiwan’s history: F4 (now known as JVKV due to copyright issues), who also sang the main theme for the drama. Virtually unknowns before the show, all of them became stars in their own right and launched a series of albums individually and as a group. Each member also starred in many dramas and movies after.
Cast of Hana Yori Dango. Third of the left is a memberof Arashi: Jun Matsumoto
Similarly, in 2007, the Japanese version, Hana Yori Dango, gave bigger fame to the group known as Arashi or J-Storm, who also attracted a huge fan base for their theme song “Love so Sweet,” even though not all members was part of the show. The drama also scored a full length movie and became #1 in theaters for weeks after. In the spring of 2009 came Boys over Flowers.
From left to right: Kim Joon (member of T-Max), Kim Bum, Lee Min-ho, Koo Hye-sun, and Kim Huyn Joong (leader of SS501)
Boys over Flowers, the Korean remake, recently ended with a tsunami of endorsements and rocketed the four unknown actors: Lee Min Ho, Kim Huyn Joong, Kim Bum, and Kim Joon into stars universe. It is unknown how extensive the effects of the drama are to the actors and actresses involved. However, I do want to use this opportunity to shine a light on the boy band that has become a sensation through the song “Paradise,” which is the main theme for the drama, T-MAX
Members of T-Max from left to right: Kim Huyng Joon, Park Joon Hwa, and Shin Min Chul
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