Yuko Ishii, a 53-year-old factory worker in central Japan, used to feel reluctant about buying products made in South Korea. That changed after she became a fan of pop stars such as boy band TVXQ.
"I used to rule out Korean products, but now I have no problem with them," said Ishii, whose purchases include a washer made by LG Electronics Inc. "If my favorite star was advertising a South Korean TV, I would definitely buy it. I want to feel closer to them by buying the same products they use."
Ishii and other fans of so-called K-pop may help South Korean electronics makers expand in Japan, where consumers have traditionally preferred domestic brands.
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