BYJ cuts tour in Japan

Popular Korean actor Bae Yong-joon has cut short a promotional tour in Japan and returned home because of illness. Bae's agency, BOF, said the actor returned to Korea under stress from his very hectic schedule. He was not, however, in serious condition.

The Korean actor traveled to Japan Sept. 27 to promote his photo essay book "Travel in Search of Korea's Beauty," which covers broad areas of culture, including cuisine, handicrafts, temples and dress-making.

Bae stated last month at a press conference that he lost nearly 10kg during the final days of writing the book due to pressure in making his work flawless.

Japan is such a big market that there seems to be a mad rush "to be seen in Japan".