South Korea announced Tuesday it will lift its ban on Japanese cable and satellite TV programs on Thursday.
The move forms part of a gradual drive to open the domestic market to Japanese cultural products.
"Japanese cable television and satellite broadcasting programs will be allowed within the fullest possible scope," a statement released by the Culture and Tourism Ministry said.
With regard to Japanese television and radio programs, South Korea will be selective in allowing cultural and educational programs, in light of the "impact on public sentiment and youth."
Japanese television dramas may only be aired if produced jointly with South Korea.
Performances in South Korea by Japanese singers, as well as performances by Japanese singers on South Korean television and radio, will be allowed.
South Korea still maintains a ban on Japanese entertainment programs such as variety shows, talk shows and comedy, in light of possible "serious cultural effects."
The showing of Japanese animation at theaters will not be fully approved until 2006, due to possible negative effects on the development of the South Korean animation industry.
In a major policy shift in 1998, then South Korean President Kim Dae Jung launched a stage-by-stage program to lift the decades-old ban on Japanese cultural imports.
The Korean Peninsula was ruled by Japan from 1910 to 1945.