The Culture and Tourism Ministry said Tuesday South Korea will be completely open to Japanese movies, pop songs and video games starting from January.

However, Seoul will take time to consult with related industries and government offices before deciding whether to lift the import ban on Japanese television programs and animated films.

The ministry unveiled its blueprint for the enlarged opening of the domestic market to Japanese pop culture that was fixed Monday.

Under the blueprint, the government will allow the import of Japanese films intended for mature audiences, popular songs with Japanese lyrics, and video games beginning January.

South Korea is currently open to Japanese films with an age rating of "12 or above" and "15 or above," records with lyrics in languages other than Japanese, as well as sports, documentaries and news programs.

Officials cited the need to examine the possible repercussions of airing Japanese TV entertainment programs and dramas in South Korea. Japanese TV programs have been criticized here for obscenity and violence.