TVXQ becomes the third most-searched artist in Japan

Korean boy band TVXQ [SM Entertainment]

Korean idols TVXQ were the third most-searched artist in Japan this year.

According to Yahoo! Japan, the Korean boy band came in third on the website's annual most-searched artist list after popular Japanese bands AKB48 and Arashi.

They have dropped in rankings by one spot compared to the year before but it is an impressive feat since the boys had halted their group activities last summer after members Jaejung, Yuchun and Junsu filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment regarding their exclusive contract with the agency.

Since then, former members Jaejung, Yuchun and Junsu have come together to create a new boy band JYJ and have released their world album this year as well as touring several countries to promote their new songs, while Max Changmin and U-Know Yunho will return to the local music scene in January as TVXQ with their new album.

Meanwhile, girls group Girls' Generation and Kara placed in the poll as well at No. 13 and 32, respectively, and boy band Big Bang came in 37th.

Other noteworthy Korean stars on the list included gold medal figure skater Kim Yu-na at No. 72 and coming in at No. 91 was the late actor Park Yong-ha.