Actor Lee Joon Gi arrives at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Pusan International Film Festival held in South Korea. (Photo : Getty Images/Chung Sun-Jun)
The upcoming SBS series "Scarlet Heart Ryeo" that features Lee Joon Gi has broken the China record for highest drama export deal previously enjoyed by the hit series "Descendants of the Sun."
Several South Korean dramas have made its way to China with distribution rights sold at a high rate. The new drama "Scarlet Heart Ryeo" has reportedly landed a lucrative contract with Youku Tudou, a Chinese video website, to air upcoming episodes. It appears that the SBS drama has been exported to the said Asian country for a record deal of $400,000 per episode.
The revelation was made by production company The Wind That Carries Wishes, Donga reported. The export deal is said to be greater than the contract for the hit KBS drama "Descendants of the Sun." The SBS new series reportedly landed a deal that is $250,000 higher, on a per-episode basis, than Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo's drama. The contract for Lee's upcoming SBS is also more expensive than Kim Woo Bin's "Uncontrollably Fond."
The drama features a fantasy historical story about a young lady named Go Ha Jin who mysteriously found herself in the middle of the Joseon period. The said character, portrayed by Korean singer IU, then meets several Joseon dynasty princes who are all competing for a seat on the royal throne.
Apart from Lee and IU, some of the famous celebrities and rising stars in the Korean industry has also joined the SBS series. EXO group member Baekhyun plays one of the Joseon dynasty princes, along with Kang Ha Neul, Nam Joo Hyuk, Hong Jong Hyun and Ji Soo.
The series will also mark IU's return to the drama scene. In a press conference held on Aug. 24, IU's co-star Lee complimented the singer's acting abilities, allkpop reported. He also shared his initial worries about his co-star and how the role may put "too much pressure" on her.
However, Lee stated that IU has been able to handle the acting demands needed for her role. "I'm thankful she did so well. You should really look forward to it," he added.
"Scarlet Heart Ryeo" is set to premiere on Aug. 29 on SBS.
Watch a trailer for the drama below:
