Korean drama 'Iljimae Returns' sold to Japan

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's upcoming prime time TV series "Iljimae
Returns" has been sold to a major Japanese entertainment firm for US$55,000 an
episode, producers of the drama said Tuesday.

The 24-part historical drama, portraying the life of the ancient Korean hero
Iljimae, has been sold to Japan's Amuse Entertainment, Seoul's GP Workshop said.
The series is scheduled to be aired by Korea's major broadcaster MBC beginning
Jan. 21.
The deal signals a brighter outlook this year for domestic TV dramas, which saw a
35 percent decrease in exports last year with the fizzling of the "Korean Wave"
of popular entertainment throughout Asia. The number of TV dramas sold to Japan
and China fell by more than half from the previous year.
"Iljimae Returns" is based on a comic series written and illustrated by the late
Ko Woo-young. Iljimae, often dubbed Korea's Robin Hood, was a widely known Joseon
Dynasty (1392-1910) thief who led a dynamic life stealing money and goods from
the privileged upper class to hand out to the needy.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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