Wait, what just happened? The lives of adoring K-Drama and K-Pop fans are about to be featured in a drama series? Sorta, kinda, apparently so!
Global TV streaming service Viki has greenlighted its first original series, scripted comedy-drama aka dramedy, “Dramaworld”. This is because the site is hoping to follow the likes of Hulu and Netflix, successfully straddling between content host and original content producer.
From what we know, “Dramaworld” will be a 10-episode bilingual series (English in Korean), set in Los Angeles and Korea. It will pay homage to millions of international Korean entertainment fans with a plotline that they can easily relate to.
As for the plot, it follows Claire Duncan (played by Australian newcomer Liv Hewson), a cute if slightly nerdy 20-year-old college student who’s obsessed with Korean dramas and remains glued to the screen at every opportunity, following her favourite leading man, Joon Park (played by Sean Dulake of K-Dramas “Jejungwon” and “Athena: Goddess of War”). Through a twist of fate and a touch of magic, Claire’s world is turned upside down as she finds herself sucked into her favourite show through her smart phone, transporting her into “Dramaworld”. Claire will soon find out, with a little help from her new friend Seth (played by Justin Chon of “The Twilight Saga” and “21 & Over”), that even she has a role to play in this world.
And that’s not all!
Aside from the existing cast, “Dramaworld” will also feature a plethora of cameos and appearances by Super Junior’s Choi Siwon and “Hyde, Jekyll, Me’s” Han Ji Min, just to name a few 😉
Upon the announcement, Viki CEO Tammy H. Nam explained:
“Dramaworld” is our love letter to drama fans everywhere. This sort of American/Korean web drama mash-up has never been done; we’re pushing boundaries everywhere, including the international co-production and distribution team from China, Korea and the U.S. We’re very excited to introduce this show to many millions of viewers and hope to break language and culture barriers in the most fun way possible.
“Dramaworld” is being co-produced by Viki, China’s Jetavana Entertainment, Korea’s EnterMedia Contents, and Third Culture Content. Josh Billig and Chris Martin will co-write the series. Plans are already in motion for a second and third season.
The 10 20-minute episodes will begin shooting in September, to launch on Viki.com before going to other content partner sites in early 2016.
We can’t wait to watch it 😀
Sources: soompi, Variety, Collider.
