The drama 'W' starring actors Lee Jong-seok and Han Hyo-joo is aimed at American small screens. It is scheduled to be remade through CBS, a representative local terrestrial broadcaster, and is expected to be counted as another example that proves the power of Korean dramas.

According to the recent U.S. entertainment media Deadline, MBC signed a contract with CBS Studio for the rights to remake the drama 'W' in 2016. CBS previously promoted local remakes of some Korean dramas, such as 'Good Doctor' in 2014 and 'Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho' in 2016.

'W' is a drama depicting the romance and events that occur when a doctor accidentally gets sucked into a webtoon titled 'W' and meets the main character of the cartoon. The drama, starring Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo, recorded the highest viewership rating of 13.8% (Nielsen Korea) at the time of its airing, collecting topics.

The American remake of 'W' seems to have benefited from the novel material and story of the original drama, such as winning the Special Jury Prize at the Houston International Film Festival in 2017 along with such popularity. In particular, Smart Dog Media, a local production company that showed the American version of MBC's 'King of Mask Singer' and Mnet's 'I Can See Your Voice' series, decided to make a remake drama, attracting another attention. Smart Dog Media has been recognized for its achievements by attracting the attention of local viewers with content utilizing the format of Korean broadcast programs.

So much anticipation for the local remake of 'W'. This is especially true in that Korean dramas that actively utilize changes in the environment, such as the expansion of the OTT (Online Video Streaming Service) market, are attracting global attention with their planning power and universal story. Broadcasters see the American remake of 'W' as showing the power of Korean dramas on the same line.

Source(1)

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]