Earlier this year, the South Korean television drama “My Love from the Star” enjoyed explosive popularity not only at home, but even more so in China.
Everything related to the sci-fi romance production, including the main stars, featured products and Korean food, created a sensation among Chinese viewers.
Now, the man behind this megahit SBS drama, Jang Tae-you, is gearing up to return to Chinese audiences once again ― this time, not as a television drama producer but a film director.
Jang, who left his home turf at SBS early this month for a two-year temporary leave, said he had received several offers to direct a movie in China since the popular drama series came to a close. After much consideration, the veteran producer decided to accept the offer.
Jang Tae-you (right) and actor Kim Soo-hyun. (SBS Digital Forum)
“After receiving several offers from China (since the airing of ‘My Love from the Star’), I have been mulling over different possibilities. Though it wasn’t an easy decision, I concluded that it was best to take up the opportunity while I had it,” said Jang.
The producer will soon be heading to Beijing to shoot a romantic comedy film to be released in May or September of 2015. The film will be based on a script that was initially prepared by the Chinese side.
“I decided to go along with the script recommended by the Chinese industry officials, since I will be working in China directly for the first time. If the film is successful and another opportunity comes up in the future, I would then like to test out my own movie scripts in the Chinese market,” said Jang.
According to Jang, a number of his own Korean production staff will be participating in the filmmaking process. He has plans to cast South Korean celebrities in the film as well.
Jang, a graduate of Seoul National University, has worked as a producer for the major South Korean broadcasting station SBS since 1998. He has produced several popular drama series, including “War of Money” (2007), “Painter of the Wind” (2008), “Deep-Rooted Tree” (2011) and most importantly, the iconic “My Love from the Star” (2013-2014).
By Sohn Ji-young (jiyoung.sohn@heraldcorp.com)
