CHINA TOPIX

03/28/2024 07:08:09 am

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Chinese Version of 'Descendants of the Sun' is in the Works

'Descendants of the Sun' stars Song Joong Ki

(Photo : Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) "Descendants of the Sun" star Song Joong Ki is reportedly leaving South Korea to pursue a career in Hollywood.

Once in a couple of years, a Korean drama transcends geographical boundaries and attains a cult status in multiple countries. After 'Boys Over Flowers' and 'My Love From The Stars,' 'Descendants of the Sun' is the latest Korean drama to become a mega-hit not only in its home country, but also in China, Japan and other Southeast Asian countries. The producer of the drama is now planning to make a Chinese version of the drama.

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NEW, the production house, confirmed that the Chinese remake is in the works, according to Dramabeans. They are currently looking for international production houses to team up with to co-produce the drama. The remake version is reportedly still in its initial stage of planning.   

The drama, which stars Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Gyo as star-crossed lovers, is pre-produced and it is simultaneously being aired both in South Korea and China. According to Forbes, the exclusive rights of 'Descendants of the Sun' was sold to Baidu's video-streaming affiliate iQiyi.com for $250,000 per episode. In total, the amount is equal to nearly 40 percent of the show's production cost.

It is not clear whether the Chinese version will have a different set, as a majority of the on-location filming of 'Descendants of the Sun' was done in Greece.  It is also not clear who will star in the Chinese version and when it will be telecast.       

Meanwhile, the 16-episode 'Descendants of the Sun' continues to rake in high ratings in its home country. The recent episode crossed the 33 percent rating mark, confirming that the drama is a colossal hit. The final episode of the drama is scheduled to air on April 14. The huge popularity of the drama has made the broadcasting channel KBS2 to announce additional three special episodes. 

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