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.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

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