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| ▲ A still photo of Korean animated film 'Yumi's Cells: The Movie', provided by CJ CGV and Lotte Cultureworks Lotte Cinea on April 8, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and the Korean Cultural Center in Japan announced on the 14th that they will be hosting the "Korean Drama Selection 2024" from August to October to introduce K-dramas in Japan.
Now in its sixth year, the Korean Drama Selection event aims to continue the spread of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in Japan by showcasing currently airing and upcoming Korean dramas to Hallyu fans. This year's event will take place across three locations—Tokyo, Niigata, and Osaka—with five screening sessions and actor-led talk shows.
In Tokyo, three screening sessions will be held on the 13th, 20th, and 23rd of this month. The first session, held on the 13th at the Korean Cultural Center in Japan, featured actor Kim Byung-chun, known for his supporting roles in various dramas over the past 40 years, who shared behind-the-scenes stories from his projects. Actors Min Young-gi from "The Escape of the Seven" and Lee Se-eon from "CEO-Dol Mart" will participate in talk shows on the 20th and 23rd, respectively.
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| ▲ Korean actor Kim Byung-chun shares behind-the-scenes stories from his dramas during a talk show at the Tokyo screening event of "Korean Drama Selection 2024," hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and the Korean Cultural Center in Japan on Aug. 13, 2024. Photo courtesy of the KOCCA. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The Niigata screening, scheduled for September 18, will be held in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Niigata and will be part of the "Korea-Japan Chuseok Festival in Niigata 2024." Actor Park Yu-seung, who played the role of Choi Sa-wi in The Goryeo-Khitan War, will participate in a talk show where he will discuss popular dramas in Japan such as Taejo Wang Geon and Dae Jo Yeong.
On October 20, the Osaka screening will feature Kwon Hyun-bin, a former contestant of the survival program Produce 101 and lead actor in Andante of Love, who will be the final guest of the event.
This year's drama screenings will present a record 14 works, ranging from webtoon adaptations to historical sagas. Featured dramas include Yumi's Cells, The Crown Prince is Missing, The Escape of the Seven, The Goryeo-Khitan War, Taxi Driver 2, The Real Has Come!, and Ghost Doctor.
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| ▲ This poster of "Korean Drama Selection 2024" is provided by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) on Aug. 14, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Kong Hyung-sik, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Japan, noted, "Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, making it a significant year to advance cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries. We will strive to ensure that K-dramas continue to grow as a core business in Japan and receive the love of many local fans."
KOCCA and the Korean Cultural Center in Japan also plan to host a K-drama original soundtrack (OST) concert and the KoCoLo Awards ceremony later this year.
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