The hype for the upcoming SBS historical drama 'Saimdang, the Herstory' starring legendary actress Lee Young Ae is big not only in Korea, but all across Asia! In fact, the drama has already sold TV rights to 6 other countries.
According to the drama's studio, group8, "Worldwide media group Turner Entertainment, which owns famous broadcast stations CNN, Warner TV, and Cartoon Network, has signed a contract for the TV rights to 6 countries in Asia for Lee Young Ae's 'Saimdang, the Herstory'."
The drama has yet to finish casting or start filming, but the overseas response has been significant. Although the 6 countries have not been revealed, it has been said that TV rights to China are also being negotiated.
The overseas interest is mainly from actress Lee Young Ae, who is the lead actress in the drama. This will be her small screen comeback in over a decade since the very popular 'Jewel in the Palace' (also known as Daejanggeum'). This drama was one of the most popular Korean dramas all over Asia at the time and a big part of the Hallyu wave.
But who will be Lee Young Ae's leading man? The next actor up to star in the drama could be Song Seung Hun. The production staff of the drama told OSEN, "We gave an offer to Song Seung Hun, and we are positively discussing it. The decision will be made soon." Song Seung Hun's company also told OSEN, "He has received an offer, and he is currently considering the production."
The drama 'Saimdang, the Herstory' will be set in the Joseon period about Shin Saimdang, who was a poet, artist, writer, and more. Lee Young Ae will play both Saimdang as well as the person who discovers Saimdang's journals in the modern day.
Filming begins in August and will air next year. Stay tuned for more casting details!
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