SEOUL: Good news for all Hallyu fans from around the world. Pan Entertainment, through its first TV drama production Winter Sonata, which started the global Korean wave nearly two decades ago, is looking at producing the sequel to the popular soap opera.
Pan Entertainment Management Strategy Headquarters department head Han Ik Hee said that they were in the midst of planning a second story of Winter Sonata to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
“We are looking at releasing the sequel in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original release of Winter Sonata,” he told Asian journalists during an interview at Pan Entertainment’s headquarters in Mapu-go near here.
Produced in 2002, Winter Sonata became a foothold for Pan Entertainment, founded in 1998, to advance into foreign markets.
The hit drama, which is also the first Korean drama to be exported, was produced at USD2 million, and managed to rake in USD20 million in earnings.
Starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, Winter Sonata revolves around the love story between the two main characters.
Pan Entertainment produces about five dramas annually. It has since released 57 titles to date, which include Doctors in 2016, Bridal Mask (2012), Moon Embracing The Sun (2012), Lie To Me (2011) and Oh, My Lady (2010).
Asked if both Bae and Choi would be part of the cast in the sequel, he said: “They might be featured, but we are looking at having new casts.”
While the Hallyu market was especially big in Southeast Asia, Han said that they were looking at targeting the United States and Australia next.