The highly anticipated KBS drama “Boys Before Flowers“, largely known as the Korean version of the popular “Hana Yori Dango”, has already been exported to Japan and various Asian countries before it even begins its broadcast in South Korea.
“Boys Before Flowers” will premiere on the 5th of January through KBS2TV, clashing directly with TV ratings champion “East of Eden” and Han Hye Jin’s “Terroir“. But without taking considerations its quality and TV ratings, overseas companies in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Philippines have already snatched up the distribution and broadcast rights. The rights in Japan has been bought over by Japan’s SPO Entertainment and is scheduled to air in Japan sometime in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2009.
Hana Yori Dango first came out as a manga in Japan between 1992 to 2004. It was later turned into an anime between 1996 to 1997 by ASAHI TV station but the live action version (drama) was produced by Taiwan and it became an instant hit. The Japanese drama version was subsequently produced in 2005 with the final chapter broadcast in early 2007.
So how will the Korean version starring Goo Hye Sun, Lee Min Ho, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum and Kim Joon fare? Stay tune for tomorrow’s premiere of “Boys Before Flowers”. (Sounds like I’m promoting for KBS lol)
Source: YonhapNews, Hanfever Korean Drama
