Korean drama to be widely distributed in Japan

Korean digital media company Chorokbaem Media said Tuesday (Nov. 13) it has signed a deal to export the Korean TV drama "Lobbyist" to the Japanese market.

"We signed a contract with Unisia Co. of Japan to allow the Japanese firm the right to televise the drama in Japan and to transfer the rights to produce and sell DVDs and VHS video tapes of the drama in Japan," said Chorokbaem Media.

Unisia is a diverse company that distributes video contents, provides Internet services, and manages shopping malls. Since its establishment in 2002, the company has distributed popular Korean TV dramas such as "First Love" "A Place in the Sun" and "White Night" throughout Japan.

The deal brought 3 billion won ($3.26 million) to Chorokbaem, and is expected to bring in at least an additional 3 billion won in royalties for videogram rights.

"Merchandising in Japan is just the beginning. We are in negotiations to export to China, Taiwan and throughout Southeast Asia. We are also promoting sales to America," Chorokbaem said.

"The Lobbyist," a 24 part series starring Jang Jin-young and Song Il-gook, is currently being broadcast on the Korean TV network SBS.