The same-time-as-Korea drama has achieved over 70% share of timeslot among the four Korean entertainment channels in Singapore and Malaysia.SINGAPORE (September 23, 2016) - Fans of South Korean dramas in Singapore and Malaysia have fallen in love with Scarlet Heart, the epic adaptation of the popular Chinese period drama, currently airing on ONE.
The series premiered same-time-as-Korea on August 29 and since then has consistently won the 9pm timeslot each Monday and Tuesday evening, doubling the timeslot ratings and dominating with a 73 per cent share among the four Korean General Entertainment channels. In fact, ONE was rated the top international pay-TV channel in Singapore and Malaysia collectively during the premiere airing of the first nine episodes of Scarlet Heart.*
Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production & Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, "The outstanding ratings bear testimony to Scarlet Heart's strong appeal to fans of both Korean and Asian dramas in this region, particularly for those who have seen the original Chinese series. Many are curious and excited to see how the Korean adaptation will reinvigorate the original series, especially in light of its young and popular ensemble cast".
"The extensive promotional and publicity efforts by ONE - including the fan meeting with one of the leading men Kang Ha Neul - undoubtedly further raised awareness and bolster anticipation of the programme here. Moreover, the thrill of being able to catch the drama at the same time as Korea for the first time ever in Southeast Asia has helped to boost Scarlet Heart's ratings," she added.
Helmed by a star-studded cast, Scarlet Heart builds on the same premise as the original Chinese series but is based on the Korean Goryeo dynasty instead of the Chinese Qing dynasty. Headlining the series as female protagonist is singer-songwriter and actress Lee Ji Eun (IU), whose character is catapulted back in time from the modern era. In the past, she finds herself trapped within a web of political intrigue and complicated love lines involving the princes of Goryeo, who are played by Lee Joon Ki, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Baek Hyun of K-pop boyband EXO, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Ji Soo. Rounding off the ensemble cast are rookie actress Kang Han Na and idol-actress Seo Hyun of Girl’s Generation fame, who will both play princesses.
