Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Zimbabwe

Press Release

14 March 2007

Embassy of the Republic of Korea

Harare, Zimbabwe

A famous South Korean TV drama hits Zimbabwe on ZBC TV

“Sad Love Story”, a South Korean drama series which had already big hits in Asia, debuted for the first time in Zimbabwe through ZBC TV on 13 March 2007 at 21:30 – 22:30 and will continue every Tuesday over the next six months until the end of August this year. (Rebroadcasting of each episode will come on ZBC TV on every Wednesday at 10:00 – 11:00)

Composed of 24 episodes which make an inextricably-related one story, “Sad Love Story” tells about men and women who have pure and beautiful souls and fall in love with each other in their twisted fate.  Reflecting all about genuine love and sacrifice, the drama has no obscene or sensual contents, and therefore can be enjoyed by all family members together.

The reputation of “Sad Love Story” is widely known in the Asian region.  With Korean drama heavyweights (KWON Sang-woo, KIM Hee-seon and YOEN Jung-hoon) starring, “Sad Love Story” was produced at a record-breaking cost of USD 7 million in Korea in 2005, taking locations both in Korea and the U.S and providing plenty of beautiful scenes.

More significantly, the licence of “Sad Love Story” broadcasting was sold to many Asian countries, including Japan’s Fuji TV at USD 4 million and China’s Hunan TV at USD 2 million, respectively.  It also attracted a large number of viewers in other Asian countries and regions like Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam respectively, further intensifying the so-called “Korean wave” in the Asian region.  The drama’s popularity still continues with its seven-DVD set selling at USD 98.99 worldwide.

“Sad Love Story” provides the first-ever opportunity for the Zimbabwean people to enjoy a famous South Korean drama and better understand Korean people’s life.  Although the drama has not been dubbed in English but has English subtitles, it could attract the keen attention of many Zimbabwean’s viewers.  More than anything else, ‘love’ is a theme that can be shared among different people where they are far apart located.

After debuting in Zimbabwe, “Sad Love Story” is likely to come to other African countries, with Zambia’s ZNBC TV airing it from April this year.

If further information is needed, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Harare at 04-756541 (tel), 04-756554 (fax) or admirok@zol.co.zw (e-mail).               /END/

Synopsis:

From the moment they meet, Joon-young (KWON Sang-woo starring) and the blind Hye-in (KIM Hee-seon starring) share an instant connection.  Young and naïve, they believe that nothing can change their love.  Life, however, pulls them in opposite directions. Joon-young is sent to Seoul, while Hye-in immigrates to the U.S.  Misleadingly informed that Joon-young is dead, Hye-in struggles to begin a new life alone.  

Years later, Hye-in returns to Seoul.  With her eyesight restored, she is now a singer happily engaged to her producer Gun-woo (YOEN Jung-hoon starring).  Everything changes though when Gun-woo's composer friend turns out to be none other than Joon-young.  He instantly recognizes her, but Hye-in has never seen Joon-young before.  When love is no longer simple and blind, can Hye-in and Joon-young still find their way back to each other?