A&E Networks Korea to Simultaneously Release First Production Investment Drama 'Pyeonuijeom Saetbyeol-i' Worldwide on June 19

Global media group A+E Networks' drama 'Backstreet Rookie,' which it invested in producing, will be released simultaneously worldwide on June 19.

The first Korean drama produced and invested in by global media group A+E Networks, 'Backstreet Rookie,' is set to capture the hearts of viewers beyond Korea to overseas audiences. Starting from Friday, June 19, it will be introduced not only to domestic viewers but also to Korean drama fans worldwide through A+E Networks' global network. In Korea, it will air as an SBS Friday-Saturday drama, and overseas, it will be broadcast simultaneously worldwide via the global OTT platform iQiyi (excluding China and Japan). In Japan, which originally sparked the Korean Wave boom, the local OTT platform U-NEXT has acquired the rights. It will also be available to Korean viewers on the Korean Lifetime channel.

'Backstreet Rookie' is a 24-hour unpredictable comic romance drama featuring the quirky, eccentric part-timer Jung Saet-byul (played by Kim Yoo-jung) and the clumsy yet charming store manager Choi Dae-hyun (played by Ji Chang-wook). With trusted actors like Ji Chang-wook and Kim Yoo-jung starring, and director Lee Myung-woo of 'The Fiery Priest' at the helm, the drama has been generating hot buzz even before its broadcast. It is produced by Taewon Entertainment, one of Korea's top drama and film production companies.

A+E Networks entered Korea in 2017 and has aggressively pursued strategic investments in the Korean market, continuously producing original content across TV and digital platforms. Over two and a half years, it has produced more than 40 K-content and original programs in Korea, presenting them to global audiences. After this period of preparation, A+E Networks officially declared its commitment to Korean drama production starting this year. As its first partner, it teamed up with Taewon Entertainment to launch the 'Backstreet Rookie' project. A+E Networks plans to continue investing in Korean drama production following 'Backstreet Rookie.'

'Backstreet Rookie' draws attention with characters that reveal surprising charms of each actor. Ji Chang-wook, known as a 'romantic comedy master' who captivates female hearts with his unique looks and excellent acting skills, will portray the clumsy yet handsome store manager Choi Dae-hyun, showcasing a comedic yet human charm. Kim Yoo-jung, a leading actress in her 20s who has covered historical, modern, and mystery genres, transforms into the quirky and action-capable Jung Saet-byul, captivating viewers with her unexpected charm. Notably, Kim Yoo-jung first connected with A+E Networks in 2017 as a Lifetime brand ambassador and, following her solo variety show 'Half Holiday' in 2019, is collaborating once again with A+E Networks on this project.

Saugato Banerjee, Head of A+E Networks Asia, stated, "As a global media company, A+E Networks will continue its journey of developing and producing premium dramas in the Asian region with the best local partners, starting with 'Backstreet Rookie.' marks an exciting first step in this endeavor."

So Young-sun, Head of A+E Networks Korea, said, "Since launching in Korea, A+E Networks Korea has aggressively produced originals across TV and digital platforms in collaboration with world-class Korean productions and platform partners within a short period. We are very proud to finally present our first premium Korean drama that we produced and invested in, 'Backstreet Rookie.' We hope many viewers will enjoy watching 'Backstreet Rookie' on their TV screens and have a great time."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.