Keshet International, the global distribution arm of Keshet Media Group, has sold its successful drama Prisoners of War, on which Emmy® Award winner Homeland is based, to Korea’s Star J Entertainment, marking its entry to a fourth continent worldwide.
The local adaptation of the show will be produced in partnership with Youngbeom Jeong, Sebastian Lee and Teddy Zee. Nam-gil Kim is also attached to star. He is best known for his role of Bidam in the hit Korean drama Queen Seondeok and stars in the film Pirates: The Bandit goes to the Sea that will be released later this year.
Prisoners of War scooped the top prize at the Seoul International Drama Awards in September 2013, beating its U.S. adaptation Homeland, the eighth season of U.S. series House, and several other high profile international dramas for the Grand Jury Prize.
Prisoners of War
Keshet International has enjoyed unprecedented international success with Prisoners of War, having brokered deals for local adaptations in territories like Russia (WeitMedia), Turkey (Medyapim) and the U.S. (Fox21 and Showtime – Homeland). The finished show has sold to more than 20 territories including the U.K. (Sky Arts), Australia (SBS), Brazil (Globosat), Arte (German and French-speaking Europe) and Norway (NRK). Prisoners of War is also available on several streaming and VOD platforms such as Hulu, Netflix Scandinavia, Universal Pictures German-speaking Europe and iTunes Canada as well as through a range of physical DVD partners worldwide.
In 2012 author Stephen King included Hatufim (season one) at number 8 in his top 10 TV shows of the year.* In 2013 The New York Times placed Hatufim (season two) at number 2 in its top 12 TV shows of the year.**
Teddy Zee, Hollywood-based producer and former studio executive, said, “We believe that the ongoing conflict between South Korea and North Korea makes the adaptation of Prisoners of War especially compelling and timely.”
Sebastian Lee, producer, co-founder of EnterMedia Contents and international consultant for ABC Networks added, “With this cooperation with Keshet, we hope to expand the influence of the so-called Korean Wave in Asia and beyond.”
Alon Shtruzman, CEO Keshet International, said, “We are very excited about the first Asian adaptation of Prisoners of War. I look forward to seeing how the Koreans interpret this incredible story. It’s a gem in our portfolio which is continuously evolving and extending its lifecycle internationally.”
Youngbeom Jeong, CEO of Star J Entertainment, said, “This production represents a dream come true for my partner and client Nam-gil Kim.”
Prisoners of War follows two soldiers as they attempt to re-adjust to their lives after returning home from captivity for 17 years. In addition to their personal struggles, it becomes clear that there is a profound secret that the two are keeping from everyone. The first season was the highest-rated drama of the year in Israel in 2011, achieving a 37% share (HH). Season two launched on Keshet Channel 2 in 2012, and scored a 40% average share, making it the most viewed drama of the year and peaking with an incredible 47.9% audience share during the season two finale.
* Source: Entertainment Weekly
**Source: New York Times
